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Today the GEF celebrates biodiversity worldwide by putting the spotlight on the protection of species and ecosystems in Small Island Developing States.
Islands are recognized as important biodiversity habitats having exceptionally high numbers of endemic species, with 15% of bird, reptile and plant species on only 3% of the world’s land area. The conservation significance of islands is highlighted by global analyses showing that 67% of the centers of marine endemism and 70% of coral reef hotspots are centered on islands.
GEF recognizes the importance of island biodiversity in its strategy for GEF-6, 2014-2018, by prioritizing investment opportunities to better manage marine protected areas and coral reefs, and prevent the degradation of biodiversity caused by invasive alien species which pose the greatest threat to island biodiversity.
The GEF is currently working with many island countries to reduce the threat posed by invasive alien species to economic development, human health and the environment. In addition, in the Pacific, for example, the GEF supports implementation of Ridge to Reef projects which promote the sustainable management of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems to provide food and water today and in the future, while protecting globally important biodiversity, such as the Fijian Crested Iguana and the Leatherback Sea Turtle.
The GEF will be an active participant in developing and strengthening partnerships for island biodiversity conservation at the upcoming Third UN Conference on Small Island Developing States.
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The GEF-6 replenishment (2014-2018) concluded successfully with a record-breaking pledge of $4.443 billion for the next four years. The biodiversity focal area received 7% more resources that in the previous cycle and has now become the largest of all focal areas in the GEF at $1.296 billion.
The total overall envelope of resources to be programmed in GEF-6 that will support the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, including funding for Sustainable Forest Management and International Waters, will reach a minimum of 1.5 $billion with the potential of reaching as high as $2 billion over the next four years.
The GEF is the largest funder of biodiversity conservation in developing countries. The GEF has provided $3 1/2 billion in funding for biodiversity, leveraging an additional $10 billion to support a variety of projects and programs.
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Please Find here an article about island nature published by our partners SOS.
Photo Credits:
Leatherback turtle: WWF/ Jürgen Freund
Red slender loris & Tuvalu : Wikipedia
