The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was founded on the eve of the Rio Earth Summit 30 years ago to address our planet's most critical environmental issues. The GEF is the world's largest multilateral trust fund dedicated to assisting developing countries to invest in nature and it promotes the implementation of major international environmental treaties.

The GEF awards funding for initiatives involving biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, persistent organic pollutants, mercury, sustainable forest management, food security and sustainable cities. Thus far, the GEF has supported over 25,000 civil society and community initiatives in 135 countries through its Small Grants Program.