Selecting geographically and technically diverse pilot countries for the PPCR, FIP, and SREP programs was a challenge. Many countries expressed strong interest in being considered as potential candidates.

To ensure an informed and accountable selection process, teams of globally recognized experts were asked to recommend a short list of countries that could be usefully included in a pilot program, based on criteria that had been agreed by the governing body of each program. The independent experts brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the selection process. Consulting with the MDBs provided information that allowed the experts to shape the recommendations.

• PPCR The PPCR expert group had an array of specialists: a climate change scientist, an economist familiar with adaptation, and specialists in development and climate change policy, environment, governance and institutions, social and rural development, and natural resource management. The expert group began by identifying regional “hot spots,” then analyzed the vulnerability levels of individual countries using indicator-based methodologies. The PPCR Subcommittee has approved nine pilot countries and two regions, taking into account the recommendations of the expert group.

• FIP The FIP expert group included specialists in agriculture, forests, forest industry and investment, climate change, development, indigenous peoples, natural resources, and social and gender development. Expressions of interest in being considered as pilots were received from 45 eligible national governments, two regions, and one subnational entity. The group was asked to assess the potential to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, maintain and enhance existing carbon stocks, and undertake REDD-plus activities. The FIP Subcommittee has approved eight pilot countries, taking into account the recommendations of the expert group.

• SREP The SREP expert group included development and energy economists, and specialists in environmental impact assessments, development and renewable energy policy, renewable energy technologies, rural and urban electrification, the private sector, and social and gender development. Expressions of interest in being considered as pilots were received from 32 eligible national governments. The group was asked to consider a country’s natural conditions to develop renewable energy and its willingness to undertake renewable energy development that could put the country on a low-carbon trajectory. The SREP Subcommittee has approved six pilot countries, taking into account the recommendations of the expert group.