Document 10: PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL GCF WATER

PROJECT IDEAS IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Technical Workshop on Project Preparation
Transformational Climate Resilience Water Project Concepts
in Latin America and the Caribbean
for the Green Climate Fund
3-5 September 2019, Panama

Number Country Project Title

1. Antigua & Building climate resilience into the water sector and reducing the water sector’s carbon
Barbuda footprint
2. Multipurpose Water Complex on the Las Cañas - Gastona - Medina Rivers (Potrero del
Clavillo)
3. Continental Channel: a development strategy for Argentina
Argentina
4. Pressurized gravitational irrigation system - San Ignacio River (La Cocha)

5. Oro River Basin Management - Stage I: General San Martín Productive Area

6. Gestão das águas Pantaneiras

7. GWP-SAM Green Climate Fund. Educational Material

Brazil
8. Upscaling climate resilience in extractive populations of the Amazon, through social
technologies for access to water and productive structuring .
9. Construction of water resource monitoring and management tools to promote water
security in the communities of the Atrato River
10. Colombia Adaptation Fund Projects: Jarillon de Cali Plan; Comprehensive flood risk reduction
intervention project in the La Mojana region; Canal del Dique Macroproject; Plan for
resettlement of Gramalote's urban population; Project proposed by the Santander
Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAS)
11. Costa Rica Water Culture
12. Costa Rica Adaptive management of the basin's water resources of local governments participating
in Costa Rica´s Carbon Neutrality Programme
13. Dominica Building Climate Change Resilience into Dominica Water Supply System

14. Strategic National Water System: water governance mechanism to enable sectoral,
Ecuador national and sub-national coordination and interaction, which will increase the adaptive
capacity of Ecuador's water sector
15. Protection and restoration of main aquifer recharge areas in El Salvador
16. Sustainable coastal aquifer monitoring and management
El Salvador
17. Decontamination of the Acelhuate, Sucio, Suquiapa and Grande Rivers in San Miguel, Paz
and Goascoran

18. Rainwater Harvesting

Guatemala
19. Water is life

20. Construction of multi-use reservoirs

21. Honduras Management of integrated information of water resources and creation of a monitoring
network of surface and groundwater.

22. Water sector NAMA

Jamaica
23. Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Programme

24. Project for comprehensive underground water resource management for basin 64-
Nicaragua 9533759 (western aquifer)
25. N/A

26. Increased climate resilience in municipalities vulnerable to climate change, through

Panama
prevention and management of water-related climate risks (droughts and floods)
27. Building water resource management capacity in Paraguay with a CC adaptation
approach to CC
28. Paraguay Promoting safe water supply to populations vulnerable to climate change impacts

29. Project for Construction of Integrated Drinking Water Supply System in the Asunción
Northern Metropolitan Area
30. Automatic measurement system natural sources to increase water use efficiency
Peru
31. Water sowing and harvesting in upper basin areas

32. Saint Lucia Improving energy efficiency within the water sector in Saint Lucia

33. Saint Building climate resilience into the water sector of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Vincent &
the
Grenadines
34. Trinidad & Continued, efficient water supply under climate change
Tobago
35. Advancing the environmental management of eutrophication at lentic water bodies in
the Pampas Ecoregion
36. Uruguay Promoting local producer and industry engagement to achieve greater resilience to
climate change in the Santa Lucia River Basin, which supplies drinking water to 60% of
the country's population

