Uruguay

Ratings for the Integrated Natural Resources and Biodiversity Management Project for Uruguay were as follows: outcomes were satisfactory, Global Environment Objective... Show More + (GEO) outcomes were satisfactory, risk to development outcome was low or negligible, risk to GEO outcome was low or negligible, Bank performance was moderately satisfactory, and Borrower performance was satisfactory. Some lessons learned included: a transparent demand-driven approach is critical to success of Natural Resources Management (NRM) projects. The integration of NRM and biodiversity within the structure and mentality of a traditionally structured, production-oriented ministry of agriculture was a key factor in promoting green growth in the agricultural sector. Ex-post reviews highlighted the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with outcome-focused indicators and targets, and Intermediate Outcome Indicators (IOIs) with output focused indicators and targets to more effectively measure project impacts. Within a broad-based demand-driven approach, the design and operational aspects of the subproject cycle, as well as the frequency or timing or budget of calls for proposals should be carefully addressed during preparation and validated during the initial stages of project implementation to avoid credibility issues and frustration within the beneficiary community when delays occur or expectations are not met. In non-irrigated areas or production systems, climate variability and beneficiary vulnerability should be taken into consideration at project design, as the benefits accrued by producers from project-financed investments can be easily lost as a result of droughts or other climate related adversities. In order to maximize the dissemination, visibility and perception of project actions and results, the implementation of Integrated Natural Resource and Biodiversity Management Project (PPR) demonstrated the importance of including, within the structure of the Project Executing Unit (PEU), a communications team staffed by specialized professionals, responsible for the design and implementation of a communication plan suited to the features and needs of the project. Show Less -

The development objective of the Promoting Innovation to Enhance Competitiveness Project for Uruguay is to strengthen Uruguay's capacity to generate, transfer and adapt... Show More + knowledge and technology by supporting: (i) the institutional framework for science, technology, and innovation (STI); (ii) investments in human capital and high-quality research teams; (iii) technology transfer and private sector innovation; and (iv) cross-sectoral and international research collaboration and mobility of researchers between public institutions and the productive sector. The main purpose of this restructuring is to extend the closing date of the project, in order to allow for a more complete realization of Project Development Objectives (PDOs). In particular, there is room to fully achieve the objective of 'strengthen capacity to transfer knowledge and technology', by improving and completing execution of activities. Taking advantage of this restructuring process, additional changes encompassing the three components and indicators will strengthen implementation and monitoring of the project as a whole. Consistent with the changes to project activities and timetable, PDO indicators will change as follows: one indicator will be dropped; one new indicator will be created; four indicators will be revised in structure and or target. Targets for eight out of eighteen intermediate indicators included in the 2010 restructuring will change to reflect the evolution of activities observed until 2012 and two new intermediate indicators will be created to monitor key activities. The closing date will be extended by 18 months to June 13, 2014. Show Less -