Did Transparency International succeed in promoting accountability in climate finance in developing countries?

The aim of this assignment was to carry out an evaluation of Transparency International’s Programme on Climate Finance Integrity (CFIP) which aims to promote better transparency, accountability and integrity in the decision-making processes and operation of climate financing institutions and mechanisms.

The main conclusion is that the programme functioned well, with a flexible approach, as a pilot during a period of rapidly changing context, but some fundamental rethinking of the programme was needed in light of the different issues at stake in the different countries.

Theory of Change – How TI plans to influence climate finance

The most important recommendations were:

  1. The theme of climate finance integrity is, and will remain, relevant: although the programme lacked some external support, the continuation of the programme is justified as climate funds must be influenced to adopt transparency best practices.
  2. Put countries or regions in a more leading role
  3. Make a better distinction in the needs and approach between the different steps in the whole climate finance ‘donor till project’ cycle; The final step from (local government) to ‘real’ projects require a different approach. Forestry projects illustrate this best.
  4. More attention on TI’s core competences around anti-corruption. Climate finance integrity needs to be mainstreamed / combined with the core financial and legislative knowledge that TI possesses.
  5. Improve links with other NGOs and ensure these are well reported
  6. Develop a ‘climate finance risk index’