Resource information
During the Fifth Replenishment Phase of
the Global Environment Facility (GEF-5), portfolio
monitoring and learning review were introduced as key
components of knowledge management in the GEF Secretariat.
These strategies were intended to address the need to
generate knowledge on innovative practices, experiences, and
lessons from projects financed by the GEF. In that regard,
the Land Degradation focal area strategy for GEF-5
specifically included a learning objective on the catalytic
effect of the GEF integrated Approaches, practices focused
on integrating the management of land, soil, water,
biodiversity, and biomass, in production systems
(agriculture, rangelands, and forest landscapes). The focal
area strategy embodies the landscape approach and integrated
ecosystem management principles to maximize the global
environmental benefits of combating land degradation. As a
result of that focus, the strategy also addresses the need
to harness and safeguard ecosystem services (carbon cycling,
biodiversity, hydrological flows, and healthy soils). This
report synthesizes the review of the catalytic role of the
GEF in promoting integrated approaches in production
systems, which are the primary focus of the Land Degradation
focal area. The report highlights the context and rationale
for GEF financing under OP 12 and OP 15, the catalytic role
of GEF financing in promoting integrated approaches, and
lessons from the application of integrated approaches to
combat land degradation. Because the focus was entirely on
learning, this report offers no specific judgments or
interpretations about environmental or development impacts
of GEF investments. Rather, it highlights the processes,
practices, tools, and knowledge innovations embodied in
projects that apply integrated approaches.