Page 2 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
benefits such as
GCF Investment Criteria
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
1. Antigua & Barbuda
Building climate resilience into the water sector and reducing the
water sector’s carbon footprint
The climate rationale is presented. It should be noted at this stage
that the link between hurricanes and climate change is a notoriously
challenging one to make. Considerable modelling evidence is likely
to be required. We recommend ensuring an adequately qualified
climate scientist is involved in the development of this proposal.
The entire island of AnB can be cited as beneficiaries here. This
information should be readily available.
A paradigm shift might be considered at a regional scale in the
wider Caribbean.
Co-benefits need to be explored. Additional comment would be to
consider whether the mitigation benefits are core benefits or co-
benefits to the project. If it is the latter, this results area should not
be selected.
The financing needs and vulnerability of AnB are well-documented.
These need to be brought to the fore, however.
This project is aligned with AnBs priorities, but this needs to be
evidenced. A capacity assessment of the implementing entity would
be needed.
An options analysis and economic analysis of such a project would
be quite standard as part of a feasibility study. This should
investigate the additional costs of climate change as well. Here,
good modelling data of hurricane impacts under climate change
conditions will be required.
There is another project being developed for AnB with the
Department of Environment. That project also deals with hurricane
impacts and could be useful as a reference.
Page 3 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
2. Argentina
Multipurpose Water Complex of the Las Cañas Rivers - Gastona -
Medina (Potrero del Clavillo)
The climate rationale will need to be further developed. Only brief
mentions are made of the climate threat/Argentina’s current
baseline emissions. Currently, this reads like a development project.
A climate vulnerability assessment is required.
Beneficiaries and indirect beneficiaries are listed and appear to be
at an appreciable scale. An indication of the mitigation benefits
would also be required, as the project appears to rely to a great
degree on mitigation as a rationale.
Some ‘off-site’ benefits are mentioned, but a narrative should be
crafted around how the project will catalyse transformational
change in the country/region through integrated water resource
management that is climate change-driven.
Some co-benefits are mentioned. There is, however, a considerable
concern around the use of hydropower. GCF would have to receive
detailed EIAs and ESMPs to be assured that no irreversible negative
environmental or social impacts will occur as a result of the project.
An assessment of the beneficiaries and their vulnerabilities to
climate change needs to be undertaken.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
An options analysis and economic analysis of such a project would
be quite standard as part of a feasibility study.
This project sounds like it would require considerable co-financing,
as it appears to be largely serving baseline economic development.
The climate angle needs to be carefully framed and brought to the
fore for GCF.
Page 4 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
3. Argentina
Continental Channel: a strategy for the development of Argentina
Mention is made of current climate challenges of drought and floods
being exacerbated by climate change. Evidence of climate impact
would have to be provided. The proposed water transfer mechanism is
a clear response.
Beneficiaries and indirect beneficiaries are identified but would also
have to be quantified.
The water transfer mechanism appears to be a novel idea and could
have a paradigm shift argument to it. A plan for how the project could
be taken forward to generate further change should be drafted as part
of this project.
Agricultural, mitigation and economic co-benefits are mentioned.
However, there is a considerable concern around the scale of civil
works to be conducted. A constructed canal across 650km is expected
to generate significant environmental and social risks, which GCF may
not be amenable to.
An assessment of the beneficiaries and their vulnerabilities to climate
change needs to be undertaken.
Background information on the alignment of the project with national
goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the implementing
entity would be needed.
The project appears to have significant economic benefits. GCF may ask
why the project isn’t being funded through other development finance
and may require significant co-finance.
This project is likely to be categorised as ‘high-risk’ and would require a
detailed EIA and ESMP.
Page 5 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
4. Argentina
Pressurized gravitational irrigation system - San Ignacio River (La
Cocha)
Rainfall variability under climate change is mentioned but would
have to be explored in greater depth. Particularly, the rationale
should show how the solution directly addresses the additional
costs of climate change to irrigation.
The number of indirect beneficiaries is relatively low. Other
indicators more relevant to agriculture can be used to strengthen
the impact potential argument.
The project is currently framed as a once-off. How can it be scaled
nationally and regionally, without requiring additional GCF finance?
Increased agricultural production is mentioned as a social and
economic co-benefit. It would be useful to explore how the project
will tackle gender equality and how it could be used to further
environmental goals.
An assessment of the beneficiaries and their vulnerabilities to
climate change needs to be undertaken.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
The project would require an option analysis to detail why this
approach is the most efficient, as opposed to climate-smart
agriculture, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge
mechanisms or other potential interventions.
This project has scope to consider additional interventions that
could move it from a once-off project towards an integrated,
climate-resilient agriculture project with considerable paradigm
shift potential.
Page 6 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
5. Argentina
Oro River Basin Management - Stage I: General San Martín Productive
Area
The predicted water deficit of the area is explicitly mentioned and the
climate threat is detailed. The resulting vulnerability should be
highlighted.
The indirect beneficiaries should be estimated as well as the direct
beneficiaries. The positive impacts on the forest area (if any) should be
indicated as well (e.g. x ha benefitting from increased water
availability)
A paradigm shift argument can be made within the existing project
structure. Please see comment below.
Social, environmental and economic co-benefits are mentioned and
would have to be quantified.

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the An assessment of the beneficiaries and their vulnerabilities to climate
Recipient Scale and change needs to be undertaken.
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with national
Ownership goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the implementing
Alignment with ntnl cc entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and The project would require an economic analysis of project benefits.
Effectiveness Economic These are finite and well-defined and should consequently be
and, if appropriate, straightforward to model.
financial soundness of the
project
Comments It is mentioned that this is NOT an adaptation project per se, but has
adaptation elements. GCF will only finance the additional costs of
climate change. We recommend focussing the GCF proposal on the
climate-change angle of this project and building upon it. The lessons
learned from this project regarding CCA can be upscaled to similar
projects in the country, generating paradigm shift potential.

Page 7 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
6. Brazil
Gestão das águas Pantaneiras
There is no clear climate rationale. Please indicate how climate
change is affecting local communities in the Paraguay River basin,
as the current threats appear to be mostly baseline environmental
and social threats.
Beneficiaries have been carefully detailed and broken down by
gender, which is extremely positive at this stage.
Please consider how the project could be scaled up without
additional GCF finance.
The sustainable development potential is clear, but is currently
framed as the main benefit. The project needs to be restructured to
focus on adaptation benefits primarily, with social, environmental

benefits such as and economic benefits being secondary objectives.

environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the An assessment of the beneficiaries vulnerabilities to climate change
Recipient Scale and needs to be undertaken.
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with
Ownership national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
Alignment with ntnl cc implementing entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and The project would require an economic analysis of project benefits.
Effectiveness Economic This may be challenging, given the social and environmental nature
and, if appropriate, of the proposed project. At the least, avoided losses from climate
financial soundness of the
project change should be quantified.
Comments As mentioned above, it will be important to restructure this into a
climate change adaptation project with sustainable development
co-benefits.

Page 8 of 38
Country 7. Brazil
Project Title GWP-SAM Green Climate Fund.Educational Material
Climate Rationale Please highlight the main climate threats that this project aims to
protect against.
E.1. Impact Potential Who are the beneficiaries/beneficiary countries?
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift Significant paradigm shift potential around knowledge-sharing, but a
Potential Degree to clear method of implementation is not obvious at this stage.
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable Improved knowledge is likely to be the main co-benefit, but this will
Development need to be detailed more carefully.
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the Please identify why this project will bring benefit to the intended
Recipient Scale and recipients.
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country N/A
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and N/A
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments This concept will require further development, but it seems as if the
initial creation of a knowledge management framework may lead to the
later development of a GCF project. It seems unlikely GCF will finance
such exploratory work through project financing but may be prepared
to finance the establishment of the necessary knowledge infrastructure
to execute the project.

