The GEF CEO and Representatives of the 16 countries of West Africa and Chad, including twelve ministers met in Cotonou on February 18-19, 2010.

The objectives of the meeting were to take stock of the GEF 4 programs on Energy and Biodiversity they had endorsed two years earlier in Cotonou, discuss the implications for their countries of proposed reforms for GEF 5 and explore opportunities for potential GEF-5 Programs.

The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) is centered on high-level political commitments and proactive implementation by governments of the Coral Triangle area, and supported by multilateral and bilateral agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners (development partners). The six countries have chosen to address-in partnership- the management, conservation and adaptation to climate change of the tuna fisheries and coral ecosystems in that region.

A Global Industry Alliance (GIA) was launched today at the Headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, to tackle the threats of marine bio-invasions caused by the transfer of alien plants and animals in ships’ ballast tanks. Ballast water is carried in cargo ships to provide needed stability. It is taken onboard at the start of every trip an unladen ship makes and then pumped out on arrival.

20 JANUARY2010 | Washington, DC - In concert with sister agencies, the Global Environment Facility has approved an emergency project to help restore power lost from the Port au Prince earthquake and assist relief workers as they look to supply critical medical needs to survivors.

The 5th meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB) successfully concluded on March 27 2009 in Bonn. During the 5th Meeting, the Board has been able to complete its deliberations on the operational policies and guidelines for parties to access resources from the Adaptation Fund. It will take a final decision on these operational policies and guidelines before calling for funding proposal in the near future.