Conventions

The GEF provides funding to assist developing countries in meeting the objectives of international environmental conventions. The GEF serves as "financial mechanism" for four conventions:

• The Convention on Biological Diversity
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
• The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

The above conventions provide broad strategic guidance to the GEF Council. The GEF Council converts this broad guidance into operational criteria (guidelines) for GEF projects.

The GEF also collaborates closely with other environmental conventions and agreements:

• In partnership with the Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convention on Ozone Layer Depleting Substances, GEF grants are enabling the Russian Federation and nations in Eastern Europe to phase out the use of ozone-destroying chemicals.
• Regional and international waters agreements influence GEF initiatives to protect international waters.