Page 9 of 38
Country 8. Brazil
Project Title Upscaling climate resilience in extractive populations of the Amazon,
through social technologies for access to water and productive
structuring
Climate Rationale Climate resilience is mentioned, but there is no clear link to actual
climate change impacts. More evidence of the climate change impacts
affecting rural/forest communities will need to be provided.
E.1. Impact Potential Farmers and families are identified, but the number of beneficiaries
Project’s potential to (gender-disaggregated) should be provided. There seems to be a
contribute to the Fund’s suggestion that this project may have mitigation co-benefits by
objectives and results areas
reducing deforestation. If so, these benefits should be estimated.
E.2. Paradigm Shift A scaling strategy would help create a clear paradigm shift argument
Potential Degree to for a transformational project. How will this project create an enabling
which proposed activity environment so that national/regional scale impact can be achieved?
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable The sustainable development benefits of improved community
Development livelihoods in the Amazon are clear and should be readily explainable.
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the The needs of the recipients are quite clearly identified, but more detail
Recipient Scale and is required on the beneficiaries vulnerability to climate change impacts.
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with national
Ownership goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the implementing
Alignment with ntnl cc entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and An economic analysis of the project investment is required. At the
Effectiveness Economic least, this should include a cost-benefit analysis of interventions.
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments This is a project with strong sustainable development potential as well
as potential for mitigation co-benefits. The climate angle is currently
limited however, and the project would benefit from an initial
vulnerability analysis.

Page 10 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
9. Colombia
Construction of water resource monitoring and management tools to
promote water security in the communities of the Atrato River
Climate change needs to be the focus of the project, whereas it is
currently given a secondary priority behind economic development,
population growth and increased urbanisation. Climate change threats
need to be clearly articulated.
The number of beneficiaries (males/females) needs to be quantified.
Significant paradigm shift potential can be created through improved
hydromet systems. Exactly how this project will contribute towards
future changes in the country/regionally should be detailed (i.e. policy
changes, knowledge sharing, etc).
The sustainable development co-benefits are detailed, but currently
take precedence over adaptation benefits.
The types of climate change threats that will be addressed are not
clear, thus the vulnerabilities of the beneficiaries are difficult to
ascertain. A vulnerability analysis of the region would help develop this
further.
Background information on the alignment of the project with national
goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the implementing
entity would be needed.
An economic analysis of the project investment is required. At the
least, this should include a cost-benefit analysis of interventions. E.g.
predicted reduction in economic losses as a result of improved
prediction and mitigation of flood impacts.
This project is cast as a ‘business-as-usual’ monitoring and
management project. While there is a clear and compelling climate
change case inherent to such work, this needs to be made clear.
Project works that are not additional will require co-financing.
Page 11 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to contribute
to the Fund’s objectives and
results areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to which
proposed activity can catalyze
impact beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
GCF Investment Criteria
10. Colombia
Adaptation Fund Projects: Jarillon de Cali Plan; Comprehensive
flood risk reduction intervention project in the La Mojana
region; Canal del Dique Macroproject; Plan for resettlement of
Gramalote's urban population; Project proposed by the
Santander Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAS)
It is understood that multiple Adaptation Fund projects are
being quoted here. The possibility of using GCF funding to
scale up an Adaptation Fund Project is there. However, this
description does not clearly articulate a case for a project that
could be scaled using GCF resources. We recommend focusing
on a project that has significant potential for wide-ranging
impact and may potentially achieve impacts beyond the
project scope through creating an enabling environment. The
priority climate change threats should be addressed by the
chosen project.
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development Potential
Wider co-benefits such as
environmental, social, health,
economic, gender equality
E.4. Needs of the N/A
Recipient Scale and intensity
of the vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Ownership N/A
Alignment with ntnl cc strategy
and dev frameworks;
implementation capacity; NDA &
stakeholder engagement
E.6. Efficiency and N/A
Effectiveness Economic and, if
appropriate, financial soundness
of the project
Comments Translation of this text was challenging, which may have
further affected

