Search Climate Insights Directory

The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) finds that the GCF's accreditation function is overburdened by contradictory goals and lacks a formal strategy, leading to protracted processing times and a project portfolio heavily skewed toward international entities. While the GCF prioritizes direct access, many direct access entities (DAEs) struggle with capacity and have not successfully accessed funds. The report recommends strengthening the governance of the Accreditation Committee and Panel, establishing clear business standards for processing, and implementing a project-specific assessment approach (PSAA) to improve efficiency.

The briefing analyzes Bill (PL) No. 510/2021, which seeks to modify Law No. 11.952/2009 regarding the regularization of land holdings on federal public lands in Brazil. The authors argue that the bill facilitates land grabbing and illegal deforestation by relaxing requirements for land regularization, extending simplified titling procedures to larger properties, and weakening environmental safeguards. It specifically highlights that PL No. 510/2021 allows individuals who already own rural property or have previously benefited from agrarian reform to regularize additional land, and permits those who sell their titles to benefit from such programs again.

The briefing analyzes the transition from Provisional Measure MP nº 910/2019 to Bill PL nº 2633/2020, concluding that the proposed environmental safeguards are ineffective. It argues that relying solely on the verification of environmental fines and embargoes allows illegally deforested areas to be titled without requiring the regularization of environmental liabilities, effectively rewarding environmental crimes. The authors suggest that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) should strategically integrate land and environmental policies to ensure compliance with the Forest Code.

The interim evaluation of the Atacama Solar project in Chile's Tarapacá Region shows significant progress in constructing a 150 MW photovoltaic plant and a 45.5 km transmission line, with overall project advance at 89.8% as of October 2020. The project has improved financial efficiency, reducing total costs by 32% to USD 180 million and lowering the GCF mitigation impact cost to USD 9.90/tCO2. While stakeholder engagement and gender mainstreaming plans are active, the report notes delays in the project cycle and insufficient communication between the Executing Entity and national authorities. The project is aligned with Chile's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and its target of 20% non-conventional renewable power generation by 2025.

The document examines the role of nature-based solutions (NBS) in corporate net-zero strategies, emphasizing that while NBS can provide critical finance for conservation and significant co-benefits for biodiversity, they must not substitute for direct fossil fuel abatement. It details 'demand-side' risks, such as the potential for offsets to dilute corporate ambition, and 'supply-side' risks, including leakage, permanence, and additionality. The authors advocate for a 'both/and' approach combining aggressive internal decarbonization with high-quality NBS credits, preferably shifting from project-based to jurisdictional-scale crediting to improve integrity.

The report outlines a framework for 'rights-based climate finance,' emphasizing that funding from developed to developing countries must be ambitious in volume, equitable in distribution, and provided as grants to avoid increasing debt. It advocates for the categorical exclusion of 'false solutions' like large-scale hydropower and geoengineering, while demanding robust social and environmental safeguards, including free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for Indigenous Peoples and independent grievance redress mechanisms to ensure accountability.

The report argues that emissions trading mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement risk undermining global mitigation ambition and causing human rights violations. It proposes three essential policy pillars—robust public participation, social and environmental safeguards, and independent grievance mechanisms—as prerequisites for any such framework. The document highlights failures in previous systems like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and provides examples of 'good policies' from development finance institutions to guide the UNFCCC in creating a rights-compliant rulebook.

The Second Amended and Restated Framework Grant Agreement defines the relationship between the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) as a delivery partner. It outlines the processes for the approval and disbursement of grants for Readiness and Preparatory Support, the responsibilities of GGGI in managing these funds—including the use of implementing entities—and the compliance requirements regarding environmental, social, and gender policies. The agreement also specifies financial reporting, audit rights, and the legal mechanisms for dispute resolution through the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The 2021 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) outlines mitigation strategies for two primary project activities: the restoration of alpine meadows and the installation of water pipes to revive dry waterholes. The plan ensures compliance with both the Royal Government of Bhutan's laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), particularly where WWF standards are more extensive regarding non-title land users and community consultation. The ESMP details specific environmental risks—such as waste generation, soil erosion, and habitat degradation—and provides a comprehensive framework for occupational health and safety (OHS), worker accommodation, and monitoring to ensure the project supports Bhutan's goal of remaining carbon neutral and increasing climate resilience.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 2 (BC-02) in Bhutan outlines mitigation strategies for four 2021 projects: water supply for the Kamichhu range office, a Black-necked Crane observation deck, and maintenance of forest offices in Gangtey-Phobji and Khotokha. The plan focuses on managing waste, ensuring worker health and safety (including COVID-19 protocols), and preventing human-wildlife conflict. It mandates compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding non-title land users and community consultation.

