This evaluation examines how GEF-funded projects generate socioeconomic co-benefits alongside environmental outcomes. It finds that co-benefits—ranging from improved livelihoods and skills to strengthened local institutions—are increasingly recognized as integral to project performance. The most consistent results were observed in human and social capital, with evidence from Chad, Mexico, and Nepal showing enhanced community capacities, environmental awareness, and inclusive governance. Income gains and health improvements were often at an initial stage by project completion and under-reported by project monitoring systems. The evaluation highlights that well-designed projects, aligned with existing community-level initiatives and supported by local institutions, are more likely to generate lasting co-benefits. However, short project durations, weak coordination, and limited inter-project and inter-agency coordination constrain sustainability and scale-up.
Countries:
Chad, Mexico, Nepal