The goal of the GEF-8 Biodiversity focal area strategy is globally significant biodiversity conserved, sustainably used, and restored.  To achieve this goal, the strategy supports the following three objectives:

1.To improve conservation, sustainable use, and restoration of natural ecosystems.

2.To effectively implement the Cartagena and Nagoya protocols.

3.To increase mobilization of domestic resources for biodiversity.

The side event will present the GEF approach to implement objective three of the focal area strategy which aims to support countries in the development and implementation of biodiversity finance plans.   An overview of the approach will be presented and country case studies using the BIOFIN methodology will be highlighted.