A Qualitative Evaluation of KOICA’s Environmental ODA Based on UNEP Criteria

Abstract

As Korea has strengthened its commitment to environmental official development assistance (ODA), the importance of assessing how well these projects are performing, particularly in terms of their environmental outcomes, has grown. However, systematic evaluations of Korean environmental ODA remain limited. This study assesses 27 Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) environmental ODA projects between 2017 and 2022 using the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s evaluation criteria. Qualitative findings emphasize a strong strategic alignment and output achievement, while weaknesses are identified in project design, environmental monitoring, and sustainability. Additionally, this study reveals that KOICA’s current evaluations often fail to adequately address environmental performance when viewed through the lens of an international environmental evaluation standard. These findings provide policy insights, including the establishment of clear environmental indicators, enhanced monitoring mechanisms, and a greater emphasis on environmental outcomes when evaluating.