Introduction
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) helps developing countries to fund projects and programmes that contribute to protecting the global environment. Forests projects, that are of global significance, are eligible for funding primarily under the GEF's Forest Ecosystems Operational Programme, subject to the GEF rules and procedures. To date emphasis has been on conservation in protected areas rather than on the sustainable productive use of forests.The GEF is comprised of a number of funds and mechanisms that can assist countries at different levels. Applying for GEF funding can be complex and protracted. This reflects the complex environmental and scientific problems that GEF seeks to address.