The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy has travelled to Vancouver, Canada to participate in the 7th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly from 23 – 25 August 2023.

South Africa assumes a dual role in the GEF both as a recipient as well as a contributor. “During the Assembly the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, will be launched. The GEF Council has approved the establishment and the programming direction of this new fund. South Africa calls on developed countries to meet their commitments to this fund in accordance with the Rio Principles, in particular the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) and Article 20 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),” said Creecy.

“The 7th GEF Assembly takes place as the world tackles the triple environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The Assembly provides the international community with an opportunity to discuss the key issue of funding required to meet these challenges through the GEF,” added Creecy.

The Assembly will feature high-level sessions, roundtables, side events, workshops, and networking opportunities. Minister Creecy will participate in a panel discussion titled “Solutions for a Healthy Planet: Responsible, Inclusive and Transformative Governance”.

Global Environment Facility details

Established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the GEF is a partnership for international cooperation where 185 countries work together with international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, to address global environmental issues.

The GEF Assembly is composed of all 185 member countries and meets every three to four years at a Ministerial level to review general policies; review and evaluate the GEF’s operation based on reports submitted to Council; review the membership of the Facility; and consider, for approval by consensus, amendments to the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured GEF on the basis of recommendations by the Council.