Pacific delegates meet the new Head of Global Environment Facility

18 October 2012, CBD COP 11, Hyderabad India - Pacific delegates had a special breakfast meeting with the new CEO of the Global Environment Facility, Dr Naoko Ishii, at the 11^th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the GEF Secretariat, the high level breakfast was an opportunity for the Pacific to meet with Dr Ishii and discuss funding issues.

“This years’ SPREP Ministerial Meeting also focused on environmental financing and the role of the GEF in particular.  Ministers noted strong appreciation for GEF funding in the region under the GEF- PAS – Pacific Alliance for Sustainability Programme.  This is the only regional GEF programme in the world and we consider this as a potential model of innovation for application elsewhere,” said Mr. David Sheppard, the Director-General of SPREP.

 

“It is critically important to continue to improve access by Pacific countries to GEF resources

It is positive that GEF 5 is allowing greater flexibility for access by small island states to GEF resources. We would like to see these initiatives continue and accelerate.  Dr Ishii - SPREP greatly looks forward to your leadership of GEF.  We appreciate the clear vision you have set out for the future of GEF and we stand to partner with you in these efforts.” 

 Dr Ishii has been at the helm of the GEF Secretariat for two months.  At the breakfast meeting she outlined her four key visions she had for the GEF, these being – the GEF must remain an innovator; must remain a champion of the Global Commons; must remain the partner of choice for environmental benefits and; must remain a catalyst in the evolving architecture of environmental finance.

“I see a lot of challenges, but also see a lot of opportunities too,” said Dr. Ishii.

“We have successes but need to continue these, we don’t have all the answers but we do have commitment for ‘on the ground’ achievements.”

A number of queries and concerns were raised by the Pacific delegates at the breakfast meeting during the question and answer session that was led by comments from the Minister for Local Government, Housing, Urban Development and Environment – Col. Samuela Saumatua.

“GEF must remain the partner of choice, but I ask you that we work together as partners in environment projects.  We work together against biodiversity loss and climate change, while you provide the funds, and we provide the tools and labour.  We work together in partnership, it’s the Pacific Way.”

The breakfast was attended by delegates from Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru and Samoa along with members from SPREP and the GEF Secretariat.

SPREP and CBD meet

The Pacific Voyage Media Team, 26 October Nagoya Japan -

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has agreed to work closely at the national and regional level on issues related to biodiversity and climate change.

Following a meeting with CBD Executive Secretary, Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Director of SPREP, David Sheppard said they discussed the existing Memorandum of Understanding and agreed to continue expanding cooperation in the future.

Mr.  Sheppard elaborated that one of the key issues discussed was the importance of strengthening of carrying outi the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Dr Djoghlaf highlighted the planned Global Programme of Capacity Development Workshops whichwill be organized through 2011-12 to assist countries with updating their NBSAPs in line with the new strategic plan.

This will be a key component of a broader programme with the overarching aim to support implementation of the Convention.  In particular it will advance the new strategic plan and other relevant decisions from COP10 by supporting national implementation through global and regional programmes of capacity development and knowledge management.  The Partnership approach will be a main factor. 

Dr Djoghlaf, in a statement presented to Mr. Sheppard stated that, “In line with the new Strategic Plan and the consolidated guidance for the development, updating and implementation of NBSAPs the workshops will assist countries to translate the Post 2010 strategic plan into national targets and commitments, and integrating these into updated NBSAPs.  This second generation of NBSAPs must be effective tools for mainstreaming biodiversity into broader national policies, strategies and planning processed.”

Under the fifth allocation of funds of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-5) (2010-2014), it is expected that US500 000 will be allocated to each GEF-eligible country for biodiversity planning. The workshops, held throughout 2011 will help guide and orientate countries, in line with COP guidance, so that they can make early and effective use of these funds, thereby ensuring an early start to the process of implementing the new Strategic Plan.

4.44 billion in funds for global environment concerns

The Pacific Voyage Media Team, 26 October Nagoya Japan - 

Ms. Monique Barbut addressing audience at the side event

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has announced a record US$4.44 billion (T$11.24b) in funding.

The aid, the 5th replenishment, is the largest increase in new donor support for the organisation which unites 182 member governments - in partnership with international institutions, nongovernmental organisations, and the private sector - to address global environmental issues.

The announcement was made by Monique Barbut, CEO, at the 10th Meeting of Parties (COP 10) to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) at Nagoya Congress Centre, Japan.

“I promise that we will do more with these resources by continuing and expanding our work programme in each GEF focal area,” said Ms Barbut. “We will also do more by engaging in new and innovative activities that create synergy among various sectors.”

The announcement made during a side event well attended by Pacific representatives at the Nagoya negotiations. Director of the Vailima-based SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme), David Sheppard was among leading officials at the event.

“Clearly, we must continue our efforts to ensure the GEF remains a world class institution,” Ms Barbut said. “The fifth replenishment gives us this opportunity and I want to touch on a few of our reforms that I think will cement our legacy as a catalyst for environment change.”

Some of the reforms include:
·  Commitment to being a fully integrated results-based management system for portfolio monitoring. This will include opening the project database to agencies to input data for project implementation reports.

·  Commitment to enhance country-driven agenda. The strengthening of country ownership is top priority. GEF is also reforming the Country Support Programme for Focal points to make it even more effective. A key part will be the provision of small grants to interested countries to fund portfolio identification exercises.

·  Expansion on direct access agenda by providing grants to countries for preparation of national reports and communications to the conventions. Countries will have the option of requesting funding either from the GEF Agencies or directly from the GEF Secretariat.

·  Expansion of the GEF Partnership. GEF-5 Replenishment recognised that GEF would benefit from an expansion of the member and type of agencies that are able to receive resources directly from the GEF Trust Fund. This will give countries greater choice and will open GEF to a broader range of expertise and contacts.

The GEF is an independent financial organisation which provides grants for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.

These projects benefit the global environment, linking local, national, and global environmental challenges and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The GEF has a number of projects in the Pacific.

In Samoa, the Savaia Marine Biodiversity Conservation Project is one of them. This is a village-based, owned and operated protected area.

According to information on the GEF website, marine resources at Savaia are managed in a sustainable manner for the benefit of village people now and in the future.

“The aim is to sustain the momentum and success of the existing reserve by extending its boundaries to accord protection of a wider area of the village marine environment and to reintroduce certain marine species that were once abundant in the area.

“The ultimate goal is to declare a significant part of the coastal lagoon area of Savaia marine reserve and to apply sound management practices in its operations. The project has a strong partnership with the Fisheries Division providing on-going technical support.”