IEU publications
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
Impact evaluation report for FP069 — Enhancing adaptive capacities of coastal communities, especially women, to cope with climate change induced salinity in Bangladesh
Read more
Final report of the Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme
The independent evaluation of the GCF's Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme undertaken in 2023 by the IEU assesses RPSP supports to GCF-eligible recipient countries delivered under the Readiness programme strategy 2019–2021 and the GCF Upd
Final report of the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s Investment Framework
As part of the work plan and budget of the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) for 2023, the GCF Board approved the Independent Evaluation of the GCF Investment Framework.
Final report of the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund's Energy Sector Portfolio and Approach
The evaluation assesses whether and the extent to which GCF approaches and investments in the energy sector are effective in contributing to the objectives of the UNFCCC and other global agendas.
Special Study on REDD+ Results-Based Payment Projects in the Latin America and Caribbean Region
August 2024
The Special Study on REDD+ Results-Based Payment Projects in the Latin America and Caribbean Region report was prepared to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of GCF’s investments in REDD+ projects in the region. This study focuses on common findings and lessons across relevant projects and aims to inform the redesign and future development of the REDD+ Results-Based Payment (RBP) program within the Green Climate Fund.
Final Report of the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund's Approach to and Protection of Whistleblowers and Witnesses
August 2024
This final evaluation report presents the findings and recommendations of an independent evaluation of the GCF’s approach to and protection of whistleblowers and witnesses undertaken by the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU). The IEU conducted this evaluation as part of its 2024 Work Plan, which was approved by the Board at its thirty-seventh meeting (B.37) in October 2023 (Decision B.37/09 Annex VI). As per the 2023 IEU workplan, the evaluation aimed to provide valuable insights into the Policy...
Evidence review on market-based approaches to mitigation and adaptation
July 2024
This evidence review highlights commonalities across four selected market-based approaches to inform learning within the GCF and the broader climate finance landscape. It aggregates findings from studies included within existing systematic reviews, synthesizing them using qualitative methods. The review examines the effectiveness of these approaches in achieving desired outcomes in developing countries and identifies factors influencing their efficiency. By addressing these aspects, the...
Country Case Studies of the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund's Energy Sector Portfolio and Approach
July 2024
This country case study report has been prepared as an input into the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s Energy Sector Portfolio and Approach, conducted by the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The report includes detailed analyses from country missions and interviews conducted in Chile, Indonesia, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Tonga, and Zambia.
GEvalNote 04: LORTA 2023
June 2024
The multi-year Learning-Oriented Real-Time Impact Assessment (LORTA) programme keeps track of the impact of GCF investments. Its goal is to assist GCF projects measure their impact in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate change, and if so, by how much. LORTA’s assistance includes, among other things, building and clarifying theories of change, co-building real-time and longer term measurement systems and helping projects use quantitative and qualitative...
Approach Brief: Independent Evaluation of the Relevance and Effectiveness of GCF Investments in Latin America and the Caribbean States
May 2024
This brief summarizes the approach paper for the Independent Evaluation of the Relevance and Effectiveness of the GCF's Investments in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) States.
[Approach Paper] Independent Evaluation of the Relevance and Effectiveness of GCF Investments in Latin America and the Caribbean States
May 2024
During the thirty-seventh meeting of the GCF Board, the 2024 IEU workplan was approved, which includes an Independent Evaluation of the Relevance and Effectiveness of GCF Investments in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) States. The evaluation will assess whether GCF approaches and investments have promoted the paradigm shift towards low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways in the region and assess effectiveness and efficiency in reducing the vulnerability of local communities...
Realist review: Just transition towards low emission, climate resilient and more inclusive societies in developing countries
May 2024
Just transition describes the transformation towards greener, more inclusive, and more resilient economies and societies. This learning paper provides the first realist review of global evidence on interventions targeting outcomes contributing towards a just transition in developing countries, spanning energy, agriculture and food, infrastructure, and ecosystem services. We found common enablers for just transition interventions across all or most sectors, including robust funding and financing...
[Approach Paper] Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s Approach to and Protection of Whistleblowers and Witnesses
April 2024
Board decision B.BM-2018/21 paragraph (a) adopted the Policy on the Protection of Whistleblowers and Witnesses (hereafter referred to as “the Policy”). The purpose of the Policy is to empower anyone covered by its provisions to report suspicions of wrongdoing in good faith and without fear of retaliation so that the GCF can effectively protect its interests, resources, and mission by detecting and mitigating financial and reputational risks as early as possible. The IIU is responsible for...
Coastal and terrestrial water sector interventions in developing countries: A systematic review
March 2024
This paper presents a systematic review of water sector interventions in achieving desired outcomes at various scales in developing countries. The synthesis is based on 40 studies assessing the impact of the six interventions included in the review. These cover four domains: built infrastructure, nature-based options, institutional interventions and financial/market mechanisms. The outcome area is adaptive capacity. Our meta-analysis suggests water-efficient irrigation systems and ecosystem-...
Final report of the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund's Energy Sector Portfolio and Approach
February 2024
The evaluation assesses whether and the extent to which GCF approaches and investments in the energy sector are effective in contributing to the objectives of the UNFCCC and other global agendas. It examines the GCF’s effectiveness and efficiency in reducing the effects of climate change, and promoting a paradigm shift towards low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways through its investments in the energy sector. It analyses the results achieved and paradigm shift emerging on the...
Final report of the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s Investment Framework
February 2024
As part of the work plan and budget of the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) for 2023, the GCF Board approved the Independent Evaluation of the GCF Investment Framework. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the GCF Investment Framework in fulfilling the GCF’s mandate and strategic goals. It was undertaken in 2023-2024, and the final report was launched in February 2024.