The effectiveness of the GEF depends not only on project quality, but also on how quickly support reaches countries.

This evaluation launched in 2005 to address persistent concerns that project preparation and approval times were excessively long despite prior reform efforts. Conducted collaboratively by 11 evaluation departments, the study combined statistical analysis of nearly 2,000 project proposals and 869 enabling activities with surveys, field visits to 18 countries, and extensive desk reviews.

The evaluation finds that while the GEF Activity Cycle safeguarded project quality and consistency with GEF objectives, it had become overly lengthy and complex, creating significant delays and uncertainties for recipient countries. Analysis showed that inefficiencies were systemic, stemming from overlapping responsibilities, unclear accountabilities, and procedural bottlenecks across Agencies and the Secretariat. The main findings and recommendations were presented to the GEF Council in December 2006.

The report concludes that incremental streamlining would not suffice and requested a full redesign of the Activity Cycle.

The Council requested the Secretariat, in collaboration with Agencies and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel, prepare options for a revised Activity Cycle for consideration in June 2007.