Chemicals and wastes such as persistent organic pollutants, mercury, and ozone-depleting substances continue to endanger people and ecosystems, underscoring the need to assess how well global responses are working.

This evaluation, the first comprehensive review of the Chemicals and Waste focal area, examines GEF support from GEF-4 through GEF-6 using portfolio and terminal evaluations alongside stakeholder interviews. Findings show the focal area remains highly relevant to the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions and generally performs on par with other focal areas in outcomes and implementation quality.

Projects have successfully reduced pollutants and demonstrated effective disposal methods, yet most have not established the financial or institutional mechanisms needed to sustain or scale these results.

Progress has also been slowed by long implementation timelines, inconsistent monitoring systems, and uneven communication across the GEF partnership.

The report recommends developing stronger strategies for scaling-up through innovative financing, supporting broader regulatory reform, maintaining attention to ozone-depleting substances, strengthening monitoring practices, and improving transparency and collaboration within the partnership.