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The GEF includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet’s most pressing challenges in an integrated way. GEF financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work toward meeting international environmental goals. Since its inception, the GEF has mobilized the strength of its partnership to drive and support the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.

The GEF includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet’s most pressing challenges in an integrated way. GEF financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work toward meeting international environmental goals. Since its inception, the GEF has mobilized the strength of its partnership to drive and support the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.

The GEF is part of the financial mechanism to the BBNJ Agreement, supporting the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Ratification of the 60th and 61st countries to the BBNJ Agreement sets into motion its entry to force in 120 days.

“Complete madness!” I heard that phrase a lot when I first broached the idea of swimming around Martha’s Vineyard, off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the new great white shark capital of the world. My response? Madness is what we're currently doing to sharks. Sharks are a powerful signifier of just how out-of-balance our relationship with our ocean has become. And right now, sharks are in deep trouble. 

Fifty years after the blockbuster film “Jaws” turned sharks into the world’s most feared underwater villains, celebrated endurance swimmer and United Nations Environment Programme Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh will seek to rewrite the narrative on sharks for a new generation.From May 15–26, 2025, Pugh will swim the 60-mile (96 km) circumference of Martha’s Vineyard — the same waters that terrified millions — to raise awareness about the slaughter of sharks worldwide and its effect on ocean ecosystems.