GEF-SGP embodies the very essence of sustainable development. By providing financial and technical support to projects in developing countries that conserve and restore the natural world while enhancing the well-being and livelihoods of the people, SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the fine balance between human needs and environmental imperatives. SGP links global, national and local level issues through a transparent, participatory and country driven approach to project planning, designing and implementation. Grants are made available directly to the non governmental organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations (CBOs) in recognition of the key facilitatory role they play as a resource and constituency for environment and development concerns.

• Launched in 1992, SGP supports activities of non-governmental and community-based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity , protection of international waters , reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods.
• Funded by the Global Environment Facility ( GEF ) as a corporate programme, SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services ( UNOPS ).
• At present, 95 countries participate in SGP having ratified the conventions on biological diversity and climate change .
• There are 81 country offices,two regional offices, and two sub-regional offices with day-to-day management by SGP National Coordinators
• The overall SGP project portfolio comprises 60% biodiversity, 20% climate change, 6% international waters, and 14% multi-focal issues.
• The funding to date comprises US$247.2 million from GEF and US$242.8 million from other partners in cash or in-kind equivalents.
• The maximum grant amount per project is US$50,000, but averages around US$20,000. Grants are channeled directly to CBOs and NGOs.
• More than 7,000 grants have been awarded worldwide to date, with many benefiting multiple communities.
• SGP features decentralized decision-making about grant awards, based in strategic direction by a voluntary National Steering Committee in each participating country.
• A small central programme management team , based in New York, is staffed by nine people.