Evaluation Report: Global Environment Facility - Eight Overall Performance Study

The Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Independent Evaluation Office has published the Eighth Overall Performance Study (OPS8), which reviews GEF’s activities during 2022–2025. The report shows that GEF has been a key player in global environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable development. GEF is Finland’s main channel for international environmental financing, and through GEF, Finland fulfills its financial commitments under international climate and environmental agreements.

According to OPS8, GEF programs have delivered significant results. Integrated projects that combine environmental protection with socio-economic benefits have successfully reduced emissions, improved biodiversity, and strengthened local livelihoods. In many countries, GEF-funded actions have led to the renewal of national strategies and the strengthening of environmental policies. The report highlights GEF’s pioneering role in developing innovative solutions, such as climate change mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

OPS8 also emphasizes GEF’s achievements in promoting social inclusion. Gender equality has improved significantly, and an increasing number of projects consider the role of women and youth in decision-making. In addition, GEF has succeeded in creating broad partnerships that bring together governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve common environmental benefits.

The report recommends that GEF continue to build on its strengths and deepen its strategic focus to ensure the sustainability of achieved results. Scaling up innovations and increasing private sector engagement are seen as key factors in the upcoming ninth replenishment period.

Publication

Integration for Greater Impact – Eighth Comprehensive Evaluation of the GEF (PDF, 269 pages, 6.6 MB)