IEU publications
To serve the needs of our stakeholders, the IEU issues a variety of publications related to our work, including in the context of evaluations and learning. Keep up with the IEU’s latest publications here.
Featured publications
Independent evaluation of the GCF’s approach to and Portfolio of Climate Information and Early Warning System Interventions (CIEWS)
This evaluation report examines how the GCF has supported developing countries to strengthen resilience, preparedness, and response to climate change.
Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Approach to Country Ownership (COA2025)
This independent evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approach to country ownership was approved by the GCF Board as part of the 2025 workplan of the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) and is submitted in time for its forty-third meeting (B
Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Simplified Approval Process (SAP2025)
The Green Climate Fund’s Simplified Approval Process (SAP) was created to make climate finance more accessible and responsive, thus enabling smaller, lower-risk projects to address urgent climate needs in vulnerable countries.
MELting Silos: Mixing Evaluations with Monitoring & Learning Across the Green Climate Fund
This IEU Learning Brief, prepared jointly by the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) and the Department of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (DMEL), examines how the Green Climate Fund (GCF) can better align its monitoring, evaluation, and learni
Executive Summary: Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Simplified Approval Process
September 2025
The Simplified Approval Process (SAP) was established to deliver faster and more accessible climate finance for smaller-scale, lower-risk projects in countries most vulnerable to climate change. This executive summary of the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s SAP presents the modality’s progress, key findings, conclusions, and recommendations, contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen efficiency, accessibility, and impact across the GCF’s programming and the wider climate finance landscape...
Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Simplified Approval Process (SAP2025): Annexes
September 2025
This document presents the detailed annexes supporting the evaluation of the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Simplified Approval Process. It includes the underlying evidence, methodology, and supplementary materials that inform the analysis presented in the Final Report, where the evaluation’s key findings, conclusions, and recommendations are detailed.
Independent Synthesis of the GCF’s Gender Approach
September 2025
Approved at the fortieth meeting of the GCF Board (B.40), this formative Gender Synthesis consolidates insights from past evaluations, assessments, and studies to inform the forthcoming Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Gender Approach. The Synthesis examines gender integration at both institutional and project levels, highlighting the Fund’s progress in advancing from a gender-sensitive to a gender-responsive approach under the 2019 Updated Gender Policy and Gender Action Plan.
Executive Summary: Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Approach to Country Ownership (COA2025)
September 2025
This document presents the Executive Summary of the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Approach to Country Ownership (COA2025). It outlines the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the evaluation, which was conducted as part of the IEU’s 2025 workplan and submitted to the GCF Board ahead of its 43rd meeting. The evaluation assesses how the principle of country ownership is interpreted and implemented across the Fund’s operations, identifies systemic challenges, and offers guidance...
MELting Silos: Mixing Evaluations with Monitoring & Learning Across the Green Climate Fund
September 2025
This IEU Learning Brief, prepared jointly by the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) and the Department of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (DMEL), examines how the Green Climate Fund (GCF) can better align its monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) functions. It traces the evolution of MEL roles within the GCF, compares approaches from other multilateral funds, and identifies areas of complementarity and overlap between the IEU and DMEL. The brief highlights the importance of clear roles...
Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Approach to Country Ownership (COA2025)
September 2025
This independent evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approach to country ownership was approved by the GCF Board as part of the 2025 workplan of the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) and is submitted in time for its forty-third meeting (B.43). It finds that, while country ownership is firmly embedded in the GCF’s Governing Instrument and policies, its operationalization remains uneven and fragmented, and makes recommendations to strengthen institutional arrangements and practices to...
Effectiveness of certification and land tenure interventions to conserve forests - A systematic review
August 2025
This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of certification and land tenure interventions in reducing deforestation and improving forest conservation outcomes. The review synthesizes findings from 45 impact evaluations conducted in developing countries, drawing from systematic literature searches and a rigorous screening process. It aims to provide insights into which intervention types and implementation features contribute most effectively to conservation goals.
Approach Paper: Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Approach to and Portfolio of Climate Information and Early Warning System Interventions (CIEWS)
June 2025
This Approach Paper outlines the framework, methodology, and analytical pathways guiding the Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Approach to and Portfolio of Climate Information and Early Warning System Interventions (CIEWS). The document provides an overview of the global context for climate services, the growing risks posed by climate change, and the critical role of CIEWS in strengthening resilience and reducing disaster impacts. It presents the evaluation’s objectives, theory of change, and...
