1. CUBA’S EXPERIENCE IN THE GEF Jorge L. Fernandez Chamero GEF Political-Operational Focal Point CUBA

2. Background Cuba joined the GEF on April 4, 1994. It was a Council Alternate for the Caribbean Area from 1994 to 2002, and a Council member in 2003-2004. To date, it has carried out a wide range of projects.

3. . GEF (national) projects carried out in Cuba from 1994 to the present. 25 GEF projects worth US$ 9,180,949.00 have been satisfactorily completed. 18 other projects worth US$18,552,119.41 are currently in progress. That is a total of 43 projects worth US$27, 733, 068.41.

4. Main GEF projects by focal area, including projects in progress & awaiting final approval, as well as regional projects. Focal AreaNumberAmount (US$M) Biodiversity 1416.74 Climate change 1910.24 International waters 94.39 Land degradation 310.36 POPs10.5

5. Cuba’s strong points in executing GEF projects It has developed successful national scientific/technical programs that have given it institutions and trained human resources for implementing GEF projects. It has a National Environmental Strategy and other sectoral strategies, as well as an appopriate legal framework for them. It has set up bodies responsible for monitoring and controlling project execution in a coordinated, transparent and systematic way. Since it joined the GEF, it has designated a National Focal Point that has provided a stable flow of up-to- date information on project beneficiaries.

6. Limitations and challenges faced: Not being part of the Bretton Woods System, and being subject to economic sanctions by a foreign power. Excessive requirements and formalities for accessing funding. Inadequate ratio between the cofunding required and the amounts granted by the GEF, mainly for investment projects. Lack of correspondence in various areas between GEF strategic lines and related national strategies. Complexity of decison-making associated with national coordination processes for establishing national priorities with the GEF. No correspondence between the resources available in the GEF and real needs and the nation’s ability to carry out projects.

7. Lessons learned and recommendations: Holding National Dialog workshops contributed significantly to the quantity and quality of the Cuban GEF project portfolio. It is vital to maintain close dialog between the Focal Point and the national players involved in environmental matters. Thus, it is highly recommended that coordination meetings be held regularly. It is also highly recommended that Caribbean Area meetings be held regularly and that there be stable feedback of information on what is happening in the GEF Council by the Council Member. It is recommended that mechanisms be set up to monitor project execution.

8. THANK YOU