The 32-member Council will consider a new work program under the GEF’s eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8) totaling over USD 550 million, which is expected to generate over USD 4 billion in co-financing for projects benefitting people and the planet.

Members reaffirmed the central role of sustainable tropical timber trade in meeting global environmental and development objectives. Yet, despite high global funding levels for forests, clarity on how these ambitions will be financed remains limited.

Delegates approved recommendations on the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) work on urban forestry, forestry’s contribution to FAO’s work on climate change and integrated water management, agriculture and forestry linkages, a forest-based bioeconomy, and integrated wildfire management.

Council concluded deliberations on a heavy agenda, confirming key decisions taken throughout the four days of meetings including the first ever work program for the newly established GBFF, and the largest ever LDCF work program.