Impact Insights: Can Forest Conservation Work While Building Stronger Livelihoods?
June 2025
This Impact Insights brief presents emerging findings from the six-year impact evaluation of GCF’s FP026 project in Madagascar. Conducted under the IEU’s LORTA programme, the study explores how forest conservation efforts can align with improved livelihoods and resilience. The brief highlights reductions in deforestation, income gains from climate-resilient crops, and the importance of sustained support systems, especially for female-headed households.
Approach Brief: Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s Simplified Approval Process
June 2025
This brief summarizes the approach paper for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Simplified Approval Process (SAP) modality. It outlines the evaluation’s context, purpose, objectives, scope, methodology, and timeline.
Approach Brief: Independent evaluation of the GCF’s approach to and Portfolio of Climate Information and Early Warning System Interventions
June 2025
This brief summarizes the approach for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Approach to and Portfolio of Climate Information and Early Warning System (CIEWS) Interventions. It outlines the evaluation’s context, objectives, scope, methodology, timeline, and deliverables.
Gender Synthesis: Approach
June 2025
This paper presents the proposed approach for conducting a Synthesis of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Gender Approach. Informed by initial stakeholder consultations and a review of key documents, the paper outlines the objectives, scope, and methodology for assessing how gender considerations are integrated into GCF’s operations and projects. It also provides a roadmap of planned activities, deliverables, and timelines for the Gender Synthesis, which aims to inform future improvements in...
COA2025: Approach Brief
May 2025
Country ownership is central to the GCF’s efforts to promote low-emission and climate-resilient development. This evaluation will support learning and accountability on how the GCF promotes country ownership in its operations. This 2-page approach brief outlines the context, purpose, scope, evaluation questions, timeline, and methods for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Country Ownership Approach (COA2025). The evaluation will inform the planned update of the GCF’s Guidelines for...
COA2025: Approach paper for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Approach to Country Ownership
May 2025
This approach paper outlines the plan for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Country Ownership Approach. Approved by the GCF Board at its 40th meeting, the evaluation will assess how effectively the Fund’s country ownership approach has been operationalized and will provide timely evidence to inform an update to the country ownership guidelines in 2025. It details the evaluation’s background, scope, questions, methodology, and timeline.
The Third Evaluability assessment of the Green Climate Fund’s Funding Proposals
May 2025
This report presents the third evaluability study conducted by the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The study assesses whether GCF projects and programmes can be evaluated in a reliable and credible manner. It analyses a sample of 20 funding proposals (FPs) approved between B.26 and B.30, providing findings on the evaluability of logical frameworks, indicators, and result measurement systems across various sectors and geographic regions.
Scoping Study on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Climate Change Evaluations
April 2025
Commissioned by the evaluation units of the Adaptation Fund, CIF, GEF, and GCF, this 2025 study explores the potential of AI to enhance the quality, efficiency, and impact of climate change evaluations. It examines current applications, risks, and future opportunities of AI across all stages of the evaluation process. Through a literature review, interviews, and a global survey, the study provides practical insights and recommendations to guide evaluation stakeholders in responsibly integrating...
Effectiveness of Certification and Land Tenure Interventions to Conserve Forests
April 2025
This protocol outlines the methodology for an evidence review on the effectiveness of certification and land tenure interventions in conserving forests. It details the research questions, inclusion criteria, search strategy, data extraction and analysis plan. The review aims to inform future decision-making by synthesizing available evidence on how these interventions impact forest conservation outcomes.
A Comparative Study: A comparative overview undertaken as part of the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) “Health and Well-being, and Food and Water Security” (HWFW) Results Area (RA)
March 2025
This analysis examined the actual and potential achievements of GCF investments tagged under the Health and Well-being, and Food and Water Security (HWFW) Results Area (RA), identifying key factors that enable or constrain progress, and assessing the overall value of the Fund’s RA approach and portfolio. The study employed a mixed-method approach, including document and portfolio review, stakeholder consultations, field visits, and a benchmarking exercise. Through this process, the importance...
