C o n s u l t a t i o n  
International and local NGOs, local communities, and groups affected by the project are consulted as part of the process of project design.  The aim is to facilitate a full exchange of views and to ensure local participation in both the development and implementation of GEF projects.
 

  T e c h n i c a l  R e v i e w  
Each project is first circulated for peer review within the agency responsible for implementation to ensure that it meets the basic GEF criteria.  Next, the project undergoes a thorough technical review by the agency technical staff and independent scientists, including at least one person from a roster of technical experts compiled by the GEF's Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP).  Staff from each of the implementing agencies are invited to comment or participate in the review.  Finally, the project is reviewed by the STAP.
  

  I m p l e m e n t i n g  C o m m i t t e e  
The Implementing Committee is the main vehicle through which the UNDP, UNEP, and the World Bank coordinate the GEF.  The three agencies work closely together in developing a portfolio of GEF activities (work programme) which is consistent with participating governments' and STAP's guidelines.  The committee (composed of GEF managers from all three agencies) meets quarterly to coordinate and review programme and policy issues, and to select sets of projects ("tranches") eligible for inclusion in the work programme.  The work programme is then set to participating government for review.  The Implementation Committee also provides a forum to exchange views on strategic and administrative questions.
 

  P a r t i c i p a n t s '  A s s e m b l y  
Governments participating in the GEF ("Participants") meet twice a year to approve the Facility's work programme (not individual projects) and provide strategic direction.  As such, they constitute the principal policy-making body of the GEF and act as its ultimate arbiter.  Decisions are normally taken on the basis of consensus.  When this does not prove possible, a voting system is used that guarantees an equitable representation of the interests of developing countries while giving due weight to the funding efforts of the donors.
 

  A g e n c y  P r e p a r a t i o n  &  A p p r o v a l  
Once a project has been reviewed by the STAP and included in the work programme by the Participants' Assembly, responsibility for its further preparation and final approval resides with the Implementing Agency responsible for the particular project.
  

  E v a l u a t i o n  
All projects will be systematically evaluated.  Consistency is ensured through a common approach to the ex post evaluation process.
 
  

  E L I G I B I L I T Y   C R I T E R I A  

 For projects to be eligible for GEF financing, they must: 

• Fall under one of the 11 Operational Programmes

• Be consistent with Conventions and with National and/or regional activities

• Be country driven, based on natural priorities and endorsed by an eligible host government

• Produce measurable benefits to global environment

• Undertake Incremental Cost Analysis

• Engage the broad participation of affected groups and stakeholders

• Be cost-effective, replicable and sustainable

• Possess a firm scientific and technical foundation and include plans or monitoring and evaluation

• Provide full disclosure of information

 Who is eligible for submitting project proposals: 

Each of the governments, national institutions, community-based organizations (CBOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, international organizations, and private sector agencies can submit project proposals.

The project proposer can at the same time be the executing and receive the GEF fund to execute the project with the support of the Ministry of Environment.