Increasing GEF collaboration at the national level Cuba’s experience Main actions taken

Designation of the National Focal Point After Cuba joined the GEF, the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment was designated as the National Focal Point (NFP). This function was delegated to that Ministry’s Director of International Cooperation. The NFP is responsible for inter/intrainstitutional coordination of GEF-related matters and is the only communication channel with the GEF Secretariat. Thus, it has set up coordination mechanisms and procedures for managing projects’ entire life cycles.

Holding of National Dialogue Workshops (2000 and 2006 ) These workshops made a positive contribution by, on the one hand, making people aware of the opportunities offered by the GEF and, on the other hand, serving as seed experiments for practical training throughout the country on accessing GEF projects. The also helped determine and adapt the country’s priorities as regards the GEF.

Creation of Interinstitutional Project Implementation Coordination Mechanisms Creation of stable coordination forums for the NFP, the Ministry for Foreign Investment and International Collaboration (responsible for international cooperation at the national level) and other ministries and institutions involved in those projects.

Cont. Operation of an International Project Group, an advisory body coordinated by the NFP that coooperatively evaluates projects’ entire life cycles and advises key national decision-makers on matters related to each of them.

Cont. Operation of Purchasing Committees to approve and control the acquisition of goods and services obtained through the projects. This body is made up of: the NFP, the Implementation Agency, the Ministry Responsible for International Cooperation and the project managers.

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