The 2021 ESMP for the Social Forestry Extension Division (SFED) outlines the management of environmental and social risks associated with maintaining 107.42 hectares of plantation across nine protected areas and biological corridors in Bhutan. It specifies mitigation measures for worker safety, waste management, and soil erosion, while ensuring compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures. The plan details a budget of 3.5 million ngultrum and assigns implementation to the Green Bhutan Corporation Limited.

The 2021 ESMP for the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) outlines mitigation strategies for four primary activities: restoring 20 hectares of alpine meadows, restoring 30 hectares of grassland, constructing 320m of river bank protection on the Keyjurong stream, and building a breast wall for staff quarters. The plan prioritizes worker health and safety, waste management, and soil erosion prevention, with a total budget of Nu. 3,528,813.00. Implementation is overseen by a BFL focal person and monitored through field reports and photographic evidence, ensuring compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's more extensive Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 5 (BC5) outlines the environmental and social safeguards for planned 2021 activities, specifically the improvement of salt licks at Rikhey, Demola, and Deori. The plan identifies potential risks such as increased poaching, waste generation, and worker safety, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring frameworks. It emphasizes compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding land use rights and community consultation.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 4 (BC 4) in Zhemgang, Bhutan, outlines mitigation strategies for three primary activities planned for 2021: the inventory and relocation of salt licks for the endangered golden langur, the restoration of grasslands in Malaya and Duenmang, and the roofing of an existing building in Tingtibi. The plan identifies potential risks such as worker health and safety, waste management, and increased poaching, prescribing specific mitigation measures and monitoring schedules. It mandates compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding the rights of non-title land holders and community consultation requirements.

The 2021 ESMP for the Pema Gatshel Divisional Forest Office focuses on the construction of the BC 5 office at Pelzomthang. It identifies minimal environmental and social risks, such as noise, dust, and waste generation, and outlines specific mitigation measures and monitoring protocols. The plan ensures compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding land use and community consultation.

The 2021 ESMP for Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (JWS) outlines mitigation strategies for five key activities: staff quarter construction, waterhole and salt lick improvement, lowland grassland restoration, river embankment construction, and outpost maintenance. It integrates Bhutanese national law with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), prioritizing the more stringent WWF standards in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding compensation for non-title land users and community consultation. The plan details specific risks such as increased poaching at improved waterholes, human-wildlife conflict in elephant habitats, and occupational health and safety for workers, providing a structured monitoring framework and a dedicated budget of USD 3,330 for mitigation measures.

The ESMP for Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) outlines mitigation strategies for four primary activities planned for 2021: patrol route maintenance, construction of an office retention wall, improvement of natural waterholes and saltlicks, and lowland grassland management. The plan integrates Royal Government of Bhutan laws with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, prioritizing the latter in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding non-title holders and community consultation. PWS is highlighted for its conservation significance, serving as the easternmost limit for spotted deer and sal forests, and the westernmost limit for the golden langur. The ESMP details specific environmental risks—such as noise, air pollution, and erosion—and social risks, including worker health and safety and human-wildlife conflict, providing a structured monitoring framework and occupational health and safety standards for implementation.

The 2021 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Phrumsengla National Park (PNP) outlines mitigation strategies for four primary activities: maintaining the Thrumshingla Rhododendron Garden, repairing park infrastructure (HQ, range offices, and guard posts), fixing a retaining wall at the Ura head office, and improving alpine meadows. The plan identifies potential risks including wildlife disturbance, construction waste, and occupational health and safety hazards. It mandates compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding land use and community consultation. Implementation is managed by BFL focal persons and contractors, with monitoring conducted through weekly field visits and monthly reports.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor Six (BC 6) in Bhutan outlines the environmental and social safeguards for two primary 2021 activities: the construction of a Range Office at Warmrong and the restoration of waterholes at Wangshingla and Nysangla. The document provides a baseline of the corridor's geography, climate, and biodiversity, noting that BC 6 covers 270.80 km² and supports endangered species like the Red Panda and Sapria himalayana. It details specific mitigation measures for water access, noise, air quality, waste, and occupational health and safety, with a total budget of Nu. 5.175 million for activities and an additional Nu. 60,000 for mitigation. Implementation is led by BFL focal persons in coordination with the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) and WWF safeguards.

The document outlines a site-specific management plan for the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) as part of the 'Bhutan for Life' (BFL) project. It establishes a framework to ensure that planned 2021 activities—including waterhole revival, infrastructure construction, and meadow restoration—comply with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's more extensive safeguard policies. The plan identifies potential risks such as poaching, water quality degradation, and worker safety, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring schedules for each activity. It also includes comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and worker accommodation guidelines to be followed by contractors.