Mexico is at the forefront of addressing complex environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate change impacts. With the support of GEF funding, the country has developed innovative strategies to ensure that these resources are maximized and contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection. This seminar will explore how Mexico has leveraged GEF funding to address these pressing issues and improve environmental outcomes.
This seminar highlighted Mexico’s approach to accessing, managing, and monitoring GEF-financed projects, showcasing how effective interinstitutional collaboration and financial sustainability mechanisms contribute to stronger environmental outcomes.
Key areas of discussion:
Inter-secretariat coordination: Effective coordination among key government ministries is essential to ensure that project selection, appraisal, and implementation are conducted strategically and efficiently. This collaboration enables alignment with Mexico’s national priorities, especially regarding sustainable development, avoids duplication of efforts, ensures optimal use of resources, and promotes coherence in national environmental and economic policies.
Financial sustainability of projects: Long-term impact requires robust financial planning and fund management. Mexico has focused on designing projects with strong environmental-financial linkages, leveraging co-financing, and building institutional capacity to meet fiduciary standards. These strategies help extend project benefits beyond the initial funding cycle and support systemic change.
Representatives from Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), in their role as both Political and Operational Focal Points for the GEF presented:
- Key processes for accessing and managing GEF funds
- The use of national calls for proposals to promote transparency and competitiveness
- Mechanisms for inter-secretariat evaluation and coordination
- Monitoring and follow-up systems to ensure accountability and results
Opening Remarks
- Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson, GEF
Speakers
- Regina Rosales, Mexico’s Political Focal Point and Director General in charge of International Fora and Sustainable Financing, Ministry of Finance and Public Credit
- Gabriela Niño, Mexico’s Operational Focal Point and Director of Sustainable Financing, Ministry of Finance and Public Credit
Discussant
- Patricia Marcos Huidobro, Latin America Regional Coordinator, GEF
Closing Remarks
- Fred Boltz, PhD, Manager, Programming Division, GEF
Moderator
- Noemi Rodriguez Borjas, Senior Country Officer and Secretary to the Council, GEF
Documents
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