[20080305]RS21858_全球环境基金（GEF）：概述.pdf

1 Extensive information on GEF activities, projects, and operations is available on its website:http:/www.gefweb.org .Order Code RS21858Updated March 5, 2008Global Environment Facility (GEF): OverviewSusan R. FletcherSpecialist in International Environmental PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryThe Global Environment Facility (GEF), established in 1991, has served since thenas a primary source of funding for several major international environmental concerns.It was designed to provide incremental additional funding for development projects, inorder to allow incorporation of environmental considerations in four specified areas:climate change, ozone depletion, biological diversity, and international waters. In recentyears, land degradation and persistent organic pollutants have been added to its agenda.The GEF has provided funding to more than 1,900 projects in 160 nations. Althoughthe United States has participated in the GEF since its inception, its level ofcontributions to the GEF has varied widely, from $30 million in 1994 to a high of $167million in 1999, and to $81.7 million in 2008.The Global Environment Facility was established in 1991 to serve as a key sourc