The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has been under scrutiny by Survival International for not living up to its promises to benefit indigenous peoples. Out of the 22 projects approved by the GEF, only one is likely to benefit indigenous communities, with the rest lacking budgetary provisions for work with indigenous peoples. This lack of proper consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is a violation of international law.
Nearly half of the funding is directed towards ecosystem restoration and the controversial 30×30 target, which indigenous rights groups fear will lead to further atrocities against indigenous peoples. The funds are channeled through 18 organizations like WWF and UN agencies, which earn substantial agency fees for managing the projects.
Survival International is calling for the GEF to be scrapped and replaced with a new funding process that prioritizes indigenous people and their land rights. They argue that current approaches are costly, colonialist, and not addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss.
WWF and Conservation International, two agencies working with the GEF, defend their projects by stating that they involve indigenous peoples in project development and adhere to FPIC principles. However, Survival International’s findings highlight the discrepancies between promises and actual actions on the ground.
The GEF maintains that a portion of the funding does support actions by indigenous peoples, but independent evaluators check the amounts spent to ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards. Despite these assurances, the GEF’s approach to funding projects remains contentious.
In conclusion, the GEF’s funding mechanisms need a major overhaul to truly benefit indigenous peoples and address the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss. By prioritizing indigenous rights and participation, future projects can be more effective and equitable.
