Since its inception in 1992, the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (SGP) has been promoting grassroots action to address global environmental concerns. SGP aims to deliver global environmental benefits in the five GEF focal areas:

·        biodiversity conservation,

·        climate change mitigation

·        protection of international waters

·        prevention of land degradation

·        elimination of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

The GEF SGP is implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the three GEF Implementing Agencies – UNDP, World Bank and United Nations Environment Programme and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Bulgaria applies for SGP opening in 2002 and receives approval in the summer of 2005.