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IUCN’s GEF projects

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IUCN priorities for the GEF-IUCN partnership IUCN’s GEF projects

The development of the portfolio of the IUCN Partnership with GEF is guided by both IUCN priorities for the Partnership with GEF as well as by the GEF Focal Areas. The objective is to have a geographically and thematically balanced project portfolio. However, due to the fact that IUCN joined as GEF project agency only mid 2014 when the GEF-6 programming cycle was already halfway through, this balance has not yet been achieved. 

IUCN has established an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) that provides a systematic procedure to check IUCN projects for environmental and social risks. As part of this we like to enable feed-back from external parties by making relevant information about the projects publically available. We hence encourage you to explore our current portfolio of projects below including the ESMS instruments we are using for identifying, avoiding and mitigating environmental and social risks.

Requests for further information on the projects and respective ESMS documentation can be made to [email protected].

FEATURED PROJECTS
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Project Jul, 2016 - Mar, 2025
Global Learning, Finance, and Partnerships project under The Restoration…
The Restoration Initiative (TRI) unites 10 countries and three Global Environment Facility agencies – IUCN, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the United Nations Environment Programme – along…
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Project May, 2023 - Oct, 2026
Sustainable Investments for Large-Scale Rangeland Restoration
The Sustainable Investments for Large Scale Rangeland Restoration (STELARR) works globally to reverse rangeland degradation and improve productivity through sustainable livestock value chains,…

Projects in implementation

Global 

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
SGP CSO Challenge ProgramGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature9,075,2294,500,000Concept Approved
Strengthening Conservation of Primary Forests through Partnership Enhancement and Coordination of SupportGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,000,0001,260,000Project Approved
Sustainable Cities Integrated ProgramBelize, Benin, Cuba, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Mongolia, Peru, Philippines ...
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Projects in implementation

Global 

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
SGP CSO Challenge ProgramGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature9,075,2294,500,000Concept Approved
Strengthening Conservation of Primary Forests through Partnership Enhancement and Coordination of SupportGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,000,0001,260,000Project Approved
Sustainable Cities Integrated ProgramBelize, Benin, Cuba, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Mongolia, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Congo, Algeria, Chile, China, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Zimbabwe, GlobalThe World Bank, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Development Programme, West African Development Bank, United Nations Environment Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Inter-American Development Bank  Concept Approved
Blue and Green Island Integrated ProgrammeBelize, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Cuba, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, St. Lucia, Timor Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, GlobalUnited Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, World Wildlife Fund - US Chapter, International Union for Conservation of Nature, The World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization  Concept Approved
Food Systems Integrated ProgramAngola, Argentina, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda, Indonesia, GlobalFood and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Development Programme, The World Bank  Concept Approved
Wildlife Conservation for Development Integrated ProgramColombia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Paraguay, Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, Zambia, GlobalThe World Bank, United Nations Environment Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund - US Chapter, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme  Concept Approved
Ecosystem RestorationAngola, Brazil, Cambodia, Chad, Congo DR, Cote d'Ivoire, Haiti, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, GlobalConservation International, International Fund for Agricultural Development, United Nations Environment Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Food and Agriculture Organization, The World Bank, United Nations Development Programme  Concept Approved
Strengthening Civil Society Role in Achieving Land Degradation NeutralityGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,000,0002,100,563Project Approved
Integrating Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) into land use planning frameworks to strengthen national UNCCD enabling environmentsGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,000,000 Project Approved
Knowledge-4-Nature: Provisioning the biodiversity data behind global goals for natureGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature1,834,8629,348,000Project Approved
Sustainable investments for large-scale rangeland restoration  (STELARR)GlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,000,0004,102,048Project Approved
Inclusive Conservation InitiativeGuatemala, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Congo DR, Tanzania, Kenya, Thailand, Nepal, Cook Islands, Fiji, GlobalConservation International, International Union for Conservation of Nature22,535,78090,384,856Project Approved
Sustainable Forest Management Impact Program on Dryland Sustainable LandscapesAngola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malawi, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, GlobalFood and Agriculture Organization, World Wildlife Fund - US Chapter, International Union for Conservation of Nature, The World Bank95,844,674809,137,990Concept Approved
Global Wildlife ProgramMalaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Angola, Belize, Bhutan, Cambodia, Chad, Congo DR, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Namibia, Panama, South Africa, GlobalThe World Bank, World Wildlife Fund - US Chapter, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Development Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature95,688,016591,501,798Concept Approved
CPIC Conservation Finance Initiative - Scaling up and Demonstrating the Value of Blended Finance in ConservationGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature8,250,00052,838,000Project Approved
Fostering Partnerships to Build Coherence and Support for Forest Landscape RestorationGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature625,000981,850Project Approved
Global Learning, Finance, and Partnerships Project under TRIGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Environment Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization3,519,7253,900,000Project Approved
The Global Environmental Commons. Solutions for a Crowded PlanetGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,000,0002,330,000Project Approved
Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting ProjectGlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,752,2942,983,680Project Approved
TRI The Restoration Initiative - Fostering Innovation and Integration in Support of the Bonn ChallengeCameroon, Central African Republic, China, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Congo DR, GlobalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Environment Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization30,441,961201,450,938Concept Approved
Global Partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for Sustainable Development (PROGRAM)Gabon, Zambia, Afghanistan, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, Congo, GlobalThe World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Wildlife Fund - US Chapter, International Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Development Programme5,334,587703,823,739Concept Approved
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Africa

