Australia has cut its contributions to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by more than 80%, just days before negotiators arrived in Lima for the annual UN climate change conference.

“Whether it’s air pollution, whether it’s ozone depleting substances, what’s happening in the world’s oceans, the conservation of biodiversity—for a relatively small amount, Australia benefits from leveraging well over $500 million in contributions that other countries make,” said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

“As an executive director, you have to be disappointed, because clearly the contribution of member states is what enables UNEP to fulfil its mandate and be of service to the global community.”