Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
Both ‘a’ and ‘b’
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an international partnership that provides financial assistance to developing countries for addressing global environmental problems.
It was established as a pilot programme in 1991.
It was restructured in 1994 as a permanent and independent financial mechanism.
The GEF serves as a financial mechanism for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UNFCCC. Therefore, option (a) is correct.
It also serves as a financial mechanism for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
The GEF provides grants and other forms of financial support to developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
Its projects cover areas such as biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, chemicals and waste.
The GEF itself is not an institution that conducts scientific research on global environmental issues. Therefore, option (b) is not correct.
It receives independent advice on scientific and technical matters from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel.
The governance structure of the GEF includes the Assembly, Council and Secretariat.
The World Bank serves as the Trustee of the GEF Trust Fund.
Several implementing agencies, including UNEP, UNDP and the World Bank, participate in executing GEF projects.
The GEF is not an agency under the OECD. Therefore, option (c) is not correct.
Its objective is not merely to transfer technology to underdeveloped countries but to support projects that generate global environmental benefits in eligible countries.