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Regional program for integrated water resources management in the transboundary basin of the Ubangi River between the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)Central African Republic, Congo DR, RegionalAfrican Development Bank, International Union for Conservation of Nature8,000,00067,357,500Concept Approved
Transforming the Global Biodiversity Framework into Tangible Action in Madagascar - BioTAct ...
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Africa

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Regional program for integrated water resources management in the transboundary basin of the Ubangi River between the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)Central African Republic, Congo DR, RegionalAfrican Development Bank, International Union for Conservation of Nature8,000,00067,357,500Concept Approved
Transforming the Global Biodiversity Framework into Tangible Action in Madagascar - BioTAct (Biodiversity Tangible Action)MadagascarInternational Union for Conservation of Nature  Concept Approved
Strengthening integrated transboundary source-to-sea management of the Ruvuma River Basin and its coastal zones to ensure ecosystem health and livelihood securityMalawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature7,122,01865,440,480Concept Approved
Promoting and Strengthening Restoration and Conservation of Cantanhez Primary Forests in Guinea BissauGuinea-BissauInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,966,20616,000,000Concept Approved
Guinean Forests (GEF-8 Amazon, Congo and Critical Forest Biomes Integrated Program) Addendum (February 2024)Guinea-Bissau, Togo, RegionalConservation International, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Food and Agriculture Organization  Concept Approved
Nature based solutions for increased climate resilience in Vulnerable Rural communities of LesothoLesothoInternational Union for Conservation of Nature8,974,31253,900,000Project Approved
Restoration and sustainable management of Land for improved livelihoods in the degraded landscapes of Free State and Northwest Provinces of South AfricaSouth AfricaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,399,95424,336,329Concept Approved
Sustainable Management of the Mayombe, Oubangui and Maï Ndombe tropical forest Landscapes to facilitate conservation of natural resources, local development, food security and climate change mitigation in DRCCongo DRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, International Fund for Agricultural Development15,415,59680,000,000Project Approved
São Tomé and Príncipe's intact forests - the Obô Natural Parks and their buffer zones: a treasure to conserve and restore.Sao Tome and PrincipeInternational Union for Conservation of Nature6,535,01512,695,032Project Approved
Congo Critical Forest Biome Integrated ProgramAngola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo DR, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, RegionalUnited Nations Environment Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Conservation International  Concept Approved
Promoting Nature Positive Food Systems in Burkina FasoBurkina FasoInternational Union for Conservation of Nature10,709,17453,907,308Concept Approved
Strengthening restoration and conservation of the ecological corridor of Mount Nimba (Bossou) and Ziama National Park in GuineaGuineaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,201,68116,280,946Project Approved
Guinean Forests (GEF-8 Amazon, Congo and Critical Forest Biomes Integrated Program)Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, RegionalConservation International, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Food and Agriculture Organization  Concept Approved
Restoration of the ecological corridors of Mayo-Kebbi, Tandjilé and Fitri in Chad, in support of multiple land and forest benefitsChadInternational Union for Conservation of Nature4,131,3453,784,174Project Approved
Integrated Natural Resource Management of three Wetlands landscapes, two of which is located on the route of the Great Green Wall in Mauritania (Male, Djelliwar and Karakoro (PGIRN/3ZH)MauritaniaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,304,5878,921,750Project Approved
Using Marine Spatial Planning in the Gulf of Guinea for the implementation of Payment for Ecosystem Services and Coastal Nature-based SolutionsCote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,000,00015,500,000Project Approved
Regional Initiative for Water and Environment in the transboundary basin of the Mono River (RIWE-Mono)Benin, Togo, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,000,00023,501,903Project Approved
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) for resilient natural resources and agro-pastoral communities in the Ferlo Biosphere Reserve and Plateau of ThiesSenegalUnited Nations Development Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature8,949,53310,503,187Project Approved
Restoration Challenge Grant Platform for Smallholders and Communities, with Blockchain-Enabled CrowdfundingCameroon, Kenya, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,000,0002,490,507Project Approved
Strengthening ecological connectivity  in Dulombi-Boé-Tchetche complex (DTB)Guinea-BissauInternational Union for Conservation of Nature4,773,1017,000,000Project Approved
Integrated trasnboundary water resources management in the Corubal basin between Guinea and Guinea-BissauGuinea, Guinea-Bissau, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature6,300,00018,000,000Project Approved
Development of an integrated system to promote the natural capital in the drylands of MauritaniaMauritaniaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,913,6267,498,449Project Approved
Reviving high quality coffee to stimulate climate adaptation in smallholder farming communitiesCongo DR, Uganda, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature1,146,7901,900,393Project Approved
      
