The GEF Council endorsed $65 million for biodiversity projects, including more than $18 million to support the development of biodiversity finance plans in 26 countries. GEF Council members, meeting virtually, also approved the establishment of a new Gustavo Fonseca Youth Conservation Leadership program to support the education of promising young conservationists from developing countries.

Nature-positive synergies between these important agreements are possible through: comprehensive management of risks, breaking down silos, and integrating policies, budgets, and plans at all levels. 

This side event invited key stakeholders from the local, national, and global levels to discuss the need to make the protection of legitimate tenure rights the basis for implementation of the Rio Conventions to enable just transitions.

The Global Environment Facility, civil society organizations, and representatives of multilateral environmental organizations highlight civil society’s important role and participation in implementation of global environmental conventions.