Page 12 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
11. Costa Rica
Costa Rica Water Culture
A climate rationale is not presented. The climate change threat
(increased drought, reduced water availability, reduced assurance
of supply, etc) needs to be framed clearly and backed up by
scientific evidence. The intervention must then be shown to be in
response to this threat.
Beneficiaries will have to be broken down further. Targeting the
entire country is highly ambitious – perhaps pilot cities/towns can
be targeted during the project, with potential to scale up
afterwards?
A scaling up plan would be helpful in showing paradigm shift
potential
Sustainable development co-benefits are identified; these should be
quantified to the extent possible.
The needs of the recipients needs to be demonstrated through a
vulnerability assessment that focuses on climate change impacts.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
A cost-benefit analysis, at the least, would have to be conducted on
the proposed project. Interventions that are recommended in the
capacity/knowledge building exercises should be shown to be cost-
effective.
It is not certain whether some of these interventions will be ‘hard’
interventions (e.g. rainwater collection). If yes, then the beneficiary
calculation should disaggregate who and why will be beneficiaries of
hard interventions vs. the capacity building/awareness raising
aspect of the project. This would also help contextualise the project
and assist with locating project sites through a vulnerability
assessment.
Page 13 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
12. Costa Rica
Adaptive management of the basin's water resources of local
governments participating in Costa Rica´s Carbon Neutrality
Programme
This is not clear. The title suggests that this would be a mitigation
program, but the description suggests a baseline project aimed at
improving water management for environmental reasons. The
project needs to be re-framed to identify the climate
threat/mitigation opportunity, as well as the appropriate response.
Beneficiaries should be the end-users that benefit from the
interventions. These should be climate vulnerable communities,
preferably the project should also promote gender equality. Local
Governments cannot be the final beneficiaries of GCF finance.
Since most of the activities are aimed at government institutions, it
should be possible to draw up a logical scaling plan for future scaling
of the project benefits without GCF intervention.
Social, environmental and economic benefits need to be clearly
identified. Where possible, these must also be quantified (e.g. ha
restored, m3 of increased water supply – etc).
The needs of the recipients needs to be demonstrated through a
vulnerability assessment that focuses on climate change impacts.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
A cost-benefit analysis is likely to be the simplest method of
estimating economic soundness of the project. Additional estimates
of effectiveness (i.e. conformity with best practice) will strengthen
the argument further.
The project will need to be re-framed as a climate change
adaptation project OR a climate change mitigation project OR a
cross-cutting project. Baseline initiatives should be co-financed
through other sources of funding.
Page 14 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
GCF Investment Criteria
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
13. Dominica
Building Climate Change Resilience into Dominica Water Supply System
The project title suggests integrating climate change adaptation into
water supply, which is welcome. However, the climate rationale
describes baseline climatic impacts and does not elaborate on the
additional impacts of climate change.
It is challenging to identify the potential beneficiaries of the project. It
should be noted that 7/8 of the GCF results areas have been selected –
this is generally not favourable, as it suggests a vague project. It would
be helpful to identify the core focus areas of the project and separate
these from any potential co-benefits. Kindly note that selecting
additional results areas will also introduce additional administrative
overhead in: i) the proposal review process; and ii) during project
monitoring and evaluation.
The paradigm shift potential of the project is not clear. It would help to
ascertain the replication/scaling potential of the proposed
interventions nationally and regionally. How could this scaling occur
without additional GCF resources?
It should be noted that the Water Resources Master Plan has good
paradigm shift potential, but this will need to be elaborated on further.
Potential co-benefits should be identified. For example, if energy
efficiency is increased this could reduce emissions. Possible
environmental benefits could be explored.
A vulnerability assessment is recommended at this stage. Who are the
most vulnerable populations to climate change and why? How is this
vulnerability exhibited?
The project should be shown to be aligned to national priorities. A
capacity assessment of the implementing entity would be needed.
An options analysis and economic analysis of such a project would be
quite standard as part of a feasibility study. This should investigate the
additional costs of climate change as well.
It is important to distinguish between baseline climatic impacts and the
possible impacts of climate change to ensure adequate adaptation. This
project should evaluate climate change data and information during
the development of a prefeasibility study for a Concept Note.
Page 15 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
14. Ecuador
Strategic National Water System: water governance mechanism to
enable sectoral, national and sub-national coordination and
interaction, which will increase the adaptive capacity of Ecuador's
water sector
The project claims a focus on strengthening adaptive capacity.
However, climate change threats are not clearly highlighted. Also,
while many of the project interventions have adaptation benefits,
GCF wishes to fund the additional costs of climate change and not
the costs of baseline development. Therefore, interventions must
be shown to be directly responsive to climate change impacts.
The beneficiaries should be climate vulnerable populations
disaggregated by gender. Government institutions cannot be listed
as final beneficiaries.
In developing the final project, a scaling-up plan should be
developed that details how future impacts will be achieved beyond
the project scope.
Social, environmental and economic benefits need to be clearly
identified. Where possible, these must also be quantified (e.g. ha
restored, m3 of increased water supply – etc).
The needs of the recipients needs to be demonstrated through a
vulnerability assessment that focuses on climate change impacts.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
A cost-benefit analysis is likely to be the simplest method of
estimating economic soundness of the project. Additional estimates
of effectiveness (i.e. conformity with best practice) will strengthen
the argument further.
The project should identify the relevant climate change threats and
indicate how the proposed interventions are a response to these
threats. A vulnerability assessment and a climate change analysis of
priority sectors are likely to be the first steps towards strengthening
the alignment to GCF priorities.
Page 16 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
15. El Salvador
Protection and restoration of main aquifer recharge areas in El
Salvador
Climate change threats to water security need to be stated.
The beneficiaries should be climate vulnerable populations
disaggregated by gender. These need to be quantified in the
proposed project.
In developing the final project, a scaling-up plan should be
developed that details how future impacts will be achieved beyond
the project scope. I.e. what additional recharge areas in the country
and regionally could benefit from lesson learned/enabling
environment created during this project?
Social, environmental and economic benefits need to be clearly
identified. These should be standard in most catchment
management projects (e.g. flood mitigation, reduced soil erosion) –
but the proposal will need to make efforts to also quantify these
benefits as far as possible.
The needs of the recipients needs to be demonstrated through a
vulnerability assessment that focuses on climate change impacts.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
A cost-benefit analysis of restoring catchments will be required. This
can focus on avoided losses from the impacts of climate change.
A climate vulnerability analysis should be the first step in developing
this proposal further.
Page 17 of 38
Country 16. El Salvador
Project Title Sustainable coastal aquifer monitoring and management
Climate Rationale No mention of the climate change threat is made – is this sea level
rise? The responses need to be in line with the climate change
impacts.
E.1. Impact Potential The beneficiaries should be climate vulnerable populations
Project’s potential to disaggregated by gender. These need to be quantified in the
contribute to the Fund’s proposed project.
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift See comments
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable See comments
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the See comments
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country See comments
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and See comments
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments There is a possibility to combine this project with Project #14 as an
integrated, climate resilient approach to catchment and aquifer
management. Strong synergies are likely to exist between these two
project proposals.

Page 18 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
17. El Salvador
Decontamination of the Acelhuate, Sucio, Suquiapa and Grande
Rivers in San Miguel, Paz and Goascoran
This project is currently a baseline project. A climate change
rationale for monitoring wastewater discharges will be challenging.
It may be possible to investigate a climate-proofing aspect – if CC is
likely to INCREASE pollutant concentration in rivers, the additional
costs of managing such increased pollutant concentrations could be
passed on to GCF.
The beneficiaries will need to be quantified and disaggregated by
gender. Other results areas are likely to be identified.
How will the project activities scale to other areas in the region?
Social, environmental and economic benefits need to be clearly
identified. Where possible, these should be quantified (e.g. m3 of
water meeting minimum quality standards).

