$77.6 Million Global Funding Package Backs Climate and Nature Projects

$77.6 Million Approved for Environmental Action

A new US$77.6 million funding package approved by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is set to support climate resilience, biodiversity protection and sustainable development projects across 10 countries, with implementation support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The investment will help launch 11 projects spanning Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Central Asia. Officials expect the funding to unlock more than US$400 million in additional co-financing, significantly expanding the scale and impact of environmental initiatives in participating countries.

The package reflects growing international efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss through projects that combine environmental protection with economic and community development goals.

Support Focuses on Vulnerable Nations and Ecosystems

Nearly one-third of the funding, amounting to US$23 million, will be directed to some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change through the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund.

Projects in Guinea-Bissau and Senegal will strengthen climate resilience and help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions. In the Pacific, the island nation of Niue will receive support for initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity, improving climate resilience and securing long-term financing for ocean conservation.

Several other projects will focus on restoring ecosystems and strengthening natural resource management. Zimbabwe and Botswana will receive support to better utilise and protect natural capital, while Eritrea will work on restoring degraded land. Programmes in Malaysia, India, the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan will focus on biodiversity conservation, landscape management, climate resilience and sustainable water resources.

Nature and Climate Solutions Linked to Development Goals

UNDP officials say the new funding strengthens broader efforts under the organisation's Climate Promise and Nature Pledge programmes, which help countries integrate climate and environmental priorities into national development plans.

The projects are designed to generate practical benefits for communities while supporting global environmental goals. Many initiatives focus on improving livelihoods, protecting ecosystems and building resilience against increasingly severe climate-related challenges.

UNDP currently manages a Global Environment Facility portfolio that uses more than US$3 billion in grants to mobilise almost US$18 billion in co-financing worldwide. Leaders say the latest funding package demonstrates continued confidence in multilateral cooperation at a time when climate and biodiversity pressures continue to intensify.

Looking Ahead to the Next Funding Cycle

The new approvals mark the completion of the GEF-8 replenishment cycle, a major phase of global environmental financing. Attention is now turning to the upcoming GEF-9 cycle, which will run from July 2026 through June 2030.

Donors have already pledged US$3.9 billion for the next funding round. Future investments will place greater emphasis on integrated environmental programmes, blended finance approaches and stronger collaboration between governments, communities and private-sector partners.

Particular attention will be given to Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, ensuring that those most affected by environmental challenges receive targeted support.