19 January 2012
UNCCD, GEF Prepare Answers to FAQs on GEF Funding
story highlights

Among the questions addressed are: the purpose of GEF financing for enabling activities under the UNCCD; the maximum amount accessible by each country for enabling activities; how the funds can be accessed by eligible countries; what the process entails under the different modalities; who is responsible for requesting the funds; how long it would take to mobilize funding under the different modalities; and why countries should choose the umbrella project modality if they can request higher amounts through the other two modalities.

UNCCD12 January 2012: The Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in consultation with the Secretariat of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has compiled answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) with regard to GEF funding under the land degradation focal area, in particular in relation to enabling activities funding for UNCCD reporting and alignment of action programmes.

The information seeks to assist country parties in their efforts to access GEF funding for enabling activities to support national level preparation for the forthcoming reporting and review process and the alignment of action programmes, including national action programmes (NAPs). Country parties eligible for GEF support have to choose among three options to get a financial contribution for these activities.

The information addresses: the purpose of GEF financing for enabling activities under the UNCCD; the maximum amount accessible by each country for enabling activities; how the funds can be accessed by eligible countries; what the process entails under the different modalities; who is responsible for requesting the funds; how long it would take to mobilize funding under the different modalities; why countries should choose the umbrella project modality if they can request higher amounts through the other two modalities; whether it is possible to request additional funding if a country chooses to receive US$50,000 through the umbrella project; whether there will be any other umbrella project proposal during 2012 if more than 70 countries choose this modality; whether there are any additional channels to apply for GEF funds to support reporting process and NAP alignment; whether a country can pre-finance activities for the 2012 reporting and/or NAP alignment and be reimbursed afterwards; and whether there is any deadline for applying to one of the three options for enabling activities funding.

In answer to the final question, parties are informed that the umbrella project will be processed as soon as 70 countries have signed on as recipients of the US$50,000. [FAQ for GEF Funding under the Land Degradation Focal Area]

related posts