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the The needs of the recipients needs to be demonstrated through a
Recipient Scale and vulnerability assessment that focuses on climate change impacts.
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with
Ownership national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
Alignment with ntnl cc implementing entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and A cost-benefit analysis will be required. Such an assessment would,
Effectiveness Economic however, need to focus on how losses as a result of climate change
and, if appropriate, are being avoided in the project. As such, the climate rationale will
financial soundness of the
project have to be developed first.
Comments A climate vulnerability analysis should be the first step in developing
this proposal further.

Page 19 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
benefits such as
GCF Investment Criteria
18. Guatemala
Rainwater harvesting
A reduction in water availability is briefly mentioned. This will have
to be linked to climate change.
The beneficiaries will need to be quantified and disaggregated by
gender.
A scaling-up plan should be developed that identifies which other
areas can benefit from project interventions and how these
interventions will be implemented in these areas, without
additional GCF support.
Social, environmental and economic benefits need to be clearly
identified. Further, social risks (e.g. health risks) of rainwater
harvesting need to be thoroughly managed.

environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the The needs of the recipients needs to be demonstrated through a
Recipient Scale and vulnerability assessment that focuses on climate change impacts.
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with
Ownership national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
Alignment with ntnl cc implementing entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and A cost-benefit analysis will be required and should be relatively
Effectiveness Economic straightforward. An options analysis will also be required, which
and, if appropriate, should show what type of rainwater harvesting will be used and
financial soundness of the
project why this interventions is the most effective solution for
strengthening water security.
Comments Is rainwater harvesting likely to be feasible, given the predicted
changes in rainfall pattern and volume? This should be investigated
in the feasibility study.

Page 20 of 38
Country 19. Guatemala
Project Title Water is life
Climate Rationale See comments below
E.1. Impact Potential See comments below
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift See comments below
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable See comments below
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the See comments below
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country See comments below
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and See comments below
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments This proposal is extremely broad and cannot be described as a
project. Rather, it takes the form of a conceptual outline for an
awareness-raising initiative on the importance of water resources.
Such an initiative is likely to be valuable. However, to meet GCF
requirements, a clear project with activities and outputs is required.
Such a project would also need to be responsive to climate change
impacts, with potential for co-financing for baseline education. We
recommend investigating how climate change will impact the water
availability of the Guatemalan population, what measures can be
taken and designing an awareness-raising project around this.

Page 21 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
20. Honduras
Construction of multi-use reservoirs
The climate change threats and response are briefly explained.
More detail on the proposed solution will need to be provided, but
the overall concept of increasing storage and efficiency in the face
of a declining resource is sound.
The beneficiaries will need to be quantified and disaggregated by
gender.
If the project focuses on building capacity for climate-resilient water
management, this project is likely to be scalable across the country.
A scaling up strategy that shows how project benefits will spread
without additional GCF input will strengthen this considerably.
Social, environmental and economic benefits need to be clearly
identified. Risks with regards to increasing storage should be
carefully managed.

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the The needs of the recipients needs to be demonstrated through a
Recipient Scale and vulnerability assessment that focuses on climate change impacts of
intensity of the reduced water availability as well as shifting rainfall patterns.
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with
Ownership national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
Alignment with ntnl cc implementing entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and A cost-benefit analysis will be required. This analysis can focus on
Effectiveness Economic the avoided losses as a result of project interventions.
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments Relatively little detail is currently available to evaluate the project
concept. More specificity will aid in a thorough evaluation.

Page 22 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
benefits such as
GCF Investment Criteria
21. Honduras
Management of integrated information of water resources and
creation of a monitoring network of surface and groundwater.
Since this is a knowledge management project, care should be taken to
ensure that monitoring activities focus on climate change. Typically,
such a project should be coupled with some concrete adaptation
measures.
The impacts are slightly too vague. Little is understood as to how this
project will create resilience/reduce vulnerability.
This project will focus on one of three core areas of the paradigm shift
potential: knowledge management. The other two (replication
potential and enabling environment) are somewhat neglected.
Co-benefits of improved water management should be explored.

environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the What is the vulnerability of the population? How does this project
Recipient Scale and directly address climate change vulnerability?
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country A capacity assessment of the implementing entity would be required.
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and Currently, it would be challenging to estimate the economic efficiency
Effectiveness Economic of the proposed project, as no concrete measures are envisaged.
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments This project could be augmented with some concrete adaptation
actions – e.g. the implementation of early warning systems.

Page 23 of 38
Country 22. Jamaica
Project Title Water Sector NAMA
Climate Rationale GHG reduction through improved energy efficiency/use of
renewables is a viable climate rationale
E.1. Impact Potential The actual emissions reductions of the project need to be
Project’s potential to quantified, as well as how this project will contribute to the overall
contribute to the Fund’s emissions reduction target.
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift See comment
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable See comment
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the See comment
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country The NAMA and NDC of Jamaica are guiding documents for this
Ownership initiative. A capacity assessment of the relevant implementing entity
Alignment with ntnl cc would still be required.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and The efficiency of emissions reductions would need to be calculated
Effectiveness Economic (CO2e/$).
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments The concept described here is quite broad and presents a number of
outcomes rather than project activities and outputs. Some
development will be required to identify the concrete activities on-
the-ground which, through scaling-up, will contribute to the desired
outcomes. This will ensure the design of a scalable GCF project with
significant paradigm shift potential.

