The following questions are generic in nature and can be adapted for a specific finance solution, and complemented by other relevant queries:

Organizational

• Are all operational procedures clearly defined and respected?

• Do the required governing mechanisms operate as planned?

• Are appropriate communication channels in place to inform stakeholders about the use of the funds?

• Is there sufficient capacity to implement the finance solution? Is the right profile of team members available?

• Are any gaps observed in terms of the national legislation, regulations and bylaws, terms of reference or other legal documents that are not included in the finance solution?

Finance

• To what extent are funds or savings really allocated towards biodiversity objectives?

• Did any barriers emerge in disbursing/collecting the required finance?

• Are accountability and grievance mechanisms (e.g. auditing, inspections) operational?

Monitoring and evaluation

• Are effective M&E systems in place?

• Are proper social and environmental safeguards in place? Are the rights of indigenous groups and other local communities affected?

• Is the solution informed by gender analysis and are gender-positive outcomes being achieved?

• Are any other aspects observed that prevent the solution from succeeding? How can they be remediated?

• Are there mechanisms in place to guarantee long-term sustainability, scaling up or replication?