Biodiversity Reports

Evaluation of GEF Support for Biosafety: Executive Version (2006). This is an evaluation of GEF activities for assisting countries to prepare for the entry into force and implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The evaluation covers efforts to prepare draft National Biosafety Frameworks in 130 countries, the implementation of such frameworks in 12 countries and initial plans for capacity building for the establishment of national mechanisms to participate in the Biosafety Clearing House. The main chapters address issues of capacity development in risk management, regional collaboration and harmonization, stakeholder participation, biosafety policy and regulatory development, and the contribution of GEF to the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol. A specific component of the evaluation was carried out by Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam (UNEP-GEF Toolkits Evaluation: Stakeholder Review), whose team conducted a review of the UNEP Toolkit used by countries as the primary guidance material for the development of National Biosafety Frameworks.

Full Report
Executive Version-French
Executive Version-Spanish

Biodiversity Program Study (2004).  The GEF Biodiversity Program Study was conducted by an independent biodiversity expert in collaboration with staff of the GEF Office of M&E.  Staff from GEF Implementing Agencies and STAP collaborated in the design of the Terms of Reference and with particular modules. The program study utilized relevant findings and lessons from different GEFME sponsored studies and activities, such as Portfolio Performance Reviews (PPRs), review of midterm and terminal evaluations as well as Implementing Agencies' own databases, analyses and studies.  Lessons and recommendations coming from the program study took into account the biodiversity strategic priorities recently approved by the GEF Council. The objectives of the study were to review, assess and report on:

1. The results (achievements of outcomes and impacts) of the GEF's biodiversity program

2. Progress in the implementation of key recommendations from OPS2 and the first biodiversity program study

3. Responsiveness, follow up and feedback on guidance from the CBD and GEF Council in the context of the biodiversity program

4. Application of selected issues and GEF's review criteria within the context of the GEF biodiversity program

5. The challenges faced in delivering in these areas, overarching lessons learned from the ongoing implementation of the biodiversity portfolio and recommendations to continue the development of the focal area.

Review of Financial Arrangements in GEF-Supported Biodiversity Projects (2003). This study was carried out by a team consisting of representatives from the GEF Office of M&E, the GEF Secretariat, biodiversity focal points of the three Implementing Agencies and the technical team of the Wildlife Conservation Society Conservation Finance Program. An Advisory Committee was also formed with representatives of non-GEF institutions, including Conservation International (CI), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Brazil's Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO), a GEF-supported fund. The rationale for the study emerged from the findings and conclusions of several earlier evaluations which suggested that biodiversity initiatives supported by the GEF needed to become financially self-sufficient beyond the completion of the GEF-funded phase. The document consists of three parts: (1) the context and scope of the study defining the concept of financial arrangement used; (2) the main findings of the study, including the rapid review of the portfolio, a more in-depth look at a sample of 18 projects selected by the Implementing Agencies, and the integrated analysis of four case studies; and (3) general considerations about the development of a sustainable finance solution for biodiversity conservation projects.

Program Study on Biodiversity (2002).

For publications before 2000 please see the Archives.