Civil Society Organizations and Non Governmental Organizations

As informed and effective advocates, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs);have had a role in shaping the GEF and its agenda from the beginning. Today, participation by CSOs / NGOs, both local and international, is crucial, not only at the project level but also in GEF policy dimensions.

Village organizations and other community-based groups, academic institutions, and foundations are among the CSOs / NGOs partners integral to GEF's efforts. More than 150 GEF-financed projects are executed or co-executed by, or contain contracts or subcontracts to, nongovernmental groups. More than 60 regional and global CSOs / NGOs networks are involved in the design and implementation of GEF-funded transboundary waters projects.GEF's Small Grants Programme, administered by UNDP, has provided grants of up to $50,000 to finance more than 1,200 NGO-executed projects.

The GEF NGO Network

The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Network of the GEF, now known as the GEF-NGO Network, was established in May, 1995. It was the result of a GEF Council decision to establish a formal dialogue and partnership between NGOs worldwide and the GEF Secretariat, the GEF Council, the GEF Assembly and various partner agencies. The GEF-NGO Network is made up of GEF-accredited organizations whose work in environment and sustainable development is aligned with the GEF mandate.

The GEF-NGO Network is overseen by a Coordination Committee composed of focal points from different geographic regions and representatives of Indigenous People’s Organizations (IPOs). The work of the Network is coordinated by an elected Central Focal Point (CFP) and oveseen by a global Coordinating Committee. Visit the official GEF-NGO website.