RFAs: Evaluation of the Regional Implementation Team in Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is conducting an evaluation of the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) for the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. The assessment aims to measure the RIT’s performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform future conservation investments while strengthening civil society engagement and biodiversity protection in the region.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is undertaking an evaluation of the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) that manages biodiversity conservation efforts in the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. The evaluation seeks to assess the RIT’s effectiveness in implementing grants programs, supporting civil society, and integrating conservation priorities into regional policies and practices.

Purpose of the Evaluation

• Assess RIT Performance: Evaluate programmatic and management approaches of the current RIT

• Inform Future RIT Selection: Provide donors with insights for selecting the next RIT

• Guide Conservation Investments: Strengthen future CEPF proposals and regional strategy

• Update Ecosystem Profile: Contribute to an updated hotspot ecosystem profile, reflecting current social, political, and institutional realities

Key Focus Areas

The evaluation will examine the RIT’s responsibilities across eight core components:

1. Coordination of CEPF Investments

   • Ensure strategic alignment of conservation funding across the hotspot

2. Integration of Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation

   • Support inclusion of biodiversity priorities in public policies and private sector practices

3. Communication of CEPF Activities

   • Share updates on CEPF investments with regional stakeholders and the public

4. Civil Society Capacity Building

   • Strengthen the ability of NGOs and community groups to implement conservation initiatives

5. Large Grants Management

   • Oversee solicitation, review, and monitoring of grants exceeding US$50,000

6. Small Grants Administration

   • Manage grants up to US$50,000 according to the CEPF Operational Manual

7. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

   • Track and report outcomes of both large and small grants, assessing ecological and social impacts

8. Portfolio Oversight Support

   • Assist CEPF Secretariat in ensuring compliance and effective management of the large-grants portfolio

Why It Matters

• Ensures effective use of donor funds in one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots

• Strengthens civil society participation in conservation initiatives

• Enhances program management and accountability for grant-funded projects

• Supports long-term biodiversity protection by improving RIT strategies and operations

How the Evaluation Will Be Conducted

• Review the RIT’s programmatic performance and administrative effectiveness

• Assess the institutional landscape for alternative or supplementary RIT options

• Document challenges and successes in grant implementation and civil society engagement

• Provide recommendations for future interventions tailored to regional social and political contexts

Expected Outcomes

• Comprehensive assessment of the RIT’s strengths and areas for improvement

• Recommendations to optimize grant management and conservation impact

• Input for the selection of the next RIT and refinement of future CEPF programs

• Contribution to an updated ecosystem profile for strategic conservation planning

FAQ

Who is the evaluation intended for?
Donors, CEPF Secretariat, and potential future RIT candidates.

What is the purpose of the RIT?
To coordinate CEPF investments, manage grants, strengthen civil society, and integrate biodiversity priorities into regional policies.

Which grants does the RIT manage?
Large grants above US$50,000 and small grants up to US$50,000, following CEPF operational guidelines.

How will the evaluation influence future CEPF actions?
It will inform RIT selection, improve program effectiveness, and guide future conservation investments in the hotspot.

What will the evaluation cover?
Programmatic performance, grant management, civil society capacity building, communication, policy integration, and portfolio oversight.

Why is civil society engagement emphasized?
Local NGOs and community groups are critical for implementing conservation initiatives and ensuring sustainability.

How will the findings be used?
To strengthen RIT operations, refine CEPF strategies, and enhance biodiversity conservation in the region.

Conclusion

The CEPF evaluation of the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands RIT is a strategic step to optimize conservation investments, enhance civil society engagement, and ensure long-term protection of one of the world’s most critical biodiversity regions. By assessing program performance, management practices, and institutional context, CEPF aims to inform future RIT selection and strengthen the effectiveness of conservation efforts in this globally significant hotspot.