*[Enwl-eng] [cenn] The GEF announces strong support for SmallIsland Developing States by committing US $ 256 million
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Sep 9, 2014, 7:41:53 AM9/9/14
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The GEF announces strong support for Small Island Developing States by
committing US $ 256 million
Apia, Samoa, September 4, 2014-The CEO of the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) Ms. Naoko Ishii announced today at a gathering of global leaders in
Apia, Samoa, the largest amount of GEF resources ever provided for Small
Island Developing States (SIDS) in its new four-year funding cycle. For the
period 2014-18, the GEF will make available a total of US$256 million for
projects to improve the environment, equivalent to an increase of 9%
compared to the previous four-year period. In addition to the dedicated
country allocations, GEF resources are available from a special window on
Chemicals and Waste, from the GEF's International Waters programs, its
Sustainable Forest Management incentive program, and its Capacity
Development program. Specific support to SIDS countries to fulfil their
reporting obligations under international environmental conventions is also
available.
"The challenges that SIDS face are global challenges. Namely, how can the
globe's ecosystems continue to sustain the world's aspirations for economic
growth and prosperity. However, nowhere is a healthy environment and
prospects for growth and prosperity linked as closely as in SIDS", said Ms.
Ishii. "The long-term prospects for SIDS-in some cases, even their
existence-are threatened by climate change and associated sea level rise and
stronger and more frequent storms. SIDS' challenges are further exacerbated
by its vulnerable and interlinked ecosystems, natural resource depletion
(including marine resources), soil degradation and land and costal
pollution. In SIDS countries, sustainable development is not a choice, but
a necessity."
<https://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/9154819082_e4e064ecd8_o.j
pg>
Fishermen in Vanatu launch their canoe.
Aligned with the Apia Summit's focus on "partnerships", the GEF highlighted
several new initiatives that are being prepared in support of SIDS
countries. One under development is the US$22 million Pacific Islands
Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) where Pacific Islands are working with
the World Bank, regional organizations and the GEF to support smart limits
on tuna fishing that will increase their economic gains while helping stem
losses of marine biodiversity, declines in fish stocks and threats to marine
ecosystem health and services for the benefit of the people of the Pacific
Region. It will empower coastal fishing communities to conserve critical
habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs that support the fisheries and
biodiversity. And it will facilitate regional collaboration among Pacific
Island Countries by harmonizing regional management approaches and
facilitate effective sharing of market intelligence and other actions to
advance the economic interests of countries. The PROP is a phased
engagement, with early participants in PROP including the Marshall Islands,
Tuvalu and Solomon Islands.
The GEF is also ramping up its investments in renewable energy for the SIDS,
and reiterated its commitment to support SIDS in this crucial sustainable
development priority. "Energy represents a major expense for many SIDS",
noted Ms. Ishii, "but SIDS counties have huge opportunities to tap their
abundant renewable energy potential. Both solar and wind are suited for
both larger islands and remote corners of archipelago nations." The GEF is
seeking to partner with a broad array of players, including for example the
Clinton Climate Initiative, SIDS Dock and others, to put programs in place
to assist SIDS in moving towards renewable energy.
For more than two decades, the GEF has supported SIDS countries to tackle
their most pressing environment and development challenges. In the past two
decades, the GEF has provided close to US$1 bn in support for sustainable
development in SIDS. The small size of SIDS, remoteness, and limited
natural resource base means that successful development requires an
integrated approach. The GEF is working with island countries in the
Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean to tackle the food, water, energy and
ecosystem nexus, through an ecosystem based approach known as Ridge to Reef.
This approach is designed to reverse the degradation of coastal resources by
reducing flows of harmful chemicals, nutrients and sediments from
agriculture and forestry in catchments. Essentially, under Ridge to Reef,
Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management
plans come together to inform long-term sustainable use of the natural
resources while limiting the impact on the fragile environment. The
Ridge-to-Reef Program was one among many projects highlighted in a joint
UNDP-GEF publication "Island Innovations - UNDP and GEF: Leveraging the
Environment for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing
States" that was launched at the Summit. The publication showcases
outstanding results from a series of environment and sustainable development
projects from SIDS across the world.
SIDS need significant support to strengthen adaptation to climate change.
Sea level rise and more frequent storms will require significant preparatory
planning and investments. In addition, with more unpredictable weather,
decisions about what and when to plant become more difficult. "The GEF is
putting strong emphasis on supporting adaption across SIDS", Ms. Ishii
noted. "For example, we are pleased to support the GEF's Pacific Adaptation
to Climate Change (PACC ) regional project , for instance , is enhancing the
capacity of 13 Pacific SIDS to adapt to climate change in selected key
sectors by integrating climate change risks and adaptation measures into
relevant development policies and plans".
