![UNBD_Opening_0_5.jpg UNBD_Opening_0_5.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_content_width/public/UNBD_Opening_0.jpg?h=41035e13&itok=-7FkGUYV)
Kanazawa, Japan 17 December 2011- A year ago, the 10th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity marked a historical milestone as the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing as well as the Strategic Plan on Biodiversity and Aichi Targets were adopted. Following the event, the GEF has made significant progress in translating these commitments by participating countries into concrete actions on the ground.
With support from Japan and other countries, the GEF established a dedicated new trust fund, the Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund to support countries moving swiftly to ratify and implement the Nagoya Protocol. The GEF is also helping more than 112 countries update their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to achieve the agreed Aichi Targets. The GEF has invested over $3 billion toward worthy biodiversity projects, and plan to invest additional $1 billion in the next two years.
During the global launch of the UN Decade on Biodiversity, Ms. Monique Barbut, GEF CEO and Chairperson called for concrete actions to save variety of animals and plants that are essential for maintaining our lives and economy.
During the event, the GEFCEO and Japan Minister of Environment have also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to further promote and implement the Satoyama Initiative, a key effort launched by Japan at the COP10 to mainstream biodiversity in production sectors outside of protected areas, including agriculture and forest lands (read more on the Satoyama Initiative).
While in Japan, the GEF CEO also had fruitful dialogues with key parliamentarians involved in environmental issues, the Minister of Finance, and other high level officials. Particularly, the revitalization and reforms of the GEF during the past years were well recognized that improved effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.
![Japan%20Parliamentarians.jpg Japan%20Parliamentarians.jpg](/sites/default/files/news-images/gef/Japan%2520Parliamentarians.jpg)
From right: Mr. Yoichi Kaneko, Mr.Hideo Hiraoka, Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Ms Monique Barbut, Mr. Masayoshi Yoshino, Mr. Makoto Yamazaki
![Minister%20of%20Japan%20MOF.jpg Minister%20of%20Japan%20MOF.jpg](/sites/default/files/news-images/gef/Minister%2520of%2520Japan%2520MOF.jpg)
Mr. Jun Azumi, Minister of Japan Ministry of Finance and Ms Monique Barbut, GEFCEO and Chairperson