RAF At A Glance:
GEF's New Framework for Allocating Resources

What is the RAF?

In September 2005, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council adopted the Resource Allocation Framework (RAF), a new system for allocating GEF resources to recipient countries to increase the impact of GEF funding on the global environment. The RAF allocates resources to countries based on each country’s potential to generate global environmental benefits and its capacity, policies and practices to successfully implement GEF projects. As such, the RAF builds on GEF’s existing country-driven approach and partnerships with Implementing and Executing Agencies, and provides countries with increased predictability in the allocation of GEF funds.

When and for what focal areas will the RAF be implemented?

Implementation will begin in July 2006 and will apply to resources for financing biodiversity and climate change projects.

How will resources be allocated through the RAF?

The indicative allocations for each country during a replenishment period will be publicly disclosed at the outset of each replenishment period. These allocations will be adjusted every two years to reflect changes in each county’s capacity and potential to deliver global environmental benefits. All eligible countries will have access to resources for biodiversity and climate change to support enabling activities and projects in these areas. Each country will work with the GEF Implementing and Executing Agencies to develop project proposals to be financed from its indicative allocation. Country allocations will be published once funding for the next four year phase of the GEF has been finalized.

What support will be provided for countries to build their capacity to implement the RAF?

The RAF is intended to strengthen each country’s ability to ensure that GEF financing is based on country priorities and reflects guidance from the international environmental conventions for which the GEF serves as the financial mechanism. The Council has expanded support for GEF national focal point development and national capacity development so that countries can better address global environmental challenges and strengthen their capacities to work through the RAF approach. Two new initiatives – Country Support Program (CSP) for Focal Points and the GEF National Dialogue Initiative – will provide opportunities for stakeholders to seek clarification and provide feedback about the RAF.

Are there systems in place like the RAF in other international institutions?

The new system is similar to resource allocation systems in place at other international financial institutions, such as the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Are any GEF resources available outside the RAF?

In addition to their allocations, countries can receive GEF financing for projects in the other focal areas (international waters, land degradation, ozone layer depletion, and persistent organic pollutants), cross-cutting capacity building projects and the Small Grants Programme, which finances smaller projects that encourage wider participation by civil society, and through regional and global projects.

When will the RAF be evaluated?

An independent review of the operational experience with the RAF will be undertaken by the GEF Evaluation Office after two years of implementation.

How will more information be provided?

A variety of channels, including country consultations, fact sheets and FAQs, will be used to inform stakeholders at the country, regional and global levels about the RAF starting in February 2006.

General Contact information:

Information for Focal Points:

Funke Oyewole - focalpoints@thegef.org

This page was last updated on March 7, 2006.