###
About the GEF
The Global Environment Facility is a partnership for international
cooperation where 183 countries work together with international
institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, to address
global environmental issues. The GEF serves as financial mechanism for the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on
Biological Diversity, the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. It also works closely with the
Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances.
Since 1991, the GEF has provided $12.5 billion in grants and leveraged $58
billion in co-financing for 3,690 projects in 165 developing countries. For
23 years, developed and developing countries alike have provided these funds
to support activities related to biodiversity, climate change, international
waters, land degradation, and chemicals and waste in the context of
development projects and programs. Through its Small Grants Programme (SGP)
the GEF has made more than 20,000 grants to civil society and community
based organizations for a total of $1 billion.
Among the major results of these investments, the GEF has set up protected
areas around the world equal roughly to the area of Brazil; reduced carbon
emissions by 2.3 billion tonnes; eliminated the use of ozone depleting
substances in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia; transformed the
management of 33 major river basins and one-third of the world's large
marine ecosystems; slowed the advance of desertification in Africa by
improving agricultural practices-and all this while contributing to better
the livelihood and food security of millions of people.
Stay Connected
* www.facebook.com/thegef1
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/41221/0/>
* www.twitter.com/theGEF
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/29644/0/>
* www.youtube.com/GEFSecretariat
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/29645/0/>
* www.flickr.com/theGEF
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/38041/0/>
* www.thegef.org/gef/gefrss
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/29646/0/>
* www.issuu.com/thegef
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/37542/0/>
* www.linkedin.com/company/global-environment-facility
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/43523/0/>
###
Media Contact
In Washington, DC, USA: Christian Hofer - cho...@thegef.org
<mailto:cho...@thegef.org> +1 202 413 4185
T +995 32 275 19 03/04
F +995 32 275 19 05
<mailto:in...@cenn.org> in...@cenn.org
<http://www.cenn.org/> www.cenn.org
From: "CENN" <info...@cenn.ge>
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2014 3:07 PM
Subject: [cenn] The GEF announces strong support for Small Island Developing
States by committing US $ 256 million
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committing US $ 256 million
Apia, Samoa, September 4, 2014-The CEO of the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) Ms. Naoko Ishii announced today at a gathering of global leaders in
Apia, Samoa, the largest amount of GEF resources ever provided for Small
Island Developing States (SIDS) in its new four-year funding cycle. For the
period 2014-18, the GEF will make available a total of US$256 million for
projects to improve the environment, equivalent to an increase of 9%
compared to the previous four-year period. In addition to the dedicated
country allocations, GEF resources are available from a special window on
Chemicals and Waste, from the GEF's International Waters programs, its
Sustainable Forest Management incentive program, and its Capacity
Development program. Specific support to SIDS countries to fulfil their
reporting obligations under international environmental conventions is also
available.
"The challenges that SIDS face are global challenges. Namely, how can the
globe's ecosystems continue to sustain the world's aspirations for economic
growth and prosperity. However, nowhere is a healthy environment and
prospects for growth and prosperity linked as closely as in SIDS", said Ms.
Ishii. "The long-term prospects for SIDS-in some cases, even their
existence-are threatened by climate change and associated sea level rise and
stronger and more frequent storms. SIDS' challenges are further exacerbated
by its vulnerable and interlinked ecosystems, natural resource depletion
(including marine resources), soil degradation and land and costal
pollution. In SIDS countries, sustainable development is not a choice, but
a necessity."
<https://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/9154819082_e4e064ecd8_o.j
pg>
Fishermen in Vanatu launch their canoe.
Aligned with the Apia Summit's focus on "partnerships", the GEF highlighted
several new initiatives that are being prepared in support of SIDS
countries. One under development is the US$22 million Pacific Islands
Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) where Pacific Islands are working with
the World Bank, regional organizations and the GEF to support smart limits
on tuna fishing that will increase their economic gains while helping stem
losses of marine biodiversity, declines in fish stocks and threats to marine
ecosystem health and services for the benefit of the people of the Pacific
Region. It will empower coastal fishing communities to conserve critical
habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs that support the fisheries and
biodiversity. And it will facilitate regional collaboration among Pacific
Island Countries by harmonizing regional management approaches and
facilitate effective sharing of market intelligence and other actions to
advance the economic interests of countries. The PROP is a phased
engagement, with early participants in PROP including the Marshall Islands,
Tuvalu and Solomon Islands.
The GEF is also ramping up its investments in renewable energy for the SIDS,
and reiterated its commitment to support SIDS in this crucial sustainable
development priority. "Energy represents a major expense for many SIDS",
noted Ms. Ishii, "but SIDS counties have huge opportunities to tap their
abundant renewable energy potential. Both solar and wind are suited for
both larger islands and remote corners of archipelago nations." The GEF is
seeking to partner with a broad array of players, including for example the
Clinton Climate Initiative, SIDS Dock and others, to put programs in place
to assist SIDS in moving towards renewable energy.
