By Joyce Gyekye
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved $261 million in funding for innovative and transformative programmes tackling biodiversity loss, pollution, and locally-led environmental initiatives.
The decision was made at the GEF’s 69th Council Meeting, held in Washington D.C., and attended by representatives from the Facility’s 186 member countries.
Of the total amount, $195 million will support projects aimed at boosting biodiversity and climate resilience in Madagascar, phasing out mercury in cosmetics and cement, strengthening cooperation across four international waterways, and linking microfinance with environmentally focused ventures in developing countries.
Additionally, the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is considering $26 million in grants to scale up biodiversity protection and community well-being programs across 35 countries, nearly half of which are Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The CEO of Ghana’s HATOF Foundation, Dr Samuel Dotse, attended the meeting at the invitation of the CEO of GEF, Carlos Manuel Rodriguez. Dr Dotse advocated for ambitious climate financing and elevated Ghana’s visibility within the global environment financing dialogue.
His participation underscored the importance of inclusive, transparent, and well-financed environmental governance in addressing both national and global environmental challenges.
Beyond the Council session, Dr Dotse has also been invited to speak at the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) 2025 Observer Onboarding Workshop, hosted by the World Bank in Washington D.C.
He will deliver a presentation on “Enhancing Transparency in the Governing Bodies of Multilateral Climate Funds and the Crucial Role Observers Play in Strengthening Accountability and Institutional Transparency.”
He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from the Adaptation Fund, CIF, and multilateral accreditation bodies to secure targeted funding for biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management in Ghana.
About the Global Environment Facility
The GEF is the world’s largest multilateral fund supporting developing countries, including Ghana, in meeting their global environmental commitments. It serves as the financial mechanism for several key environmental conventions, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty.
The Facility’s Council includes 32 representatives drawn from developed, developing, and transitional economies.
