What the Science Panel does and why
The GEF Project Cycle now starts with the preparation by a GEF Agency of a Project Identification Form (PIF). The Science Panel, alongside other consultees, screens PIFs and provides reports to the GEF Agency concerned and the GEF Secretariat. The Science Panel's roles and responsibilities are documented in the GEF Operational Manual, see relevant extract HERE. Regarding screening of Program Framework Documents (PFD) a similar process applies.
The purpose of early stage project screening by STAP is to decide at the earliest opportunity whether a project proposal could benefit from high-level scientific advice in its further preparation and whether the project proponents have the necessary access to and understanding of recent advances in the relevant aspects of science and technology.
(Example of PIF template, see GEF website at:
http://www.thegef.org/gef/node/1708
What does STAP look for in a PIF?
STAP uses a standard screening template to feed back its suggestions for project improvements based on what is written by GEF Agencies in the PIF Project Framework and in Section II, questions 1, 2 and 3 (see especially the bold text sections below):
- State the issue, how the project seeks to address it, and the expected global environmental benefits to be delivered:
- Discuss the value-added of GEF involvement in the project demonstrated through incremental reasoning:
- Indicate risks, including climate change risks, that might prevent the project objective(s) from being achieved, and if possible including risk measures that will be taken:
STAP feedback to Agencies is based on their answers in the PIF, especially whether the:
- Problem definition is scientifically valid?
- Proposed intervention is scientifically justified?
- Global environmental benefits are measurable?
- Methods, indicators and monitoring are clear and appropriate?
- Baselines, where appropriate, will be established?
STAP’s advice, which includes references to recent advances in science and technology, is expected to have been acted on by the time of CEO endorsement.