The project led to the training of over 200 local NGOs and CBOs. It has also given birth to the formation of regional networks of NGO/CBOs in the enviornment.

Organizing the capacity building workshops has generated rich package of best practices, and experiences in applying GEF thematic areas to sustainable development in real socio-economic circumstances. In addition, regional networks of the environmental NGO/CBO have been formed to share and exchange information, mobilize funds and technical support in project implementation.

Through the training many GEF/SGP grantees have been encouraged to learn about environmental issues and integrate them with their existing development programmes, often where the environment had previously been ignored. This has resulted in more awareness of the links between development and environment, better definitions of problems and needs, and tangible progress towards potential solutions.

Environmental knowledge and a variety of technical skills have been acquired by an impressive number of NGO, CBO and community grantees throughout the country programmes, including the capacity to analyze local natural resource issues, diagnose problems and implement solutions.

Knowledge and expertise on global environmental issues, including the GEF focal areas, has mostly occurred among NGOs and some CBOs, and much less at the community level. The GEF/SGP?s Stakeholder Workshops have helped NGOs and CBOs to appreciate the links between local actions and global environmental issues, although these links are still proving very difficult to communicate to communities.

Grants have been used effectively to increase and diversify community access to sources of technical assistance and training, including government services, research institutions and specialized NGOs. Interactions with government agencies have given communities confidence and led to working relationships which have persisted beyond the life of projects, and even expanded to include other agencies. Such links have also provided valuable opportunities for government technicians and university researchers to work closely with grassroots communities.

Many NGO and CBO grantees have increased their credibility within their own communities and, even more impressively, developed more constructive links with their governments. This has usually resulted from the realization among NGOs and CBOs that they need government support and participation to be effective; in turn, as NGO and CBO projects gain experience and credibility, these organizations have learnt to manage more complex interactions with government. Eventually the government agencies have begun to see NGOs/CBOs as potential partners rather than simply critics and adversaries.

Organizational strengthening of NGOs has most commonly taken place through the management of GEF/SGP-financed projects, with special emphasis on developing project concepts into viable project proposals, participatory planning, management of financial resources and meeting donor reporting requirements. Grants have also fostered the development of networks and collaboration between different types of NGOs with the capacity to provide various kinds of training and technical expertise. Some of the country programs have emphasized linkages between their grantees through workshops and other capacity-building activities. The GEF/SGP is often one of the few donors prepared to support small, emerging NGOs working on environmental problems. Such organizations lack the capacity to immediately absorb larger funding until they have gained more experience. In countries where more funding sources are available, SGP is viewed as particularly grantee-friendly, providing considerable support to small organizations in developing their proposals and in managing their projects.

Efforts to enhance the capacity of households and communities to improve their livelihood security have centered on income generating activities within projects. However, most NGO and CBO grantees lack financial or marketing skills or any basic training in business management; hence, the results are still largely uncertain.

Women?s groups and needs have been given considerable attention and support in all GEF/SGP country programmes visited, where it has been found that women are generally more receptive and sensitive to environmental issues. Grants have helped women enhance their role and capacities within their communities and strengthened their will to increase their involvement in the development process. The GEF/SGP has also recognized and strengthened cultural values and practices when working in indigenous communities