Open Call: Advancing Eco-Tourism, Agriculture, and Green Economy in Southern Africa

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The IUCN invites proposals for sustainable green economy projects in Southern Africa’s Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs). Grants of EUR 300,000–950,000 support 24–36 month projects that generate livelihoods, promote conservation, and implement innovative economic, agricultural, eco-tourism, and renewable energy solutions with at least 10% co-financing.

Overview of the Initiative

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) seeks proposals that promote sustainable green economy solutions while supporting conservation in selected TFCAs across Southern Africa.

Key aims include:

• Generating sustainable livelihoods that support landscape and ecosystem sustainability.

• Strengthening conservation outcomes and local stewardship.

• Developing value chains and tested business models for green economy initiatives.

• Supporting sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism.

• Advancing renewable energy solutions and innovative financing mechanisms.

• Implementing inclusive, rights-based measures for communities and Indigenous Peoples.

Eligible TFCAs

The call supports projects in the following Transfrontier Conservation Areas:

• Kavango Zambezi (KAZA)

• Great Limpopo

• Chimanimani

• Kgalagadi

• Malawi-Zambia

• ZIMOZA & LOZAMAP

Projects in areas overlapping World Heritage sites are encouraged, including:

• Mana Pools

• Okavango Delta

• Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls

• ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: EUR 300,000 – 950,000

• Co-financing: Minimum 10% required

• Project Duration: 24–36 months

• Focus: Deliver economic and conservation impacts in transboundary landscapes

Eligible Activities

Agriculture and Value Chains

• Climate-smart farming practices

• Development of specialty crops and non-timber forest products

• Market access improvement and post-harvest value addition

Eco-tourism

• Upgrading eco-friendly lodges

• Nature-based and cultural tourism experiences

• Training local entrepreneurs in tourism management

Community-based Enterprises

• Establishing conservation enterprises with benefit-sharing mechanisms

• Promoting local ownership and equitable growth

Sustainable Energy

• Solar-powered systems for households or businesses

• Efficient cookstoves and biogas digesters

• Community-operated energy projects

Innovative Financing

• Payments for ecosystem services (PES)

• Biodiversity and carbon credits

• Blended finance approaches

Conservation and Governance

• Addressing human-wildlife conflict

• Strengthening land-use planning

• Ensuring community participation, gender equality, and environmental safeguards

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

• Cooperatives

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Social enterprises

• Public or private entities

Applicants must have:

• At least three years of operational experience

• Partnerships that benefit local communities

Expected Outcomes

• Improved livelihoods and economic resilience for local communities

• Enhanced ecosystem conservation and biodiversity protection

• Strengthened value chains and business models in green sectors

• Adoption of climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy solutions

• Inclusive participation of communities and Indigenous Peoples

How to Apply

1. Develop a Proposal: Clearly describe project objectives, expected outcomes, and impact on both livelihoods and conservation.

2. Ensure Co-financing: Demonstrate at least 10% co-financing of project costs.

3. Form Partnerships: Engage local communities and relevant stakeholders to maximize impact.

4. Submit During Call Period: Follow IUCN’s guidelines for application submission.

5. Compliance: Ensure alignment with environmental safeguards, rights-based approaches, and gender equality principles.

Why It Matters

This grant promotes sustainable economic growth while protecting biodiversity and ecosystems in transboundary landscapes. By linking green economy initiatives with conservation priorities, the program ensures inclusive development, strengthens community resilience, and fosters long-term environmental stewardship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects without local community engagement

• Failing to demonstrate co-financing or financial sustainability

• Overlooking environmental safeguards or gender considerations

• Submitting proposals outside the eligible TFCAs

• Ignoring the requirement for at least three years of operational experience

Conclusion

IUCN’s TFCA grant call provides a strategic opportunity to implement sustainable green economy solutions that combine livelihood generation with conservation. By supporting climate-smart agriculture, eco-tourism, renewable energy, and inclusive community participation, this initiative strengthens both economic and ecological resilience across Southern Africa’s transboundary landscapes.

For more information, visit IUCN.