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VIII. GEF-NGO Network News NGO Guide to the GEF Developed by NGOs, this new guide is intended to help NGOs understand how the GEF operates, how to apply for its funds, and how to influence its policies. Since this new guide is a work in progress, it will be updated as the GEF evolves and adopts new policies. For convenience, the guide is available for download either in its entirety or by individual sections on the GEF website at: thegef.org. Accredited NGO’s Posted on the Website A list of the GEF accredited NGOs is now posted on the GEF website at: www.thegef.org. The list includes those NGOs who have recently updated their records with the GEF Secretariat. Should there be an accredited NGO that is not included in the list, please complete the form provided on the same subsite and return it to the GEF Secretariat, either to Dora Cudjoe, dcudjoe@thegef.org or to Alaa Sarhan, asarhan@thegef.org. NGO Network Consultations The GEF NGO Consultations held during the GEF Council Meetings provide a forum for NGOs to exchange views and concerns related to GEF policies and projects. NGOs, the GEF Secretariat, the Implementing and Executing Agencies, the Evaluation Office and Council members are all invited to attend these consultations. During the last Consultation, which took place on November 7, 2005, in Washington DC, NGOs expressed their views on the following key issues: RAF. NGOs expressed their interest in providing their input to the draft guidelines for the RAF once the draft is ready. Small Grants Programme (SGP). While recognizing the implications of the RAF on the SGP, NGOs stressed the need for the NGO Network to partner with the SGP to develop strategic projects. Independent Review of the NGO Network. NGOs acknowledged that the review pointed out critical issues for the NGO Network. However, much of the discussion on this issue was related to the need for the NGO Network to address the findings and the recommendations of the review. Local Benefits Study, conducted by the GEF Evaluation Office. The NGO Network acknowledged the effort undertaken by the study team for collecting and analyzing information on the local benefits obtained by selected GEF- funded projects. Elements for a Biosafety Strategy. NGOs emphasized the importance of such a strategy to enhance the capacity of countries in the field of biosafety. One of the main concluding remarks made at the NGO Consultation was the re-emphasis on the need and significance of the NGO Network to evolve and develop into a vibrant and relevant institution within the GEF structure, that is, to revisit its role to ensure improved efficiency and adding value to its activities and interventions. The NGO Consultations report as well as a compilation of the NGO interventions in the November 2005 GEF Council are available at: thegef.org |
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