GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF) AND
LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES FUND (LDCF)
Introduction
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established
in relation to the first Rio Conference in 1992, with a
mandate to preserve global environmental benefits, and
serve as finance mechanisms for the Rio Conventions,
e.g. climate change, biodiversity, desertification. GEF
also hosts the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF).
LDCF was established in 2001 and seeks to enhance cli-
mate change adaptation in LDCs.
File no.
Responsible unit
DKK, millions
Capital subscription (GEF)
Capital subscription (LDCF)
Duration of strategy
Finance act code.
Desk officer
Financial officer
2018-3103 / 2015-51333
Department of Multilateral Co-
operation and Climate Change
2018
2019 2020 2021
450
0
0
0
0
150
0
0
2018-2022
06.34.01.20
Tobias von Platen-Hallermund
Key results
GEF: Has created more than 3,300 protected areas
covering 860 million hectares, an area larger than
Brazil and reduced the vulnerability of more than
15 million people in 130 countries.
GEF: Has provided over $20 billion in grants and
mobilized an additional $88 billion in financing for
more than 4000 projects in 170 countries.
LDCF: Each of the LDCs have received support
for adaptation measures reducing the vulnerability
of more than 20 million people to the adverse im-
pacts of climate change.
LDCF: Has approved US$1.2 billion for funding
of projects in 51 countries, leveraging more than
US$4.8 billion in financing from partners.
No Pov-
erty
No
Hunger
Good
Health,
Wellbeing
Quality
Education
Gender
Equality
Clean Wa-
ter, Sanita-
tion
Afforda-
ble
Clean
Energy
Decent
Jobs, Econ.
Growth
Industry,
Innovation,
Infrastruc-
ture
Reduced
Inequalities
Sustainable
Cities,
Communi-
ties
Responsi-
ble Con-
sumption
& Produc-
tion
Climate
Action
Life below
Water
Life on
Land
Peace &
Justice,
strong Inst.
Partner-
ships for
Goals
Justification for support
GEF and LDCF: Support is directly in line with
the Danish strategy “The World 2030”,
which
aims to counter deteriorating living conditions as
a result of climate changes and environmental deg-
radation by building increased resilience.
GEF: Has an important role as the financial mech-
anism of the Rio conventions, the Stockholm
Convention, the Montreal Protocol to which Den-
mark is a party and finds of great value.
LDCF: It is the only fund entirely dedicated to
support adaptation action in LDCs thereby reach-
ing the people most vulnerable to climate change.
Risks and challenges
Increased private sector engagement can lead to
reputational risks
Too little focus on impacts and Implementing
agencies performance in the GEF results-based
management system and inadequate sustainabil-
ity of project and program outcomes
Increased competition from other finance mech-
anisms including the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
October 2018
GEF-7 Key Targets (2018-2022)
Terrestrial protected areas created
or under improved management
200 million hec-
for conservation and sustainable
tares
use
Marine protected areas created or
under improved management for 8 million hectares
conservation and sustainable use
Area of land restored
6 million hectares
Area of landscapes under im-
320 million hec-
proved practices
tares
GHG emissions mitigated
1,500 MtCO2e
Core information
Established
1992
HQ
Washington DC
CEO and Chairman
Naoko Ishii (since 2012)
of the Board
Partner countries
183
Human resources
75
Danish staff
One staff. Advisor to the CEO
Alternate member in the GEF
Danish committee
Board and member in the
seats
LDCF Council