FAO, CFI, Common Oceans at launch of GEF Global Biodiversity Framework Fund

Rome/Vancouver, 30 August - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) welcomed the launch of a Global Biodiversity Framework Fund at the 7th GEF Assembly held in Vancouver from 22-26 August.  

The new fund will facilitate financing for developing countries — often the most biodiverse — to enhance their ability to conserve, restore and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources as established through the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).  

“The GBF places agrifood systems at the forefront of an enormous challenge that will require important financial resources, coordination, and commitment to implement win-win solutions for people and the planet. The new Fund is also an essential part of climate action, and a critical step towards making these solutions a reality,” said FAO Deputy Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo.  

Representatives of 185 countries agreed to launch the GBF, which is designed to mobilize and accelerate investment in the conservation and sustainability of wild species and ecosystems, whose health is under threat from wildfires, flooding, extreme weather, and human activity including urban sprawl.

Another important decision taken at the GEF Assembly enables the GEF to serve as a financial mechanism under the agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. 

“Countries have come together in Vancouver to turn things around for the health of the planet and its people. This is a hugely positive moment that will be remembered far into the future,” said GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez.  

The GEF Assembly brought together 1 500 people from around the world, including environmental leaders and managers from government, business, academia, and civil society with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth.

Healthy people, healthy oceans

Also on hand at the GEF Assembly were the FAO-led Coastal Fisheries Initiative and the Common Oceans program. Both are funded by the GEF and this reflects the breadth of its investments, according to Leah Karrer, GEF Senior Environmental Specialist.   

“Coastal fisheries are critical in terms of livelihoods and food security and for these reasons it is extremely important that the GEF invest in sustaining these fishing communities. The GEF is really committed to ensuring sustainable livelihoods so that people can benefit from conservation,” she commented.   

Almost 500 million people, most of them in developing countries, depend at least partially on small-scale fisheries for their food and livelihoods.   

"When it comes to areas beyond national jurisdiction on the high seas, it is even more critical and appropriate to establish a global source of funding, such as the GEF. This ensures the conservation of the vast oceanic expanse that no single nation bears specific or sole responsibility for, but is rather a shared joint responsibility among all countries," she continued in reference to the Common Oceans Program.  

“We see a future of sustainability that means healthy oceans and healthy people as well: if we don’t have both, we won’t succeed. Ultimately, if people aren’t healthy, they’re not going to support a healthy ocean,” Leah Karrer concluded. 

About the CFI 

The CFI brings together small-scale fishing communities, conservation organizations, governments, UN agencies and the World Bank to achieve sustainable coastal fisheries and ecosystems in Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Indonesia, Peru and Senegal.

About Common Oceans

The Common Oceans Program is a global alliance for action in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), supporting efforts to keep the oceans healthy through the sustainable management of marine resources and the conservation of biodiversity. 

About the FAO-GEF partnership

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. Since 2006, FAO and the GEF have partnered to support over 130 countries in accessing over USD$ 1 billion to tackle the most critical issues at the nexus between agrifood systems and the environment.