Page 24 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
23. Jamaica
Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Programme
The project is presented as a baseline development project – no
mention is made of the impacts of climate change. Some climatic
impacts are described, but the future effects of climate change are not
clear. The additional costs of climate change should be identified and
the project reframed to be responsive to such additional costs.
The number of beneficiaries has been identified and would need to be
broken down by gender. Additional potential indicators could be the
value of infrastructure made resilient to CC.
The paradigm shift potential of the project is not clear. It would help to
ascertain the replication/scaling potential of the proposed
interventions nationally and regionally. How could this scaling occur
without additional GCF resources?
Potential co-benefits should be identified. For example, if energy
efficiency is increased this could reduce emissions. Possible
environmental benefits could be explored.
A vulnerability assessment is recommended at this stage. Who are the
most vulnerable populations to climate change and why? How is this
vulnerability exhibited?
The project is shown to be aligned with national strategies, though this
should be elaborated on. Further, the NDC should be mentioned. A
capacity assessment of the implementing entity would be needed.
An options analysis and economic analysis of such a project would be
quite standard as part of a feasibility study. This should investigate the
additional costs of climate change as well.
This appears to be a baseline development project and would benefit
from investigating the additional costs of climate change. GCF wishes
to only finance those additional costs, and baseline development
components will need to be co-financed
Page 25 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
24. Nicaragua
Project of management and integrated management of the
underground water resources of the basin 64-9533759 (western
aquifer)
It should be noted that climate change needs to be shown as being
the primary cause behind the identified impacts. Increased water
demand is a baseline problem and these need to be clearly
separated. Some of the proposed interventions also seem to
address baseline challenges and GCF wishes to only finance
additional costs of climate change. Co-finance will be required for
the baseline development aspects of the project.
The beneficiaries will need to be identified in more detail,
particularly those that are most vulnerable to climate change.
Beneficiary numbers should be gender disaggregated.
First, the geographical scope of the project interventions should be
defined more narrowly. Subsequently, a scaling-up plan can be
drawn up that shows how the GCF project will catalyse impacts
beyond the project scope and after project closure.
Sustainable development co-benefits are identified. These will need
to be quantified for the project area/s.
The needs of the particular beneficiaries should be clearly
articulated. A climate vulnerability analysis will assist in determining
these.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
The overall economic soundness of the project will need to be
evaluated with a cost-benefit analysis at the least. Each intervention
type under the project will need to be shown to be economically
sound within the local context.
For projects with such a broad range of impacts, some focusing may
be required. It is recommended to use the climate impacts as a
guideline to then identify priority interventions.
Page 26 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to contribute to particularly those that are most vulnerable to climate
the Fund’s objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift Potential First, the geographical scope of the project interventions
Degree to which proposed activity
can catalyze impact beyond a one-
off project
GCF Investment Criteria
E.3. Sustainable
Development Potential
Wider co-benefits such as
environmental, social, health,
economic, gender equality
E.4. Needs of the Recipient
Scale and intensity of the
vulnerability and financing needs of
the country and population
E.5. Country Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc strategy and
dev frameworks; implementation
capacity; NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and Effectiveness
Economic and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the project
Comments
25. Nicaragua
N/A
It should be noted that climate change needs to be shown as
being the primary cause behind the identified impacts.
Increased water demand is a baseline problem and these
need to be clearly separated. Some of the proposed
interventions also seem to address baseline challenges and
GCF wishes to only finance additional costs of climate
change. Co-finance will be required for the baseline
development aspects of the project. We further note that
the project aims to address anthropogenic causes of current
environmental, social and economic challenges – this would
further indicate that the project is not, in fact, a response to
climate change but a response to baseline challenges. This
would not be palatable to GCF.
The beneficiaries will need to be identified in more detail,
change. Beneficiary numbers should be gender
disaggregated.
should be defined more narrowly. Subsequently, a scaling-up
plan can be drawn up that shows how the GCF project will
catalyse impacts beyond the project scope and after project
closure.
Sustainable development co-benefits are identified. These
will need to be quantified for the project area/s.
The needs of the particular beneficiaries should be clearly
articulated. A climate vulnerability analysis will assist in
determining these.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of
the implementing entity would be needed.
The overall economic soundness of the project will need to
be evaluated with a cost-benefit analysis at the least. Each
intervention type under the project will need to be shown to
be economically sound within the local context.
There seems to be considerable overlap with Project #23.
Perhaps these can be integrated?
Page 27 of 38
Country 26. Panama
Project Title Increased climate resilience in municipalities vulnerable to climate
change, through prevention and management of water-related
climate risks (droughts and floods)
Climate Rationale Floods and droughts are identified as the major impacts. These
would have to be expanded on. The proposed activities may be
more suitable for readiness funding than project finance. From such
upstream activities, GCF projects can be identified and programmed
for future implementation.
E.1. Impact Potential See above.
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift See above.
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable See above.
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the See above.
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country See above.
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and See above.
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments We recommend: a) focusing on a particular climate threat to enable
the conceptualisation of activities and outputs alongside the
development of an enabling environment; or b) utilising upstream
finance such as the readiness funds to develop the proposed
framework and action plan.

Page 28 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
27. Paraguay
Building water resource management capacity in Paraguay with a
CC adaptation approach
This seems to be an upstream project. It appears as if there is not
sufficient detail on the impacts of climate change on Paraguay’s
water sector to identify an adaptation project. This activity may
qualify for readiness support.
See above. Beneficiaries need to be identified in considerable detail
for a GCF project.
A project promoting CCA in the water sector could have significant
paradigm shift potential. However, there are currently no project
activities or outputs identified. A good starting point for such a
paradigm shift should be identified and converted into a GCF
project.
Sustainable development co-benefits are mentioned, but it is not
straightforward to identify how these will come about. GCF projects
need to be able to quantify such benefits.

