The GEF includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet’s most pressing challenges in an integrated way. GEF financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work toward meeting international environmental goals. Since its inception, the GEF has mobilized the strength of its partnership to drive and support the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.
The GEF is playing an important role in advancing innovative financial tools to bolster the resilience of marine environments and the communities that rely on them. For example, through its Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, the GEF is providing essential seed financing to develop nature insurance products aimed at protecting and restoring vital marine ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves.
All five of the GEF’s focal areas—international waters, biodiversity, chemicals and waste, climate change, and land degradation—are involved in sustaining healthy marine ecosystems. The diverse GEF projects and initiatives that impact the ocean contribute to innovation and lasting success.
This two-page factsheet provides a brief overview of GEF ocean investments and highlights from select projects and programs.
The related publication The GEF and Oceans: Sustaining Healthy Marine Ecosystems provides a more in-depth look at the GEF oceans portfolio.