The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a financial mechanism, established by the international community to promote global sustainability by integrating local, national and regional economic development with protection of the planet's environment.

    The GEF provides incremental cost financing to developing countries & those with economies in transition to protect and manage the global environment.

    Its activities are focused in four focal area: biological diversity, climate change, international waters and depletion of the ozone layer. Activities addressing land degradation - especially, desertification and deforestation - are also funded when they relate to one or more of the local areas.

    Three Implementing Agencies - the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank - work with project proposers to prepare the projects and activities that receive GEF financing. All project proposals must be submitted to the GEF through the Implementing Agencies.