The safe handling of living modified organisms is a pressing global concern, requiring clear regulatory frameworks and strong national capacities.

This evaluation reviews GEF support for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, focusing on activities between 2000 and 2005 to assist countries in developing National Biosafety Frameworks (NBFs). The study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining email questionnaires distributed by the Athena Institute with in-depth interviews and country visits conducted by biosafety specialists.

Findings show that the UNEP-GEF Toolkits provide a stepwise guide for setting up NBFs and are broadly consistent with the Cartagena Protocol, helping countries initiate legislation, institutional arrangements, and capacity building.

Further progress is needed to adapt the Toolkits to country-specific conditions, provide clearer technical guidance, and better align regulations with implementation. Respondents highlight shortages of funding and staff, weak public participation, and poor interministerial coordination, all of which limit sustainability.

The report recommends refining the Toolkits for greater clarity, tailoring guidance to national circumstances, expanding technical and financial support, and strengthening mechanisms for monitoring and learning across countries.