Transforming and scaling up results and lessons learned in the Monte Alen and Rio Campo Landscapes through an inclusive Landscape-scale approach,  effective land use planning and promotion of local governanceEquatorial GuineaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,354,58732,450,000Project Approved
Strengthening forest management for improved biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in the Southern rangelands of KenyaKenyaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,354,58715,080,000Project Approved
Sustainable management of dryland landscapes in Burkina FasoBurkina FasoInternational Union for Conservation of Nature6,680,73434,288,123Project Approved
The Congo Basin Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (CBSL IP)Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Congo DR, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, RegionalUnited Nations Environment Programme, World Wildlife Fund - US Chapter, The World Bank, International Union for Conservation of Nature57,201,127387,383,108Concept Approved
Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) for Large-Scale Impact in the Grazing Lands of Limpopo and Northern Cape provinces in South AfricaSouth AfricaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,629,81627,783,860Project Approved
Reversing Ecosystem and Water Degradation in the Volta River Basin (REWarD-Volta River Basin)Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Togo, RegionalUnited Nations Environment Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature7,122,56675,165,636Project Approved
Strengthening Trans-boundary Cooperation for Improved Ecosystem Management and Restoration in the Senegal delta (Mauritania and Senegal)Mauritania, Senegal, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,061,0098,200,000Project Approved
Management of Competing Water Uses and Associated Ecosystems in Pungwe, Busi and Save BasinsMozambique, Zimbabwe, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature6,000,00042,306,426Project Approved
Managing Mangroves and Production Landscapes for Climate Change MitigationGuinea-BissauInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,298,30441,146,220Project Approved
Supporting Landscapes Restoration and Sustainable Use of Local Plant Species and Tree Products (Bambusa ssp, Irvingia spp, etc) for Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Livelihoods and Emissions Reduction in CameroonCameroonInternational Union for Conservation of Nature1,326,1469,122,727Project Approved
Restoring Ecological Corridors in the Mayo-Kebbi Quest, Chad, to Support Multiple Land and Forests Benefits - RECONNECTChadInternational Union for Conservation of Nature5,366,9729,152,707Project Approved
Continental Wetlands Adaptation and Resilience to Climate ChangeMauritaniaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature4,449,5427,057,990Project Approved
Mano River Union Ecosystem Conservation and International Water Resources Management (IWRM) ProjectCote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature6,336,36456,390,642Project Approved

 

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Asia

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions to enhance the climate resilience of communities and ecosystems in the Himalayan Region of NepalNepalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,978,44015,913,758Concept Approved
Enhancing transboundary fisheries management in the Lower Mekong BasinCambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature10,709,17646,027,912Concept Approved
Recovering tiger population and ...
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Asia

