Operationalising the transformative equity and the climate and ecosystems health criteria in evaluations: Lessons from pilot implementations

Abstract

Background: The world is experiencing overlapping crises of climate breakdown, ecosystem degradation, rising inequality, and conflict. Traditional evaluation criteria inadequately address equity and environmental sustainability. To bridge this gap, key South African evaluation system stakeholders developed two new criteria: Transformative Equity (TE) and Climate and Ecosystems Health (CEH). Objectives: This article shares lessons from the application of the TE and CEH criteria in three specific use cases. It examines how the criteria shape evaluation practice, highlights successes and challenges from pilot evaluations, and explores implications for institutionalisation. Method: The article draws on authors’ direct involvement in the development and piloting of the criteria, key informant interviews with representatives from piloting institutions, and literature reviews conducted by Young Emerging Evaluators (YEEs) to map potential indicators and resources. Results: Pilots revealed that the criteria (TE and CEH) encouraged evaluators to consider equity, climate, and ecosystem health more systematically. Positive outcomes included revisions of evaluation guidelines, inclusion of beneficiary perspectives, and stronger alignment with just transition policies. However, challenges included data gaps, limited climate literacy, methodological ambiguities, and institutional delays. Conclusion: Integrating TE and CEH into evaluations requires adoption at design stage; practical tools; stronger data systems; and targeted capacity development. Institutional buy-in and leadership support are essential for mainstreaming these criteria. Contribution: This article contributes to the growing body of knowledge on how evaluation can advance equity and environmental justice. It demonstrates how criteria reshape evaluation practice, strengthen accountability, and support transformative policy and institutional change.