Global environment facility: cornucopia or kiss of death for biodiversity

Authors: J.A. McNeely
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1994, Issue N.Z.J.For. 39(1) 1994, pp 23-25, May 1994
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

---

Abstract: In 1991, the World Bank announced a billion dollar (US) fund to support conservation work via the Global Environment Facility (GEF) of the United Nations.

The funding process is criticised.

It is argued that criteria for choosing "projects", including a short-term, capital-intensive focus without enough consideration of the most effective use of the funding resource, may do little to redress the causes of the depletion of biodiversity.

A number of measures are suggested to improve the effectiveness of the fund.

---