G l o b a l E n v i r o n m e n t F a c i l i t y


Summary of Document GEF/C.31/10

Focal Area Strategies and Strategic Programming for GEF-4


Recommended Council Decision

The Council reviewed document GEF/C.31/10, Focal Area Strategies and Strategic
Programming for GEF-4, and approves the strategies as a basis for guiding the
programming of resources during GEF-4. The Council agrees that the structure of long-
term strategic objectives and strategic programs for a replenishment period should replace
the previous operational programs and strategic priorities.

The Council requests the Secretariat, in collaboration with the GEF agencies, to
operationalize the strategic programs and objectives in alignment with the ongoing
development and implementation of the results-based management framework.

The Council requests the Secretariat to initiate work on the development of strategic
objectives and programs for GEF-5 in 2008 with a view to presenting proposed strategic
programming for GEF-5 to the Council at its first meeting in 2009.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.
Revised strategies and proposed strategic programming for GEF-4 are presented for the
six focal areas of the GEF and for two cross-cutting areas (sustainable forest management and
sound chemicals management).
2.
The revised strategy papers presented as annexes to this document are the result of a
consultative process involving external advisory groups and contributions from Council
Members, Convention secretariats, GEF agencies, STAP, and other GEF partners.
3.
The proposed long-term strategic objectives for the focal areas are consistent with the
focal area strategies prepared for the negotiations for the fourth replenishment of the GEF Trust
Fund in 2005 and presented to Council in December 2006. Equivalent strategic objectives have
been defined for the two cross-cutting areas. The expected long-term impacts associated with
each strategic objective have been explicitly stated to emphasize the GEF's drive for results.
4.
As a step towards a more programmatic approach, strategic programs have been
described in support of the long term strategic objectives. These strategic programs define the
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strategic focus of the GEF during the fourth replenishment period. Expected outcomes associated
with each strategic program are explicitly stated. These expected outcomes represent the
collective results from the interventions supported during GEF-4 under each strategic program,
although these results may only materialize later.
5.
The structure of long-term strategic objectives and strategic program that are redefined
for every replenishment period is suggested to replace the previous structure of operational
programs and strategic priorities. The proposed structure balances continuity and flexibility and
supports the emphasis on results.
6.
Indicators have been identified for each expected impact (at the long-term strategic
objective level) and for each expected outcome (at the strategic program level). These indicators
will enable a systematic monitoring of the actual achievement of the expected impacts and
outcomes. The indicator framework will be further developed in connection with the emerging
results-based management framework for the GEF.
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