Flexible implementation arrangements helps in enhancing a project’s relevance and results. In some cases, project relevance may change during implementation due to lower demand or unexpected government policy that subsequently may require a change in project scope and targets. This provides an opportunity to modify or correct the project design to strengthen its intended outcome at appraisal. For instance, the project was aimed to improve the carbon market development and preparedness for carbon market participation. However, carbon prices remained low and unprofitable due to the withdrawal of many enterprises. These, in turn, could diminish the project’s development results. Thus, it had to reallocate the GEF funds from carbon trading efforts to promote education and ecotourism centers that could help in building the tourism activities in the PRC. A flexible arrangement allowed these changes to enhance project relevance and increase SFFs’ resilience.
Forestry and Ecological Restoration Project in Three Northwest Provinces