Decentralized GEF Medium-sized Grants Programme

The objective of this proposal is to test the effectiveness of a pilot initiative to implement a GEF Medium-Sized Grant Program in a decentralized manner and at an in-country level. This pilot initiative, experimental in nature, was designed to (a) present a more responsive, simplified, efficient and cost effective mechanism to process, manage and implement MSPs; (b) enhance the participation and direct access of medium-sized and local NGOs and other Argentine partners to GEF resources; (c) strengthen collaboration and coordination between all GEF Implementing Agencies working at the local level; and (d) forge stronger partnerships and efficient collaboration between the local offices of the GEF Implementing Agencies, the Government of Argentina, the NGOs and civil society. This proposal is submitted in parallel with a Corporate Program on Targeted Medium-sized Projects to be launched globally which will be submitted to the November Council meeting for consideration.