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions to enhance the climate resilience of communities and ecosystems in the Himalayan Region of NepalNepalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,978,44015,913,758Concept Approved
Enhancing transboundary fisheries management in the Lower Mekong BasinCambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature10,709,17646,027,912Concept Approved
Recovering tiger population and landscape through the sustainable land use and ecosystem restorationThailandInternational Union for Conservation of Nature4,375,99455,214,486Project Approved
Strengthening in-situ Biodiversity Conservation in the Yangtze River Economic BeltChinaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,302,75256,150,000Project Approved
Mainstreaming biodiversity in the development of  the Yangtze River Economic BeltChinaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,119,26649,100,000Project Approved
Yangtze River Basin Biodiversity Conservation ProgrammeChinaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature6,422,01851,305,000Concept Approved
Strengthening Governance and Capacity for Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade in PakistanPakistanInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,652,29448,138,914Concept Proposed
Natural Capital Values of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in Sri Lanka Integrated into Sustainable Development PlanningSri LankaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,656,1949,332,000Project Approved
Conservation of Atoll Ecosystems through an effectively managed national protected area Estate (CATENATE)MaldivesInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,110,3587,268,074Project Approved
Restoring the degraded watershed and livelihoods of Lakhandei river basin through Sustainable Land ManagementNepalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature1,555,5056,996,717Project Approved
Transforming agricultural systems and strengthening local economies in high biodiversity areas of India through sustainable landscape management and public-private financeIndiaUnited Nations Environment Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature6,266,88368,590,000Project Approved
Building Climate Resilient Green Infrastructure: Enhancing Ecosystem Services of Planted Forests in China through Forest Landscape Restoration and Governance InnovationChinaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature6,422,01854,047,570Project Approved
Strengthening Capacities for Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in NepalNepalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature1,376,1473,068,574Project Approved
Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystems in Mekong CountriesCambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,907,06410,360,447Project Approved
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Latin America

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Blue Corridor: connectivity for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of marine ecosystems of global importance in the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica.Costa RicaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature  Concept Approved
Promoting Nature Positive, resilient and inclusive cities in Lima-Callao, Huancayo and IcaPeruInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, Inter-American Development Bank11,932,416109,457,146Concept ...
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Latin America

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Blue Corridor: connectivity for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of marine ecosystems of global importance in the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica.Costa RicaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature  Concept Approved
Promoting Nature Positive, resilient and inclusive cities in Lima-Callao, Huancayo and IcaPeruInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, Inter-American Development Bank11,932,416109,457,146Concept Approved
Towards resilient cities in Guatemala: addressing biodiversity loss and recovery through integrated urban planning and developmentGuatemalaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,876,05320,582,961Concept Approved
Mesoamerica Critical Forest Biome IP Regional Coordination, Knowledge Sharing and Support ProjectRegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature7,598,16540,516,390Project Approved
El Salvador Mesoamerican Forest IP Project: Promoting forest conservation and integrated water management in TrifinioEl SalvadorInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,146,9438,865,000Project Approved
Honduras Mesoamerica Forest IP Project: Conserving the Intact Forests of the Honduran MoskitiaHondurasInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,519,72523,963,182Project Approved
Guatemala Mesoamerican Forest IP Project: Securing benefits for the well-being of local communities and the ecosystems of the Maya ForestGuatemalaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature10,708,87061,042,492Project Approved
Mexico Mesoamerica Forest IP Project: Securing benefits for the well-being of local communities and the ecosystems of the Maya ForestMexicoInternational Union for Conservation of Nature11,932,41694,770,690Project Approved
Mesoamerica Critical Forest Biome Integrated ProgramEl Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, RegionalInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, Food and Agriculture Organization  Concept Approved
Sustainable management and restoration of the Dry Forest of the Northern Coast of PeruPeruFood and Agriculture Organization, International Union for Conservation of Nature7,666,49157,833,521Project Approved
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Middle East

TitleCountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Supporting the Operation and Effective Performance Management of the Aqaba Marine Reserve, JordanJordanInternational Union for Conservation of Nature663,0735,500,000Project Approved

Oceania

Title CountriesAgenciesGEF GrantCofinancingStatus
Micronesia: Tourism Support for  Biodiversity ConservationMicronesiaInternational Union for Conservation of Nature3,519,7249,750,000Project Approved
Transforming productivity in Palau's food systems through nature positive innovationsPalauInternational Union for Conservation of Nature7,139,44712,300,000Project Approved
Marshall Islands Building Energy EfficiencyMarshall IslandsInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,193,5782,635,840Project Approved
Securing Kiribati's Natural Heritage: Protected areas for community, atoll, and island climate resilience (Securing Kiribati)KiribatiInternational Union for Conservation of Nature10,016,19333,703,592Project Approved
Expanding Conservation Areas Reach and Effectiveness(ECARE) in VanuatuVanuatuInternational Union for Conservation of Nature2,450,4595,985,000Project Approved
EREPA - Ensuring Resilient Ecosystems and Representative Protected Areas in the Solomon IslandsSolomon IslandsInternational Union for Conservation of Nature4,918,3648,180,000Project Approved
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Safeguards and disclosure

All IUCN GEF and GCF funded projects follow the IUCN standards to ensure the projects avoid or minimise negative impacts to the extent possible while promoting positive impacts. Details on funding and donor accountability for IUCN projects are in the IUCN Open Project Portal.

Project accountability IUCN Open Project Portal