Validated Terminal Review of the UNEP/GEF Project: Strengthening and expansion of capacities in biosafety that lead to a full implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Guatemala (GEF ID 9633) SMA ID 33485 2016 – 2025

This report is a Terminal Review of a UNEP/GEF project: “Strengthening and expansion of capacities in biosafety that lead to a full implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Guatemala”, which lasted from 2016 to 2025. The project's objective was to complete the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol through an innovative approach that promotes a strong link between biosafety and biodiversity. The review sought to assess project performance (in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency), and to determine the outcomes and impacts (actual and potential) derived from the project, including its sustainability. The review has two main objectives: i) provide evidence of results to meet accountability requirements, and (ii) promote operational improvement, learning, and knowledge sharing through results and lessons learned among UNEP, CONAP, and CATIE. Data collection relied on in-depth interviews (virtual and in person), document review, and a country visit. Triangulated data were used to assess performance against a reconstructed Theory of Change. With an overall rating of 4.05 on a six-point scale, the project was assessed as moderately satisfactory. The main findings include: (i) the strengthening of two laboratories for GMO detection; (ii) a draft instrument required for ratifying the Nagoya–Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol; (iii) an ethnobotanical study supporting the integration of socio-economic considerations into GMO-related decision-making; and (iv) the establishment of two protected areas in the Huista region for the conservation of wild maize. Collectively, these findings represent key institutional and technical achievements that strengthen Guatemala’s biosafety capacity and support the conservation of native genetic resources. A key lesson learned is the importance of sustained political will to advance the implementation of the national biosafety system. Recommendations include the following: (1) for CONAP to reconvene the Project Steering Committee to agree on a strategy for sustaining inter-institutional coordination; (2) for CONAP, together with ICTA and LNS, to identify options to maintain and utilize the laboratory capacities; (3) for CONAP to continue engaging with participating municipalities to support ongoing maize conservation efforts; and (4) for UNEP to further strengthen project design criteria by ensuring that proposed outcomes are realistic in relation to available political commitment.