The China Mail - Palestinian Official Cites Political Barriers to International Environmental Funding at COP31

Palestine is being denied access to international funding for medium- and large-scale environmental projects for political rather than technical reasons, despite its full membership in relevant international environmental conventions, the head of the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority said Saturday.

Zaghloul Samhan made the remarks during a session at the Palestine Pavilion, organized by the Environmental Quality Authority at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), focusing on the Global Environment Facility (GEF), funding opportunities for environmental projects in Palestine and the obstacles facing Palestinian institutions.

Samhan said the restrictions prevent Palestine from accessing funding allocated for medium- and large-scale projects under GEF programs, despite its full membership in the international environmental agreements underpinning the facility, including the Rio conventions on climate change, combating desertification and biodiversity.

He questioned how Palestine could meet its international obligations and prepare the required studies, reports and assessments while being denied access to the financial resources needed to carry out that work. He expressed hope that the situation would change soon.

Samhan highlighted the importance of the GEF's Small Grants Programme (SGP) in supporting farmers and local communities and strengthening Palestinian resilience. Its projects cover environmental protection, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy.

He also thanked the programme for its support to Palestine since 1999 and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for managing its activities, urging civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations to submit project proposals for the next round of grants.

The session also addressed the environmental challenges facing Palestine, particularly the impact of Israeli military operations on the environment and natural resources, especially in the Gaza Strip, as well as the GEF's operating mechanisms and funding programmes.

Participants reviewed Palestine's experience with the Small Grants Programme and its achievements in supporting community-based initiatives, presenting successful Palestinian projects that have contributed to environmental protection and sustainability.

These included a project to develop environmentally friendly charcoal production, implemented by World Vision; an air quality monitoring network, implemented by the Seeds Association for Development and Culture; and a pilot project to cultivate Pennisetum purpureum (Bana grass) in the village of Safa, implemented by the Palestinian Youth Union.

Participants stressed the need to expand Palestine's access to international environmental financing, including funding for major strategic projects alongside small grants, to support environmental recovery, strengthen resilience and promote sustainability.

T.Luo--ThChM