GEF-SGP

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a global funding mechanism that supports developing countries in addressing environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation. Through its Small Grants Programme (SGP), the GEF funds community-led initiatives that generate environmental and socio-economic benefits.

Environmental Impact

GEF projects are designed to deliver measurable environmental impact, including ecosystem conservation, restoration of degraded landscapes, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Projects often take a multi-focal approach, addressing interconnected issues across biodiversity, climate, and sustainable land use.

Global Environmental Benefits

A core principle of the GEF is the generation of Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs), which are positive environmental outcomes that extend beyond national boundaries and contribute to the global commons.

To ensure alignment with its strategic priorities, GEF-8 programming focuses on six key areas of global environmental benefits:

  1. Expansion and improved management of protected areas

  2. Ecosystem restoration

  3. Sustainable land and seascape management

  4. Marine habitat conservation

  5. Climate change mitigation

  6. Carbon sequestration and low-carbon transitions

Projects must align with at least one (up to three) of these targets.

GEF Measurable Results Indicators

To track and report progress, the GEF uses a set of Core Indicators that provide a standardized framework for measuring environmental results across all projects. Under GEF-8, SGP projects align with six core environmental indicators, including:

  1. Protected Areas

  • Terrestrial and marine protected areas newly created

  • Areas under improved management effectiveness

  1. Ecosystem Restoration

  • Area of degraded lands restored (e.g. agriculture, forests, wetlands, grasslands)

  1. Sustainable Land and Landscape Management

  • Area of landscapes under improved practices

  • Forest loss avoided and high conservation value areas protected

  1. Marine Habitat Management

  • Marine areas under improved biodiversity-friendly practices

  1. Climate Change Mitigation

  • Greenhouse gas emissions avoided or reduced

  • Carbon sequestration in land-use sectors

  • Energy savings and renewable energy capacity installed

Socio-economic Co-benefit Indicators

In addition to environmental outcomes, GEF projects also track social and economic benefits, including:

  • Number of direct beneficiaries (disaggregated by gender and social groups)

  • Improvements in livelihoods and well-being

  • Inclusion of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and marginalized groups

  • Participation in decision-making and natural resource governance