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Focal Areas | |
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Biodiversity | |
Biodiversity
Biodiversity conservation constitutes one of the GEF’s greatest priorities. Since 1991, the GEF has invested nearly $4.2 billion in grants and cofinancing for biodiversity conservation in developing countries. As the financial mechanism for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the GEF helps countries fulfill their obligations under the CBD.
The biodiversity portfolio supports initiatives that promote in situ and sustainable biodiversity conservation in protected areas and production landscapes as well as capacity building for implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety(CPB) and knowledge dissemination. The following four strategic priorities define and guide the work of the biodiversity focal area:
- Catalyzing Sustainability of Protected Area Systems at National Levels
- Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation in Production Landscapes/Seascapes and Sectors
- Capacity Building for the Implementation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
- Generation, Dissemination, and Uptake of Good Practices for Addressing Current and Emerging Biodiversity Issues
Six operational programs that cover a range of ecosystems and other existing GEF policies, provide further guidance.
The strategic emphasis for the biodiversity focal area is on in situ conservation and sustainable use (Strategic Priorities One and Two); and furthering the impact of the GEF's catalytic role across the portfolio. In addition, the GEF biodiversity Strategic Priorities support the CBD's current work programs and reflect the current thinking within the conservation community.
GEF and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
The GEF is the “institutional structure entrusted with operation of the financial mechanism of the CBD.” Through enabling activities, national biodiversity strategy and action plans, and other obligations under the CBD, it provides financial support. This support is consistent with the CBD guidance to help developing and countries in transition conserve and sustainably use biodiversity.