The Sixth International Conference of The World Information Transfer will be held at United Nations Headquarters on 17 -18 April 1997. That's the bureaucracy. What is the future of the controversial 'incremental cost' principle, under which the GEF only covers the difference in costs between activities a country would pursue for its own national development benefit, and actions needed for the benefit of the global environment - a topic that has generated considerable discontent in the Biodiversity Convention Conference of the Parties in particular. El-Ashry's replies were frank, but diplomatic, and sometimes personal. On streamlining procedures, El-Ashry said the GEF is doing all it can.
Incremental costs is an issue that seems to generate more heat than light.
While many countries complain that the principle is opaque and obstructive, some insiders argue that in reality a very flexible approach has been taken to biodiversity projects in particular, and that incremental costs has in fact meant total costs. This seems to be another area where the GEF needs to put more effort into clarifying and communicating its message. It may not be perfect, but it's the only global environmental fund we have. In a political and economic climate in nearly all donor countries in which public spending is under severe pressure, not to mention the hostility to internationalism in the US in particular, NGOs should support the GEF - while working to improve it. Unfortunately, staff were unable to distinguish any managers to produce the required bid.