The Global Environment Facility has formally initiated its Small Grants Programme to encourage sustainable development in China.
According to local media reports, the first phase of the grants involves 22 programs and USD1.15 million. It will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with the Chinese government, local NGOs, community organizations, and other stakeholders with the aim of creating a favorable environment for sustainable development in China and addressing global environmental problems.
These 22 programs, spanning 13 provinces and regions in China, reportedly cover all the areas that GEF has given priority including biodiversity, climate change, international water area protection, land erosion, and low-carbon communities.
GEF was formally launched in 1991. Since then China has undertaken a number of environmental programs, involving a reported total expenditure of USD8.8 billion.
