IEO conducts accountability and learning-focused evaluations that generate lessons learned for the GEF. The evaluations focus on results, impact and performance of the GEF, and address strategic issues of the partnership.
Overall Performance Studies (OPS) are performed every four years to provide solid evaluative evidence to donors. These evaluations provide an independent assessment of performance and results of the GEF over a GEF replenishment period. The comprehensive evaluations assess the extent to which the GEF is achieving its objectives and identify potential areas of improvement.
Evaluation of the GEF-UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme 2018
The Global Environment Facility/United Nations Industrial Development Organization (GEF/UNIDO) Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeks to encourage cleantech entrepreneurial solutions for pressing environmental and economic challenges, particularly climate change. The purpose of this Evaluation of the GCIP is to provide stakeholders (GEF Council, GEF Secretariat, participating country Operational Focal Points, and UNIDO) with insights into the program and lessons for similar future projects/programs.
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International Waters (IW) Focal Area Study 2016
The Independent Evaluation Office recently undertook a third study of the International Waters focal area, with the previous ones completed in 2002 and 2005. The purpose of this study is to provide insights and lessons for GEF-7 based on evidence from an analysis of the IW portfolio, terminal evaluations of completed projects, interviews with stakeholders, and remote sensing analysis. English
Evaluation of the Expansion of the GEF Partnership 2016
During the GEF-5 replenishment negotiations it was agreed that, within the framework of paragraph 28 of the GEF Instrument, the GEF partnership needs to be broadened further to enhance country ownership in the GEF operation and to provide recipient countries greater choice in terms of agencies with which they work. At the request of GEF Council, GEF Independent Evaluation Office (GEF IEO) conducted a Process Evaluation of the Expansion of the GEF Partnership to assess the design, transparency and efficiency related aspects of the accreditation process.
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Evaluation of the GEF’S System for Transparent Allocation of Resources (STAR) 2017
In September 2005, the GEF Council agreed to implement a resource allocation framework for the GEF 4 replenishment period. Implementation of the resource allocation framework started in 2006 and it covered biodiversity and climate change focal areas. During its implementation, several weaknesses in its design such as group allocations for some countries, a 50 percent ceiling on resource utilization within first two years of replenishment period, and inadequacy of set-asides, became apparent.
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Formative Review of the Integrated Approach Pilot (IAP) Programs 2017
This evaluation is a formative review of the three Integrated Approach Pilots introduced in GEF-6. They were designed to implement integrated programming as a means of achieving systemic change at scale by addressing the major drivers of global environmental degradation in a holistic way. They are:
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Evaluation of GEF Engagement with Indigenous Peoples (IPs) 2017
The GEF has been engaging with indigenous peoples since its inception and significant steps have been taken by the GEF to increase the engagement and participation of indigenous peoples in GEF activities over time. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the GEF’s engagement activities with indigenous peoples and provide insights and lessons leading to recommendations to strengthen GEF collaborations.
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Evaluation of GEF Support for Transformational Change 2017
Supporting transformational change is a strategic priority of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), as cited in its 2020 vision statement. In this context, transformational change can be understood as deep, systemic, and sustainable change with large-scale impact in an area of global environmental concern.
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Evaluation of Knowledge Management (KM) in the GEF 2017
The relevance of knowledge management to the GEF mandate has been increasingly recognized over the past 15 years. However, the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Overall Performance Studies of the GEF reported that the approach to knowledge management during this period was not comprehensive and had insufficient resources. This evaluation assessed the role of the GEF partnership as a knowledge broker and provider, the relevance and effectiveness of knowledge management and sharing across the GEF partnership, and the barriers to and opportunities for successful implementation.
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Evaluation of Gender Mainstreaming in the GEF 2017
The Sixth Comprehensive Evaluation of the GEF (OPS6) (GEF/ME/C.50/07) aims to report on the progress towards achieving gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment. The overarching OPS6 evaluative question is “to what extent have gender issues and evaluation of its effectiveness been mainstreamed into GEF’s work since the development of its gender policy?” The objectives of the OPS6 Sub-study on Gender Mainstreaming in the GEF are to:
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Program Evaluation of the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) 2017
This study seeks to provide insights and lessons on the Global Environment Facility (GEF) adaptation portfolio for the GEF-7 replenishment cycle. It assesses the Special Climate Change Fund’s (SCCF’s) efficacy, results, successes, and shortcomings through a thorough evaluation of the portfolio.
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