CFAs: Community Development and Knowledge Management for Satoyama Initiative (Phase 4) – Ghana

The UNDP COMDEKS-SGP Programme has launched its 2025 Call for Proposals, offering grants up to US$30,000 to support biodiversity conservation, resilient livelihoods, and sustainable resource management in the Afadzato South Socio-Ecological Production Landscape of Ghana. Funding targets community-based organizations, NGOs, and civil society groups with strong local experience. Projects must align with COMDEKS Phase 4 priorities, including ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, circular economy initiatives, and inclusive community governance.

Overview

The 2025 COMDEKS-SGP Call for Proposals provides small grants to empower local organizations working on biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience. The initiative is part of COMDEKS Phase 4, a global model supporting community-driven environmental stewardship and climate resilience strategies.

What the Programme Supports

COMDEKS Phase 4 emphasizes community-led conservation and sustainable development. Projects must take place within Ghana’s Afadzato South Socio-Ecological Production Landscape and contribute to measurable environmental and social outcomes.

Key Focus Areas

• Biodiversity conservation and protection of natural ecosystems

• Sustainable landscape management and habitat restoration

• Climate adaptation and resilience strategies

• Circular economy initiatives (decarbonization, recycling, renewable energy)

• Participatory environmental governance

• Wildlife protection and sustainable resource use

• Knowledge management and capacity development to scale successful practices

• Use of OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) principles in line with CBD guidelines

Why This Opportunity Matters

This grant helps strengthen environmental governance, build resilient community livelihoods, and protect biodiversity-rich landscapes in the Volta Region. It empowers local groups to implement practical, field-level solutions that influence both local and national conservation policy.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible entities must meet the following criteria:

• Non-profit organizations, NGOs, civil society groups, or community-based organizations

• Social enterprises recognized by local authorities

• Legally authorized to operate in Ghana

• Actively working in or based within the Afadzato South SEPL

• Demonstrated experience in community-based conservation, forestry, agriculture, or environmental management

• Ability to coordinate with government institutions, research bodies, local communities, NGOs, and media stakeholders

Funding Available

• Maximum grant amount: US$30,000

• Funding supports single projects under COMDEKS Phase 4

• Projects must demonstrate innovation, measurable impact, sustainability, and social inclusion

What Applicants Must Demonstrate

Proposals must clearly articulate:

• Specific environmental or socio-ecological problems within the landscape

• Systems analysis aligned with the COMDEKS Phase 4 country strategy

• Strategic interventions with defined objectives, activities, outputs and outcomes

• How the project strengthens biodiversity conservation

• How the project benefits communities and enhances ecosystem resilience

• Commitments to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Review COMDEKS Phase 4 Country Strategy
   Understand geographic priorities, target ecosystems, and expected outcomes.

2. Conduct Systems Analysis
   Assess local environmental challenges, threats, community needs, and opportunities.

3. Design Project Interventions
   Create a realistic, evidence-based plan aligned with COMDEKS-SGP programme components.

4. Develop Your Proposal
   Include objectives, methodologies, activities, timelines, budget, indicators, and expected impacts.

5. Submit Through the Lead Organization
   Ensure the lead entity can manage coordination, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

6. Ensure Compliance
   Address gender, inclusivity, innovation, sustainability, and policy relevance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals that do not align with Afadzato South SEPL priorities

• Weak systems analysis lacking context-specific insights

• Overly ambitious plans without realistic budgets or timelines

• Missing gender equality or community inclusion components

• Insufficient evidence of local experience or stakeholder collaboration

• Failing to link outcomes to national and local environmental policies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum funding amount available?
Up to US$30,000 per project under COMDEKS Phase 4.

2. What geographic area must projects target?
All initiatives must occur within the Afadzato South Socio-Ecological Production Landscape in Ghana’s Volta Region.

3. Can new organizations apply?
Yes, but they must be legally recognized and demonstrate relevant environmental or community experience.

4. Are social enterprises eligible?
Yes, if recognized by local authorities and capable of delivering community environmental benefits.

5. Do projects need to address climate adaptation?
Not mandatory, but activities related to climate resilience, renewable energy, or circular economy practices are prioritized.

6. Is collaboration with communities required?
Yes. COMDEKS emphasizes participatory conservation and inclusive governance.

7. What types of activities are not supported?
Activities outside Afadzato South SEPL, projects without measurable conservation outcomes, or proposals lacking gender and inclusion components.

Conclusion

The 2025 UNDP COMDEKS-SGP Call for Proposals offers a strategic opportunity for local organizations to advance biodiversity conservation, empower communities, and strengthen sustainable landscape management in Ghana’s Volta Region. Strong, evidence-based proposals aligned with COMDEKS Phase 4 goals can deliver lasting ecological and social impact.