COVID-19 disrupted economies, strained governments, and reshaped how development projects operate. GEF projects were no exception.

This evaluation reviews both the pandemic’s immediate effects and how lessons are being mainstreamed into GEF policies and project design. It also examines protected areas to assess the impact of COVID-19 on ecosystems.

Projects endorsed after the onset of the pandemic are more likely to incorporate risk mitigation, adaptive management, and scenario-based planning.

Evaluation overview

• Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and supply chain breakdowns delayed procurement, stalled fieldwork, and made stakeholder consultations difficult; biodiversity projects and those dependent on ecotourism were especially at risk.
• Virtual platforms, remote sensing, and stronger local partnerships helped projects adapt, while GEF-supported activities like sustainable farming provided households with food and income during lockdowns.
• The report recommends embedding resilience and adaptive management in all proposals, expanding support for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to reduce reliance on ecotourism, and institutionalizing remote supervision tools to strengthen monitoring in future crises.

Methodology

The evaluation covers portfolio data, monitoring reports, and case studies, while also assessing 595 protected areas in 10 countries using satellite evidence to track vegetation and nighttime lights.