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the The needs of the particular beneficiaries should be clearly
Recipient Scale and articulated. A climate vulnerability analysis will assist in determining
intensity of the these.
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with
Ownership national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
Alignment with ntnl cc implementing entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and There is currently insufficient detail to attempt an economic
Effectiveness Economic evaluation. This will form part of the overall project development,
and, if appropriate, however.
financial soundness of the
project
Comments

Page 29 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
28. Paraguay
Promoting safe water supply to populations vulnerable to climate
change impacts
The actual impacts of climate change are not stated. Instead, the
project states that limited adaptive capacity causes negative
impacts. Rather, the project should focus on describing the climatic
changes and detailing their impacts on vulnerable populations. Then
the project should propose interventions to reduce such impacts.
Beneficiary numbers will need to be provided and disaggregated by
gender.
It is not clear how the project proposes the implementation of
adaptation interventions to safeguard water supply. This would
have to be identified before the paradigm shift potential can be
evaluated.
Similar to above. Sustainable development potential cannot be
evaluated at this stage
The needs of the particular beneficiaries should be clearly
articulated. A climate vulnerability analysis will assist in determining
these and will also help to determine the scope of the project by
identifying the most vulnerable populations.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
There is currently insufficient detail to attempt an economic
evaluation. This will form part of the overall project development,
however.
A climate impact and vulnerability assessment of the water supply
in Paraguay should be conducted before the project is taken
further. At the very least, this should form part of a pre-feasibility
study.
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Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
29. Paraguay
Project for Construction of Integrated Drinking Water Supply System
in the Asunción Northern Metropolitan Area
The actual impacts of climate change are not stated. Increased
water usage as a result of rising temperatures is an impact that is
alluded to, but this would need to be supported by substantial
evidence.
Beneficiary numbers will need to be provided and disaggregated by
gender.
It is currently not clear how the project will create impact beyond its
scope. This would need to be considered for a GCF project
Technical studies being commissioned at this stage should also
focus on the potential environmental, social and economic co-
benefits that can be achieved through good project design.
The needs of the particular beneficiaries should be clearly
articulated. A climate vulnerability analysis would help to identify
the most vulnerable beneficiaries.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
As with E.3 above, technical studies should focus on the economic
efficiency of the proposed project – cost-benefit analysis, options
analysis as well as other relevant information regarding economic
impacts.
A necessary investment of US$228,000,000 is quoted for the whole
project. It should be noted that GCF will only finance those aspects
that are additional costs as a result of climate change. For instance,
if increased water supply is needed as a result of rising
temperatures, GCF would finance the additional amount that would
be required above the baseline. Much of this project appears to be
baseline development and would need to be co-financed.
Page 31 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
30. Peru
Automatic measurement system natural sources to increase water
use efficiency
Water scarcity is alluded to as a climate change impact but not
described explicitly. The climatic changes and impacts need to be
clearly described. Subsequently, the intervention must be shown to
reduce these negative climate change impacts.
Beneficiaries are clearly identified. These would need to be further
broken down by gender.
A paradigm shift of improved hydromet data collection and analysis
could be described. The project should consider how lessons
learned will be scaled up without the use of additional GCF
resources.
Sustainable development potential could be unlocked through
improved management of water resources for the environment.
The project should also contribute towards gender equality and
social development – clear mechanisms for realising these benefits
should be created within the project.
The needs of the particular beneficiaries should be clearly
articulated. A climate vulnerability analysis would help to identify
the most vulnerable beneficiaries.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
A cost-benefit analysis should be conducted for the proposed
project. This should be relatively straightforward, as the project
scope is well-defined.
Consider adding some institutional capacity building and potentially
the integration of automated monitoring systems with early
warning systems to strengthen the overall paradigm shift argument.
Page 32 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
31. Peru
Water sowing and harvesting actions in upper basin areas
Desertification and reduced water availability are identified as the
main climate threats. This could be strengthened by investigating
the underlying climate change impacts that likely caused these
impacts. The proposed activities are in response to the climate
threat. Consequently, a logical climate rationale is provided that
simply requires some strengthening through the provision of
additional evidence.
Beneficiaries will need to be quantified and broken down by gender.
Additional impact indicators of improved ecosystems could also be
used to track impact.
The paradigm shift can be described quite clearly. The project
should investigate how GCF resources can be best leveraged to
achieve impact beyond the project scope and after project
completion through e.g. enabling policies or knowledge
management.
The sustainable development co-benefits are clearly identified.
These will need to be quantified during the project development.
The needs of the particular beneficiaries are identified but can be
further described. A climate vulnerability analysis will help with this.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
A cost-benefit analysis should be conducted for the proposed
project. This will likely require that the project scope be defined
more closely.
This has the making of a strong GCF project. However, some
additional focus is required. Narrowing down project sites will help
with this.
Page 33 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity can
catalyze impact beyond a
one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
benefits such as
GCF Investment Criteria
32. Saint Lucia
Improving energy efficiency within the water sector in Saint Lucia
An estimate of the climate mitigation impact (tCO2e) would be helpful
for a climate rationale and would be required for a Concept Note. A
percentage reduction is mentioned, but an absolute figure will need to
be presented.
As above, the core metric of mitigation potential per US$ is not
presented.
A paradigm shift could be readily worked into this project. Importantly,
how will the project contribute to an enabling environment that will
ensure the scaling of project activities without additional GCF finance?
This could be explored in a scaling-up strategy.
Some co-benefits are mentioned. The ultimate impacts on society and
the environment (e.g. improved quality of life) should be explored in a
pre-feasibility study.

environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the Here, the financing needs should be explored. Why can this project not
Recipient Scale and be funded through other means?
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country The project is shown to be aligned with the NAP and SASAP. A capacity
Ownership assessment of the implementing entity would be needed.
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and An options analysis and economic analysis of such a project would be
Effectiveness Economic quite standard as part of a feasibility study. This should investigate the
and, if appropriate, additional costs of climate change as well.
financial soundness of the
project
Comments A minor note on the project title: we recommend shifting the title from
‘improving energy efficiency’ towards ‘reducing emissions from the
water sector’. This shifts the connotation towards a climate – change
project. Additionally, the project aims to facilitate a partial transition to
renewables, which goes beyond mere energy efficiency measures and
should be credited up front, in the title.

