What is the RAF?
In September 2005, the GEF Council adopted the Resource Allocation Framework (RAF), a new system for allocating GEF resources to recipient countries.
Under the RAF, resources are being allocated to countries based on their potential to generate global environmental benefits and their capacity, policies and practices to successfully implement GEF projects. Better targeting of GEF resources is expected to increase their impact on the global environment. The RAF builds on GEF’s existing country-driven approach and partnerships with GEF Implementing and Executing Agencies, and provides countries with increased predictability in the financing available from the GEF. The GEF is not the only institution to use a resource allocation system. Other systems, similar to the RAF, are 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). |
|
- What is RAF?
- Implementing the RAF
- GEF Benefits Index
- GEF Performance Index
- RAF Mid-Term Reallocation
- FAQ
GEF Resource Allocation Framework (English, French , Spanish)
RAF Background Papers |
RAF implementation began in July 2006 and applies to resources for financing biodiversity and climate change projects through the 4th replenishment of the GEF.
During the replenishment period there is an initial indicative resources allocation for each country, publicly disclosed at the outset of each replenishment period. These allocations will be adjusted every two years (RAF mid-term reallocation) to reflect changes in each country’s capacity and potential to deliver global environmental benefits.
A variety of channels, including country consultations, fact sheets and FAQs, have been used to inform stakeholders at the country, regional and global levels about the RAF. All eligible countries have access to resources to support enabling activities and projects in the biodiversity and climate change focal areas. Each country will work with the GEF Agencies to develop project proposals to be financed from its indicative allocation.
Capacity building 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. Two new initiatives – Country Support Programme (CSP) for Focal Points and the GEF National Dialogue Initiative – provide opportunities for stakeholders to seek clarification and provide feedback about the RAF.
GEF resources available outside the RAF
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, the Small Grants Programme (which finances smaller projects that encourage wider participation by civil society), and through regional and global projects.
RAF evaluation
After two years of implementation, the GEF Evaluation Office is undertaking an independent mid-term review of the RAF. The RAF will also be evaluated at the end of GEF-4 as part of an independent Overall Performance Study of the fourth replenishment period of the GEF.