5. Focal area performance

This chapter presents an analysis of performance and key findings across the GEF focal areas, drawing on evidence from GEF-8 evaluations of the climate change mitigation, international waters, and chemicals and waste portfolios, alongside multiple evaluations covering biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and land degradation. The assessment focuses on strategic alignment, relevance, performance, and sustainability, using portfolio data from the GEF Portal and performance ratings from IEO-validated terminal evaluations through June 2024.

The chapter also examines how the GEF’s focal areas have evolved from GEF-5 to GEF-8, reflecting a shift toward integrated, cross-sectoral, and systems-level approaches. It highlights core interventions such as conservation, restoration, sustainable use, climate-resilient agriculture, and waste management. The chapter concludes with an overview of the multifocal area portfolio and findings from a recent evaluation of nature-based solutions (NbS)—interventions that cut across multiple focal areas.