Page 34 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
33. Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Building climate resilience into the water sector of Saint Vincent &
the Grenadines
The projected is clearly climate change oriented. Kindly note that as
far as possible, the additional costs of climate change need to be
calculated – i.e. what portion of losses/costs are attributable to
climate change vs baseline climate variability.
Beneficiaries include indigenous communities which are often most
vulnerable. Beneficiary numbers will be required. These will need to
be gender-disaggregated.
In developing the project, some thought should go into how this
project will be upscaled and have a wider impact.
Co-benefits of the project (environmental, social and economic)
should be identified. There should be considerable co-benefits from
a project of this nature.

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the A vulnerability assessment is recommended at this stage. Who are
Recipient Scale and the most vulnerable populations to climate change and why? How is
intensity of the this vulnerability exhibited?
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country This project should be shown to be aligned with national priorities.
Ownership A capacity assessment of the implementing entity should be
Alignment with ntnl cc conducted.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and An options analysis and economic analysis would be required to
Effectiveness Economic show economic efficiency.
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments The costs of the project currently place it in the SAP category. Some
additional work will be required backing up and quantifying the
climate impacts, project results and scaling potential. Otherwise,
this is a promising premise for a GCF project.

Page 35 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
34. Trinidad & Tobago
Continued, efficient water supply under climate change
Good climate rationale is evident in the components, though further
evaluation would have to take place on a clearly articulated and
written out rationale. The climate threat will need evidence
supporting it in the Concept Note.
Beneficiary numbers would be required, gender-disaggregated.
Paradigm shift potential will need to be thought through from the
start to ensure that the project is designed in a replicable and
scalable way. This project is clearly changing the way water
management is practiced, but the sustainability and wider impact of
that needs to be thought through. A scaling up strategy will help.
Potential co-benefits should be identified during project
development.

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the A vulnerability assessment is recommended at this stage. Who are
Recipient Scale and the most vulnerable populations to climate change and why? How is
intensity of the this vulnerability exhibited?
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country National priorities for social development are briefly mentioned.
Ownership Relevant plans, policies and guidelines should also be explored. A
Alignment with ntnl cc capacity assessment for the implementing entity will be required.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and An options analysis and economic analysis of such a project would
Effectiveness Economic be quite standard as part of a feasibility study.
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments

Page 36 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the
Recipient Scale and
intensity of the
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country
Ownership
Alignment with ntnl cc
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and
Effectiveness Economic
and, if appropriate,
financial soundness of the
project
Comments
35. Uruguay
Advancing the environmental management of eutrophication at
lentic water bodies in the Pampas Ecoregion
Climate change appears to be a minor factor in the proposed
project. A strong climate rationale must guide all GCF projects. GCF
will only finance the additional costs of climate change of the
proposed project. Consequently, most of this project is likely to
need co-financing.
Beneficiaries are the climate vulnerable populations affected by
negative impacts of eutrophication as a result of increased
temperatures. These will need to be identified and quantified.
Sound knowledge management and the development of guiding
policies and frameworks could contribute significantly to a paradigm
shift argument.
Reducing eutrophication has inherent sustainable development
potential. Additional co-benefits can be identified as the project is
developed further.
Beneficiaries should be identified and their vulnerability to the
stated climate change impact quantified.
Background information on the alignment of the project with
national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
implementing entity would be needed.
A cost-benefit analysis should be conducted for the proposed
project. This may not be simple, as ecosystem valuation
methodologies may have to be employed.
The project developers should consider reframing the project to
consider the overall impacts of climate change on aquatic
ecosystems rather than focusing on how climate change
exacerbates eutrophication that is primarily caused by phosphate
loading. This would significantly strengthen the climate rationale.
Page 37 of 38
Country
Project Title
Climate Rationale
E.1. Impact Potential
Project’s potential to
contribute to the Fund’s
objectives and results
areas
E.2. Paradigm Shift
Potential Degree to
which proposed activity
can catalyze impact
beyond a one-off project
E.3. Sustainable
Development
Potential Wider co-
GCF Investment Criteria
36. Uruguay
Promoting local producer and industry engagement to achieve
greater resilience to climate change in the Santa Lucia River Basin,
which supplies drinking water to 60% of the country's population
The extreme climate events mentioned will have to be attributed to
climate change. Currently, little evidence of attribution is provided.
Beneficiary numbers are provided. These will need to be gender
disaggregated.
The description focuses on the Santa Lucia basin. How will the
eventual interventions be scaled up to have impact beyond the
project scope and timeline?
Sustainable development co-benefits have been identified. These
will need to be quantified in project development.

benefits such as
environmental, social,
health, economic, gender
equality
E.4. Needs of the The needs of the recipients in terms of flood and drought
Recipient Scale and management have been identified. These can be further elaborated
intensity of the on in a vulnerability assessment of potential beneficiaries.
vulnerability and financing
needs of the country and
population
E.5. Country Background information on the alignment of the project with
Ownership national goals would be required. A capacity assessment of the
Alignment with ntnl cc implementing entity would be needed.
strategy and dev
frameworks;
implementation capacity;
NDA & stakeholder
engagement
E.6. Efficiency and A cost-benefit analysis should be conducted for the proposed
Effectiveness Economic project. At the minimum, this could focus on the reduced losses as a
and, if appropriate, result of improved flood and drought management.
financial soundness of the
project
Comments There is a concern that the project is said to “technically and
economically evaluate measures of the ... action plan”. GCF would
expect that any interventions to be conducted during the project to
be evaluated during the development of a funding proposal, as GCF
is unlikely to finance initiatives where the risks are not well known.

Page 38 of 38