The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has pledged USD 52.8 million to support four new projects led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), reinforcing global efforts to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges.
Announced during the GEF’s 70th Council meeting in Washington, D.C., the funding comes just a week after the seventh United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-7), where over 6,000 delegates from more than 180 Member States convened to advance sustainable solutions for the planet.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted the importance of transforming global resolve into tangible outcomes, noting that the projects will protect critical ecosystems, reduce emissions and pollution, and build resilience for communities on the frontlines of environmental change.
The four newly funded initiatives illustrate a strategic focus on climate, nature, and pollution action:
1. Sustainable Wetland Management in Madagascar – USD 7.2 Million
This project will restore and safeguard over 655,000 hectares of wetlands and marine ecosystems, including 24,000 hectares of mangroves, benefiting 60,000 people and mitigating 41 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. By combining biodiversity protection with climate resilience, the initiative strengthens sustainable livelihoods and curbs ecosystem degradation.
2. Upscaling Integrated Electric Mobility Systems – Madagascar – USD 2 Million
Supporting the country’s transition to zero-emission electric mobility, this programme focuses on policy strengthening, institutional capacity building, and technical solutions to reduce vehicle-related pollution and promote sustainable transport.
3. Enhancing Policy Coherence for a Sustainable Blue Economy – Indonesia – USD 9 Million
Targeting 1.42 million hectares of marine habitat, including 50,000 hectares of mangroves and seagrass, this project harmonizes governance across marine and coastal sectors. It aims to mitigate 2.19 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over 20 years and benefits 200,000 people, promoting sustainable blue-carbon strategies and reducing land-to-sea pollution.
4. Preparation of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) and Combined NC/BTRs – USD 34.6 Million
This global initiative will support 25 countries in enhancing climate transparency, preparing 50 national climate reports under the Paris Agreement, strengthening long-term governance, and ensuring sustained engagement in global climate processes.
The UNEP–GEF partnership spans over three decades, delivering environmental impact in more than 160 countries. Together, the organizations have implemented over 1,000 projects, funded by USD 3.3 billion in donor contributions, improving the lives of 33 million people.
Recent efforts have prevented 77 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, restored 6.5 million hectares of land, rehabilitated 1.1 million hectares of marine ecosystems, and strengthened chemicals and waste management policies across 70 countries.
With the upcoming GEF-9 replenishment in 2026, UNEP and its partners are poised to scale proven models that link climate, nature, and pollution action. The new investments represent a significant step toward building a healthier, more resilient planet, demonstrating the power of multilateral collaboration to deliver tangible environmental solutions worldwide.