The GEF is the world’s largest funding mechanism for multi-country collaboration on ocean issues. Through its international waters focal area, the GEF supports transboundary cooperation, helping countries develop regional frameworks, treaties, and protocols that reduce threats and promote sustainable resource use. The GEF’s approach is highly participatory, engaging stakeholders from local communities to national governments, and operates across multiple scales to catalyze action plans, policy reforms, and key investments.
Key Challenges and the GEF's Strategic Approaches
Strengthening Sustainable Management in Shared Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Marine and coastal ecosystems are deteriorating due to a combination of human activities and environmental changes. The GEF enhances sustainable management in large marine ecosystems (LMEs) by fostering multi-country cooperation. This includes supporting the development of blue economic sectors, mitigating the impacts of ocean extractive industries, promoting policy coherence for land-based pollution, and establishing sustainable financing mechanisms. Marine spatial planning and support for the global 30x30 conservation effort are central to these initiatives. The GEF also helps countries fill critical ocean data gaps and align marine priorities with national commitments and multilateral environmental agreements.
Advancing Sustainable Fisheries Management
Overfishing, harmful subsidies, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threaten the sustainability of global fisheries. The GEF pilots and scales up sustainable fisheries initiatives, works to reduce harmful subsidies, and addresses IUU fishing through improved monitoring and enforcement. Market mechanisms for ecosystem-based fisheries management are promoted, and data gaps are filled to support proactive management planning. The GEF also supports the adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices.
Improving Management in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)
The high seas and other ABNJ face unique challenges due to complex legal and governance frameworks. These areas are threatened by industrial fishing, extractive industries, and shipping. The GEF addresses these threats by supporting the protection of commercially important fish stocks, raising awareness of industrial fishing impacts, and improving data for combating IUU fishing. Investments focus on promoting sustainable fisheries, especially tuna, and supporting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The GEF has played a key role in establishing regional fisheries management organizations, such as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
Shipping and Invasive Alien Species
Seaborne trade brings environmental, economic, and public health challenges, including the spread of invasive alien species (IAS) and ship-related pollution. The GEF supports the implementation of international regulations to address these issues, reduce the impact of IAS, improve port management, and prevent ship waste and oil spills. Investments have promoted legal, policy, and institutional reforms for marine safety and environmental conservation.
Fisheries and Food Security
Depletion of fish stocks and loss of biodiversity threaten livelihoods and food security, particularly for Small Island Developing States. The GEF promotes sustainable fishing practices and ecosystem stewardship, helping regions transition from exploited fisheries to sustainable management. Support for LMEs and high seas fisheries ensures sustainable fishing levels and empowers small island nations.
Impact and Future Directions
The GEF’s continuous investment in coastal and marine fisheries has led to improved management of shared fishery resources in various regions. Future efforts will focus on reducing anthropogenic pressures, supporting a sustainable and regenerative blue economy, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management, and advancing cooperation in LMEs. By fostering regional partnerships, policy coherence, and innovative financing, the GEF is helping countries achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.