Question 17 from UPSC CSE 2014 - environme nt

Question

With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. It serves as financial mechanism for ÔConvention on Biological DiversityÕ and ÔUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeÕ

Strategy: Verify institutional affiliations and mandates. Confirm the GEF operates independently from the OECD and assess its broader remit beyond technology and funds transfer to eliminate incorrect associations.

Key Info: **The Global Environment Facility (GEF)**

The GEF is an independent financial organization established in 1991 to address global environmental issues. It provides grants and funding for projects related to:
- Biodiversity
- Climate change
- International waters
- Land degradation
- Ozone layer protection
- Chemicals like persistent organic pollutants

The GEF serves as a financial mechanism for key multilateral environmental agreements, including:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
- Minamata Convention on Mercury

**Structure and Governance**

The GEF functions as a partnership among 18 implementing agencies, including UNDP, UNEP, the World Bank, and regional development banks. While the World Bank originally provided administrative support, the GEF is not an agency or organ under the OECD. Its structure includes:
- An Assembly (all member countries)
- A Council (main governing body)
- A Secretariat
- A Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel

The GEF funds projects in developing and transitioning economies to help them undertake activities that generate global environmental benefits.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with a specific aim to protect their environment.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Both