Environment Minister calls to improve modalities, expedite small projects at GEF Assembly

Minister of Environment and Energy Thorig Ibrahim has called to improve project operational modalities and expedite small projects, as part of his statement on behalf of the South Asia Constituency at the fifth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly.

The South Asia Constituency of the GEF is made up of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

After the Assembly, held in Cancún, Mexico from 28 to 30 May, Thorig met with the Chairman and CEO of GEF and briefed them about the ongoing GEF projects in the Maldives and explored funding options for future projects. He also briefed the Chairman and CEO about the successful implementation of Baa Atoll Biosphere reserve project which is now officially designated a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage site.

The GEF Assembly is an international conference held every four years, and plays the role of a Global Environmental Summit. It is also the main governing body of the GEF with about 80 ministers and 1,500 delegates from 183 countries, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Private Sector participating in a series of events over the span of one week.

Maldives has been a member of the GEF since 21st September 1994. Since then, the GEF has provided over $15 million of free aid to address environment issues in Maldives. Some of the ongoing GEF funded projects include the Integrated Climate Change Risk to Resilient Island and Demonstration Project on Integrated Water Resources Management in Alif Alif Thoddoo.