12. Article

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.