Gaps in how environmental and social safeguards are applied within the GEF portfolio prompted a review of the Policy on Agency Minimum Standards on Environmental and Social Safeguards, adopted in 2011, to inform the GEF-7 replenishment cycle.

The review, conducted from 2016 to 2017, draws on document analysis, project risk assessments, and consultations with Agencies and Secretariat staff. It finds that the safeguards have added value by harmonizing approaches across the partnership and encouraging several Agencies to strengthen or adopt comprehensive safeguard frameworks.

Environmental and social risks are present in the GEF-6 portfolio, with most projects classified as moderate risk and a smaller number posing high risk, underscoring the importance of effective management.

The Secretariat is informed of potential risks before projects are approved, but it has not established requirements for Agencies to report systematically on safeguard implementation during project execution, and portfolio-level tracking remains absent.

Although the safeguards remain broadly aligned with international practice, newer frameworks highlight emerging thematic gaps. The report recommends updating the safeguard policy, strengthening monitoring and reporting, and supporting capacity development and knowledge sharing across Agencies.