Examining GEF engagement in Jamaica sheds light on the opportunities and limits of long-term cooperation in a small island context.

Jamaica was selected for a country portfolio evaluation because of its engagement with the GEF since 1994, its diverse portfolio in biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation, and its participation in regional international waters initiatives. Covering 1994–2010, the study reviewed 14 national projects with GEF funding and co-financing, along with Jamaican components of regional and global projects.

Findings show that biodiversity projects enabled Jamaica to meet its obligations under global conventions, though institutional barriers limit further progress. Climate change initiatives strengthened capacity in renewable energy, efficiency, and adaptation, with results such as nationwide distribution of compact fluorescent bulbs, but financing constraints hinder scale-up. International waters projects built capacity and regional collaboration but face weak prospects for sustaining results. Most activities were enabling or pilot initiatives, providing foundations but leaving sustainability and scaling as key challenges.

The report recommends that Jamaica increase collaboration with development partners, strengthen dissemination and follow-up, and adapt Agency procedures to better suit its context.