For more than two decades, the GEF has supported SIDS countries to tackle
their most pressing environment and development challenges. In the past two
decades, the GEF has provided close to US$1 bn in support for sustainable
development in SIDS. The small size of SIDS, remoteness, and limited
natural resource base means that successful development requires an
integrated approach. The GEF is working with island countries in the
Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean to tackle the food, water, energy and
ecosystem nexus, through an ecosystem based approach known as Ridge to Reef.
This approach is designed to reverse the degradation of coastal resources by
reducing flows of harmful chemicals, nutrients and sediments from
agriculture and forestry in catchments. Essentially, under Ridge to Reef,
Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management
plans come together to inform long-term sustainable use of the natural
resources while limiting the impact on the fragile environment. The
Ridge-to-Reef Program was one among many projects highlighted in a joint
UNDP-GEF publication "Island Innovations - UNDP and GEF: Leveraging the
Environment for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing
States" that was launched at the Summit. The publication showcases
outstanding results from a series of environment and sustainable development
projects from SIDS across the world.
SIDS need significant support to strengthen adaptation to climate change.
Sea level rise and more frequent storms will require significant preparatory
planning and investments. In addition, with more unpredictable weather,
decisions about what and when to plant become more difficult. "The GEF is
putting strong emphasis on supporting adaption across SIDS", Ms. Ishii
noted. "For example, we are pleased to support the GEF's Pacific Adaptation
to Climate Change (PACC ) regional project , for instance , is enhancing the
capacity of 13 Pacific SIDS to adapt to climate change in selected key
sectors by integrating climate change risks and adaptation measures into
relevant development policies and plans".
###
About the GEF
The Global Environment Facility is a partnership for international
cooperation where 183 countries work together with international
institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, to address
global environmental issues. The GEF serves as financial mechanism for the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on
Biological Diversity, the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. It also works closely with the
Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances.
Since 1991, the GEF has provided $12.5 billion in grants and leveraged $58
billion in co-financing for 3,690 projects in 165 developing countries. For
23 years, developed and developing countries alike have provided these funds
to support activities related to biodiversity, climate change, international
waters, land degradation, and chemicals and waste in the context of
development projects and programs. Through its Small Grants Programme (SGP)
the GEF has made more than 20,000 grants to civil society and community
based organizations for a total of $1 billion.
Among the major results of these investments, the GEF has set up protected
areas around the world equal roughly to the area of Brazil; reduced carbon
emissions by 2.3 billion tonnes; eliminated the use of ozone depleting
substances in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia; transformed the
management of 33 major river basins and one-third of the world's large
marine ecosystems; slowed the advance of desertification in Africa by
improving agricultural practices-and all this while contributing to better
the livelihood and food security of millions of people.
Stay Connected
* www.facebook.com/thegef1
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/41221/0/>
* www.twitter.com/theGEF
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/29644/0/>
* www.youtube.com/GEFSecretariat
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/29645/0/>
* www.flickr.com/theGEF
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/38041/0/>
* www.thegef.org/gef/gefrss
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/29646/0/>
* www.issuu.com/thegef
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/37542/0/>
* www.linkedin.com/company/global-environment-facility
<http://vx.worldbank.org/t/3863309/31182289/43523/0/>
###
Media Contact
In Washington, DC, USA: Christian Hofer - cho...@thegef.org
<mailto:cho...@thegef.org> +1 202 413 4185
T +995 32 275 19 03/04
F +995 32 275 19 05
<mailto:in...@cenn.org> in...@cenn.org
<http://www.cenn.org/> www.cenn.org
From: "CENN" <info...@cenn.ge>
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2014 3:07 PM
Subject: [cenn] The GEF announces strong support for Small Island Developing
States by committing US $ 256 million
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------- * ENWL * ------------
Ecological North West Line * St. Petersburg, Russia
Independent Environmental Net Service: http://www.bellona.ru/enwl/
Russian: ENWL(discussions), ENWL-inf(FSU information), ENWL-misc(any topics)
English: ENWL-eng (world information)
en...@lew.spb.org, enwl...@lew.spb.org, en...@lew.spb.org, en...@lew.spb.org
Subscription, Moderator: vf...@lew.spb.org or en...@enw.net.ru
Archive: http://enwl.bellona.ru/pipermail/
and http://groups.google.com/group/enwl/
SEE ALSO: http://www.bellona.org (English)and http://www.bellona.ru
(Russian)
RSS: http://groups.google.ru/group/enwl/feeds?hl=ru
(C) Please refer to exclusive articles of ENWL
-------------------------------------
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Enwl...@enwl.bellona.ru
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