GEF Statement to the Plenary of the Convention on Biodiversity,
Curitiba, Brazil, March 20, 2006

The following statement was made by Mr. Gonzalo Castro, Team Leader, GEF Biodiversity Unit, representing the GEF.

1. The GEF is very aware of the concerns of Parties with regard to the new Resource Allocation Framework, which had been approved by the GEF Council in September 2005. The GEF is ready to do all it can to help countries adapt to the new system, and to this end, the GEF is organizing a series of side-events where concerned parties can discuss these issues in detail. GEF staff are also ready to answer any questions or concerns during the duration of the MOP and the COP.

2. The GEF Secretariat has requested US$ 75 million in the replenishment document to support countries in implementing their National Biosafety Frameworks during GEF-4. Several side-events are planned, one on the elements for the biosafety strategy and the other to explain the evaluation of GEF support for biosafety to receive additional feedback from parties.

3. Under RAF, even countries with no individual allocation are eligible to receive an amount no less that US$1 million and up to US$3.4 million. This ensures that countries can, if so desired, allocate a portion of these funds to biosafety implementation.

4. Finally, we look forward to a strengthened dialogue between the GEF and the parties to ensure a smooth transition into the RAF.