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The GCF Accreditation Panel recommends the accreditation of ArmSwissBank, a commercial bank in Armenia, as a national direct access entity for 'small' projects (up to USD 50 million) with a medium environmental and social risk category (B/I-2). The bank demonstrated strong capabilities in on-lending, blending, and project management, with a track record including USD 44.92 million for a KfW renewable energy programme. However, the panel identified gaps in public disclosure of procurement and whistleblower policies, the lack of anonymous complaint channels, and insufficient staff capacity to screen against IFC Performance Standards. Accreditation is recommended subject to conditions: the bank must publish its whistleblower and complaint procedures, establish anonymous reporting channels, provide evidence of staff training on IFC Performance Standards, and publicly disclose its procurement policy before submitting its first funding proposal.

The evaluation finds that while the GCF has a robust 'do-no-harm' policy framework, it is primarily treated as a compliance exercise rather than a strategic opportunity to empower Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Systemic barriers in the GCF's accreditation-based business model make direct access to resources nearly insurmountable for IPs. The report highlights inconsistent application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), limited integration of traditional knowledge, and a lack of portfolio-level monitoring for IP-specific results. It recommends establishing a dedicated IP-specific funding window and shifting the organizational culture from passive compliance to proactive engagement.

The evaluation of the GCF's 'Health and Well-being, and Food and Water Security' (HWFW) result area finds that while investments are highly relevant to country needs—particularly in food and water security—the RA approach itself has been inconsequential to achieving results. The report highlights significant gaps in health-related programming and tracking, as well as systemic challenges in results reporting and data quality. It recommends a comprehensive rearticulation of the purpose and formulation of all GCF result areas to better align with project origination and strategic impact.

The KaF-Adapt project, funded by the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), aims to reduce community vulnerability to water scarcity and promote resilient livelihoods in the Kafue Flats of Zambia. Classified as a Category B (medium-risk) project, it implements a comprehensive safeguards framework to manage risks such as resource access restrictions, habitat degradation, and social exclusion. The framework mandates site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs) for high-risk activities, supported by a dedicated Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and a joint Project Management Unit (PMU) shared with the sister project, KaF-Wild.

The Climate Bonds Initiative's methodology for the Social and Sustainability Bond Dataset (SSBD) establishes a rigorous screening process to identify credible social and sustainability bonds. To be included, instruments must be self-labelled debt, provide adequate public disclosure, and allocate 100% of net proceeds to social or environmental projects, with at least 90% meeting specific eligibility criteria. The framework emphasizes ex-ante impact confirmation for target populations and employs a strict list of absolute exclusions, including fossil fuel exploration and weapons production. Bonds are classified as aligned, non-aligned, or pending based on their adherence to these standards, with a two-year lookback period used for complex assessments.

The Just Transition Planning Masterclass provided practitioners from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, and Namibia with frameworks to ensure nature-based solutions (NbS) are equitable. The program highlighted that while NbS are often seen as 'win-win', they can cause socio-economic disruptions, such as loss of employment in extractive industries or displacement of communities without formal land tenure. Participants explored the Climate Investment Fund’s Just Transition Planning Toolbox and identified strategies to mitigate negative impacts, including livelihood diversification, re-skilling, and social protection measures. The report also notes barriers to implementation, such as limited institutional capacity, financial constraints, and community mistrust.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has introduced an updated monitoring and accountability framework for its Accredited Entities (AEs). The framework employs a risk-based approach to monitor AE performance and compliance with GCF policies, utilizing self-certification, self-assessment reports, and targeted reviews. It outlines specific reporting requirements for funded activities—including annual performance reports and financial statements—and defines a range of supportive and corrective measures, from capacity building to the potential termination of accreditation, in cases of non-compliance or poor performance.

The GCF Accreditation Framework outlines the requirements and processes for national, regional, and international organizations to become Accredited Entities (AEs). It defines two primary access paths—Direct Access Entities (DAEs) and International Access Entities (IAEs)—and details a five-step institutional accreditation process: nomination, pre-screening, application, screening, and Board approval. The framework emphasizes national ownership, fiduciary standards, and environmental and social safeguards (ESS), while providing capacity-building support through the Readiness Programme to help developing countries and their local organizations meet these standards.

The ESMP outlines the environmental and social safeguards for transforming 10 acres of the Changkhaphu Ornamental Conifer Tree Nursery Centre into a recreational park. Categorized as a Category B project, the development includes the construction of disability-friendly trails, a cafeteria, an eco-lodge, and other facilities with a total budget of Nu. 6.56 million. The plan focuses on mitigating short-term minor impacts such as construction waste and tree cutting through waste segregation and adherence to the FNCR 2023. Implementation is managed by the Royal Project Coordination Office (RPCO) and involves local community hiring and stakeholder engagement.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 1 (BC1) Paro categorizes planned 2025 activities as Category B, meaning potential environmental and social impacts are site-specific and reversible. The plan focuses on two primary activities: the construction of the Haa Range cum FMU office and the maintenance of the Shaba Forest Nursery. It outlines specific mitigation measures for dust, noise, waste, and occupational health and safety, while establishing a framework for stakeholder engagement and grievance redressal aligned with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP).

