New York, 18 December 2025 — A major financing package of US$67 million approved by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is set to accelerate frontline environmental action in vulnerable ecosystems and communities across Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa, with implementation support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The funding will support nine targeted projects addressing urgent challenges such as biodiversity loss, pollution, climate impacts, and income generation in economically disadvantaged regions. The initiatives aim to protect biodiversity around lakes, forests, and permafrost peatlands, restore critical coastal and marine habitats, strengthen resilience in conflict affected areas, empower local communities to steward wildlife and medicinal plant species, and address chronic water insecurity and land degradation.
Driving impact where it matters most
Speaking on the importance of the portfolio, Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, said:
“From protecting the coasts of small islands to degraded rangelands, investing in action is not optional. This is an exciting portfolio that highlights the importance of investments in nature and the protection of biodiversity as critical for the development agenda. This financing through GEF’s forward looking investment will deploy funds to partners, governments and communities to finance a resilient, better prepared and more sustainable future for all.”
UNDP estimates the portfolio could catalyze more than five times the value of approved funding in co financing from governments, the private sector, and other partners, significantly scaling impact while reducing investment risk and accelerating implementation on the ground.
A strategic commitment to nature and resilience
The new investment comes at a moment of heightened concern over accelerating biodiversity loss and growing socioeconomic vulnerability linked to climate change. Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson, emphasized the importance of nature based investments:
“As we approach the make or break 2030 global environmental targets, this latest funding supports nature’s invaluable role in our wellbeing, while generating global returns. These investments are essential for stronger economies, climate resilient communities and a livable future.”
The funding was approved during the GEF’s 70th Council Meeting, alongside more than US$350 million in additional high impact financing through multiple GEF funds. Together, these commitments reflect a growing global push toward nature positive development that delivers measurable benefits for people, ecosystems, and long term economic resilience.
RELATED STORIES:
Follow SDG News on LinkedIn
