12. pants

Eligibility for access to funding under this Agreement

shall be open to developing States Parties on the basis of need.

Funding under the special fund shall be distributed according to

equitable sharing criteria, taking into account the needs for

assistance of Parties with special requirements, in particular

the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries,

geographically disadvantaged States, small island developing

States and coastal African States, archipelagic States and

developing middle-income countries, and taking into account the

special circumstances of small island developing States and of

least developed countries. The special fund shall be aimed at

ensuring efficient access to funding through simplified

application and approval procedures and enhanced readiness of

support for such developing States Parties.