GEF Consultation with Civil Society - Conversation on GEF initiatives and approaches to Civil Society

On the eve of the 67th Meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council, Secretariat staff and Council Members engaged in their 10th consultation with civil society organizations (CSOs) on the theme, “Conversation on GEF initiatives and approaches to Civil Society.”

CSOs, the GEF CSO Network, GEF Council Members, and GEF partners explored GEF initiatives and approaches to broader civil society engagements currently being implemented. These contribute to: a heightened understanding of the GEF’s current approach to enhancing civil society engagement and current initiatives; and leveraging participants’ experiences and knowledge to inform the GEF partnership on pathways towards greater civil society engagement with a view to the GEF-9 replenishment and beyond.

The consultation, facilitated by Gabriella Richardson Temm, GEF Secretariat, took place virtually on 14 June 2023, with approximately 450 people registered for the event, indicating significant interest in this topic.

Presentation and Q&A on the GEF IEO evaluation of Community-based Approaches in the GEF

Kate Steingraber, Evaluation Officer, GEF Independent Evaluation Office (IEO), presented on the findings of the GEF IEO evaluation of community-based approaches (CBA) in the GEF.

She outlined inter alia, that:

• projects that applied CBA achieved higher success ratings than other GEF projects and most projects recorded achieving socioeconomic co-benefits at the close of the project;
• funding for CBA activities in projects has increased over time from 57% to 76%; and
• the GEF project cycle makes it challenging to apply good practice of community engagement in the project design phase.

According to the GEF IEO, CBA good practice involves six dimensions: decision making and accountability; incorporation of local institutions; recognition of human rights and equality; accountability of implementers to users; devolved financial and technical resources; and legitimacy in the eyes of the users.

Overview of the GEF’s Approach and Initiatives Towards Broader Civil Society Engagement

Adriana Moreira, Lead Specialist, GEF Partnerships Division, highlighted the GEF’s commitment to enhance CSO participation throughout the GEF portfolio and partnerships. She described the origins and role of: the GEF CSO Network; the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG), the GEF Gender Partnership (GGP); the Small Grants Programme (SGP); the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI); the Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Program; and the GEF Fonseca Leadership Program. She underscored the GEF’s commitment to creating opportunities for CSOs to drive transformative change.

Reflections and facilitated conversation on the GEF’s approach to civil society engagement.

Faizal Parish, Chair of the GEF CSO Network, moderated the panel.

Leonel Requena, National Coordinator for Belize SGP, UN Development Programme, highlighted the role of the SGP as the “people’s GEF” given its support for CSOs and local governance models. Underscoring severe challenges in sustaining investments and innovations beyond SGP funding, he called for new financing models and an integrated approach to promote science that blends traditional knowledge.

Juliet Grace Luwedde, UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Youth Caucus Global Focal Point, Uganda, highlighted the role of youth within the UNCCD in mobilizing action on land degradation issues. She called for greater GEF resources to support this process.

Cecile (Tita) Guidote-Alvarez, Director of Earthsavers. Philippines, underscored that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace, combating poverty and pollution, and changing attitudes and behavior. She highlighted that her organization uses arts and education, including rap and soap operas, to reach the whole of society, including persons with disabilities, to “transform life on the planet.” She underscored the importance of GEF engagement in a “culture-based education for all.”

Tumaini Charles Marijani, CSO Network Regional Focal Point for East Africa, Tanzania, highlighted several initiatives of the Government of Tanzania that reach women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples. He recommended that the GEF have a project for small scale farmers across developing countries.

In closing the panel, Parish underscored the importance of engaging every sector of society and called on the GEF to pay attention to concrete opportunities presented hereto.

Moderated Q&A Session and Reflections

In a question and answer session led by Charles Dixon Gray, External Advisor, GEF SGP, participants touched upon, inter alia: CSO participation in the Summit for the Future process; youth engagement in the GEF; and climate education.

Council Member Aliona Cara-Rusnac, Moldova, thanked civil society for: playing a vital role in environmental protection; bringing in new ideas; being creative and modern; and keeping an eye on civil servants and donors. She said she will enthusiastically bring the ideas she heard at the CSO consultation to the upcoming GEF Council meeting.

Closing Remarks

Claude Gascon, GEF Director, Strategy and Operations, thanked participants for highlighting how all members of society can contribute to GEF processes. He underscored that local actions are the needed approach to restore the environment.