Indigenous Peoples play a critical role in conserving biodiversity, as their territories overlap with many of the world’s most biologically diverse areas, yet their full participation and access within the GEF partnership remain uneven.

To assess progress, the Independent Evaluation Office conducted a mixed-methods evaluation from 1991 to 2017 using portfolio analysis, terminal evaluations, interviews with Indigenous representatives and stakeholders, and desk research.

The evaluation finds that engagement of Indigenous Peoples in GEF activities has grown steadily, with projects performing on par with the wider portfolio and with strong participation in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Mechanisms such as the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG), and Small Grants Programme have raised visibility, but barriers persist, including inconsistent application of free, prior, and informed consent across Agencies. While most Agency safeguard policies meet or exceed GEF Minimum Standard 4, gaps remain in monitoring, participation, and clarity on rights.

The report recommends expanding dedicated funding for Indigenous-led projects, updating policies to align with international standards, strengthening the IPAG’s role and capacity, facilitating dialogue with governments, and systematically monitoring safeguards and Indigenous engagement.