The ESMP for Phrumsengla National Park (PNP) outlines mitigation strategies for two planned activities in 2025: the improvement of alpine meadows at Zhubung, Bhim, and the maintenance of the Park Office head office in Ura. Categorized as a Category B project, the potential impacts are deemed site-specific and reversible. The plan mandates adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding social impacts and community consultation. Key mitigation measures focus on preventing accidental vegetation damage, managing worker waste, and ensuring occupational health and safety (OHS). Implementation will be managed by BFL focal persons and PNP Range Officers, with monitoring conducted through field visits and reports submitted to the PCU and WWF US.

The ESMP for Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park (JDNP) outlines mitigation strategies for four 2025 activities: constructing a Range Office in Laya, restoring a mineral lick at Chuchurpo, reinforcing roofs in storm-prone areas (Soe, Naro, Lingzhi), and installing rainwater harvesting systems in Yaksa and Dula. The plan categorizes the project as 'Category B', meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. It mandates strict adherence to 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 community consultation and compensation for non-title land holders. Key mitigation focuses include waste management, occupational health and safety (OHS) for workers, and stakeholder engagement through consultation meetings and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving BFL, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The ESMP for Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) categorizes BFL activities as Category B, meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. It details mitigation strategies for invasive species management, riverbank protection, staff quarter construction, and office maintenance, while outlining strict occupational health and safety standards and grievance mechanisms.

The ESMP outlines the management of 87.25 hectares of plantations across three sites in Bhutan, focusing on maintenance activities such as weeding and fencing. It identifies minor environmental risks, including waste generation and invasive species, and social risks, such as worker safety and grazing restrictions. Mitigation measures include waste removal, the use of native species, and community consultation. Implementation is led by Green Bhutan Corporation Limited (GBCL) under the supervision of the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS), with monitoring conducted by the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project's ESS officer.

The ESMP for the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) focuses on the restoration of alpine meadows at Lolithang between October 2025 and March 2026. The project, part of the 'Bhutan for Life' (BFL) initiative, is categorized as Category B, meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. Planned activities include prescribed burning to remove encroaching Berberis species and bio-engineering works such as check dams and grass slip planting. Mitigation measures address risks of forest fires, waste generation, and worker safety, with a dedicated budget of Nu. 10,000 for safety gear. The plan mandates strict adherence to 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 social impacts and community consultation.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 6 (BC6) categorizes planned activities as 'Category B', meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. The plan covers the construction of the Yangtse Range Office, maintenance of the Tsoneyma and Koala Puensum waterholes, and railing/signage installation at Omba Nye. It details mitigation measures for waste, noise, and air pollution, alongside strict occupational health and safety standards and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving the Royal Government of Bhutan, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 7 (BC 7) categorizes planned 2025 activities as 'Category B', meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. The plan covers the construction of the Gyalpoizhing Range Office and Kurizampa Check Post, and the maintenance of the Dungleypang water hole and Murmur grasslands. It details mitigation strategies for waste, air quality, soil erosion, and worker safety, while providing a framework for stakeholder engagement and grievance redressal through BFL, WWF, and GCF mechanisms.

The ESMP for Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) addresses the environmental and social safeguards for three BFL-funded activities: staff quarter maintenance, fodder and grass plantation, and solar fencing installation. Categorized as a Category B project, the potential impacts are deemed site-specific and reversible. The plan details mitigation measures for risks such as solid waste, noise pollution, invasive species, and wildlife safety, while outlining strict occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance with national laws and WWF policies.

The ESMP categorizes BFL projects in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park as Category B, meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. It details mitigation strategies for four 2025 activities: improving waterholes and salt licks, removing invasive plants, constructing a new water source at the head office, and maintaining the Taksha Park Range office. The plan emphasizes compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's more extensive Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, particularly regarding non-title holders and community consultation. It includes detailed occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving BFL, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) outlines the mitigation strategies for the construction of a water filtration tank scheduled for October 2025 to March 2026. Categorized as a Category B project, the activity is expected to have site-specific, reversible impacts. Key environmental risks include dust pollution, construction waste, and habitat disturbance, while social impacts are deemed minimal. The plan mandates adherence to 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 community consultation and compensation for non-title holders. Implementation will be managed by a BFL focal person and contractors, with a budget of Nu. 1,500,000. The document also details comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving local offices, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).