The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has donated US$820 million to fund about 100 environmental protection projects in China, GEF CEO and Chairperson Monique Barbut said Tuesday.

At an official celebration for GEF's Honorary Day at the Shanghai World Expo, Barbut said the donations spurred a further US$7 billion in investment from governments, businesses and and civil society organizations.

"Together we have accomplished a lot, including addressing the challenges of climate change, preserving biodiversity, reducing dangerous pesticides in food and water, and protecting food security through better land management," she said.

Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao said the projects have benefited 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

Zhu said that China as one of GEF's funding members has participated in 27 global and regional environmental protection programs.

Established in 1991, the GEF has 182 members. It makes grants and facilitates technology transfers to help developing countries tackle climate change, protect biodiversity and preserve water resources.

The world's largest public fund, the GEF has granted US$8.8 billion for 2,400 projects in more than 165 countries.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2010)