Strengthening GEF Support for Indigenous Peoples: Issues of governance, project design, financial access, and livelihood benefits

This STAP report on “strengthening GEF support for Indigenous Peoples” provides recommendations to the GEF on enhancing the effectiveness of its support for Indigenous Peoples. The report synthesizes insights from: existing scientific and technical knowledge, STAP consultation with Indigenous Peoples, and a review of 20 GEF projects that impact or benefit Indigenous Peoples, to develop the recommendations, which include:

1. Bridge scientific and technical knowledge systems.
2. Reinforce Indigenous rights and control of Free, Prior and Informed Consent processes and protocols.
3. Recognize and strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ role in GEF governance.
4. Co-design projects and programs with Indigenous Peoples
5. Expand fit-for-purpose finance to enable Indigenous Peoples to move from vision to implementation.