Global Meet On Environment Next Month

Representatives of about 100 countries are expected to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Global Environment Facilitys (GEF) assembly to be held in New Delhi from April 1-3.

The meeting will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and will be presided over by the finance minister.

GEF is a multi-lateral financing mechanism having 161 member-countries. It seeks to promote international cooperation to protect the environment. Its corpus size is expected to swell from $2 billion to $2.75 billion following the second replenishment. This includes a contribution of $9 million from India, which is both a donor and a recipient.

 

The meet would be significant for the government as the increase in GEFs funding capability is expected to increase Indias share of assistance.

GEF has so far approved project worth $90 million. The implementing agencies of the GEF are the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank. Its activities cover four areas biological diversity, climate change, international waters and ozone layer depletion.

Representatives of UNDP, other specialised UN agencies, the World Bank, bilateral developmental agencies, regional development banks and accredited non-government organisations are also expected to participate in the meet.