International environment programs

Australia recognises the links between the environment and poverty, and that preventing environmental degradation is an essential element of alleviating poverty and ensuring sustainable development. Australia provides support to developing countries through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), to help them meet international environment agreements. The Facility funds projects in six focal areas of biodiversity, climate change, international waters, ozone, land degradation and persistent organic pollutants. In 2005–06, Australia will participate in negotiations for the fourth replenishment of the GEF. A total of $15.9 million will be provided to the GEF through the aid program in 2005–06.

The aid program will also continue its support for the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund to phase out ozone depleting substances, with the sixth replenishment due to be finalised in 2005–06. An estimated $4.3 million will be contributed to the fund in 2005–06.

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