Progress Report on the Country Support Programme (CSP) for Focal Points

- Direct Support

Sub-regional Workshop for GEF Focal PointsEastern and Southern AfricaNairobi, 14-16 May 2007

Objectives of this presentation

Quick Summary of the CSP Programme – direct support

The Six Targeted Goals Progress so Far How Countries have used the direct funds Key Challenges

Quick Summary of the CSP Program – direct support

Provides financial, technical and logistical support to GEF focal points to effectively carry out their multi faceted mandates for supporting GEF programs in their countries and constituencies, including the improvement of overall national and constituency coordination of GEF issues.

Quick Summary of the CSP Programme – direct support

Developed in response to:• Needs expressed by Focal Points

> Evaluation of Focal Point Support Programme

> OPS 3 recommendations

> 3rd Replenishment recommendations To facilitate the process for applying for, and

effectively utilizing available resources CSP toolkit has been designed

Focal Points are provided with sample annual work plans to serve only as a guide

Duration: 4 years, 2006 – 2009 CSP launched in March, 2006

Six Targeted Goals

Increase awareness of the GEF strategic priorities, policies and programsCreate institutional memory of GEF policies and programs in the appropriate government ministryIncrease coordination among national agencies with a view to ensuring greater country ownership and a cohesive approach across the govt to global environmental issues and GEF supportDevelop a database to keep track of GEF portfolio of projects and concepts in the countryPromote mainstreaming of global environmental issues into the national sustainable development strategiesStrengthen stakeholder involvement in global environmental programs

Progress so Far

Generally African countries have been very responsive with over 50% of total eligible countries having initiated the

process to request funds

Progress so Far

In Africa 51 countries are eligible Since Program inception in March 06, 28 countries have

initiated process to apply for support 20 countries have completed process and received funds One country has actually finished activities; submitted

financial and substantive reports with newspaper excerpts on GEF activities in the country – very exemplary

Majority of countries to submit reports for FY06 by mid June/July

Countries able to use direct support funds to facilitate national coordination, vital step in RAF project prioritization process

How Countries have used direct support funds

1. Increase awareness

2. Create institutional memory

3. Increase coordination among national agencies

4. Develop a database to keep track of GEF portfolio

5. Promote mainstreaming of global environmental issues

6. Strengthen stakeholder involvement

Key Challenges

Realizing the catalytic potential of the CSP direct support funds (2 good examples)

Focal Points proposing activities that clearly reflect their needs and ensuring they can build incrementally on the activities during the next three years

Monitoring implementation of activities to ensure that outputs are being achieved at the country level

Annual reports to be rendered to the GEF Secretariat at the end of each fiscal year