Deadline: 15-Dec-2025
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has launched a new initiative to enhance the sustainable contribution of Uganda’s forest resources to national economic growth and global environmental goals, including efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
This ambitious Action focuses on promoting reforestation, agroforestry, and nature-based enterprises in Uganda’s eastern region to ensure long-term environmental sustainability while fostering inclusive economic development.
The project’s key objectives include increasing tree cover through restoration, improved management, and community-driven forest conservation. It also aims to promote agroforestry practices and the regeneration of indigenous tree species, thereby reducing pressure on forest reserves and generating livelihood opportunities for local communities. By developing sustainable non-timber forest enterprises, the Action will directly improve the economic well-being of households living near forested areas. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen institutional capacity to manage forests sustainably and enhance access to forest financing mechanisms.
A major focus of the call lies within Output 1 of the Action — increasing tree cover by supporting restoration and conservation of high-value forests. This specifically involves the implementation of Activity 1.4, which supports the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in establishing a wildlife corridor between Matheniko-Bokora and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserves. The activities under this component include updating the corridor restoration plan, providing operational support to UWA regional offices, conducting ecosystem and landscape restoration activities, and facilitating community-based initiatives along the corridor. These efforts are guided by the “Baseline Assessment Study for Pian Upe Wildlife Corridor,” which produced a comprehensive restoration action plan that defines spatial connectivity, governance, management, monitoring, and community participation frameworks.
The total financial allocation available under this call for proposals is EUR 650,000, with grants not exceeding this amount. The selected project will deliver tangible conservation outcomes and reinforce ecological connectivity between the two major wildlife reserves. Eligible applicants include legal entities such as non-governmental organizations, private companies, public sector operators, local authorities, or international organizations registered in Uganda or in eligible countries under EU regulations. Applicants must demonstrate at least ten years of experience in wildlife management, corridor development, and conservation, as well as the capacity to manage projects worth a minimum of EUR 500,000 annually.
Through this initiative, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation, community empowerment, and climate resilience. The project represents a significant step toward safeguarding Uganda’s unique ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods and contributing to global environmental sustainability.
For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
