Earmarked Contributions are made by Governments, United Nations agencies, other organizations, non-state actors and individuals, for specific activities, services and facilities for individual projects. In 1990-1999 the earmarked contributions were fluctuating before doubling in 2000-2001 compared to the previous biennium of 1998-1999. In 2000-2001 the total support to UNEP received through earmarked contributions was US$19.6million. In 2002 - 2003 the earmarked contributions continued to grow and exceeded a total amount of US$41.5million.

In 2004 - 2005, the increase was modest and the earmarked payments reached approximately US$45million. That was a result of the partial replacement of earmarked contributions by partnership agreements now managed through Trust Funds.

Financial resources, in the form of earmarked contributions, to complement general contributions to the Environment Fund have helped UNEP to carry out its work during the recent period of financial constraint and have been most welcome. UNEP is currently focusing on stimulation of earmarked contributions in support to priority projects and programme areas approved by the Governing Council decisions.

Some examples of earmarked contributions in 2005:

- Support to the Conservation of Migratory Species' Conference Of the Parties, US$14,330 from Finland;
- Support towards the Biodiversity Resolution Implemementation US$61,779 from Norway;
- Support towards Chemical Information Exchange US$68,027 from Switzerland;
- Additional support towards the Conservation of Migratory Species US$94,575 from United Kingdom.