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Update on Resource Allocation Framework
At its June 2006 meeting, the GEF Council requested the Secretariat to (i) strengthen its outreach and communications with the Conventions in order to enhance the understanding of the RAF; (ii) report to the Council issues and challenges raised at the sub-regional consultations; and (iii) continue to monitor the implementation of the RAF and to report to the Council any relevant developments. In addition, the Council also requested the Secretariat and the Implementing and Executing Agencies to assist the national focal points in fulfilling their central role at the national level in implementing the RAF. This brief progress report highlights steps taken by GEF toward implementing the RAF.
Towards strengthening the outreach and communications with the UNFCCC and CBD, the GEF has (i) reported on new developments on the RAF in each of the reports to the climate change and biodiversity conventions; (ii) proactively organized special side events on the RAF at the margins of the COP; (iii) sent delegations to the COP to answer any questions; and (iv) held regular consultations with the Convention Secretariats.
Between April and August 2006 the GEF organized eight sub-regional consultations for GEF Operational and Political Focal Points to introduce and provide guidance to them on the RAF and to obtain feedback from them on the Country Support Program. Interest in these consultations was high with nearly 90% of the recipient countries participating. Recipient countries were most interested in (i) adequacy of consultations prior to and after Council adoption of the RAF; (ii) implication of the RAF in specific types of projects and programs; (iii) modalities for changes to the RAF; (iv) transition to the RAF; and (v) roles and needs of focal points under the RAF.
After the successful completion of the GEF-4 replenishment agreement in August 2006, the GEF Secretariat determined the GEF Benefits Index, the GEF Performance Index and the Initial Allocations of all countries eligible for biodiversity and climate change for GEF-4 in accordance with the Council agreed methodology. They were publicly disclosed on September 2006 in accordance with the public disclosure policy agreed to by Council.
A total of 75 countries have sent an initial country priority list as of October 31, 2006 indicating their initial ideas regarding the use of their allocations under the RAF. A preliminary review of these country priority lists identified two issues of concern (i) how the proposals in the list reflect national priorities, GEF strategies, global environmental commitments and (ii) the substantial number of projects proposed to be developed by GEF agencies outside their comparative advantage. In addition, most countries in the group were proposing projects up to the upper limit for countries in the group.
The Secretariat has initiated dialogue with recipient countries starting with those who have sent prioritized lists focused on (i) the priority areas for the use of RAF allocations in GEF-4 and (ii) the share of resources to be allocated to each priority.
More information on the Resource Allocation Framework |
