Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), has launched its 8th Operational Phase (OP8) second call for proposals in Cameroon. The programme supports community-led environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience initiatives.
It focuses on empowering local communities and civil society organizations to implement sustainable development projects that protect ecosystems while improving livelihoods.
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Support community-led biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection
- Strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development
- Promote sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food security
- Encourage renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions
- Reduce deforestation and environmental degradation
- Support Indigenous-led conservation systems
- Improve livelihoods through sustainable natural resource use
- Align local action with the Paris Agreement and NDC targets
Focus Areas
The OP8 call prioritizes projects in the following areas:
- Biodiversity conservation and protection of threatened species
- Ecosystem restoration and land rehabilitation
- Sustainable agriculture and fisheries systems
- Food security and resilient food value chains
- Blue economy development and marine ecosystem protection
- Renewable energy and clean technology adoption
- Sustainable tourism and ecotourism development
- Non-timber forest product value chains
- Climate adaptation and mitigation actions
- Indigenous community-based conservation systems
- Deforestation reduction in supply chains
Geographic Priority
Projects are particularly encouraged in and around:
- Campo Ma’an National Park
- Douala-Edéa National Park
- Lake Ossa Wildlife Reserve
- Mpem & Djim National Park
- Mbam & Djérem National Park
- Manyange Na Elombo-Campo National Marine Park
These areas are critical biodiversity hotspots with high conservation value and community dependence on natural resources.
Funding Overview
- Implementing body: UNDP–GEF Small Grants Programme
- Operational phase: OP8 (8th Phase)
- Total programme support: USD 500,000 (framework level)
- Funding type: Small grants for community-led projects
- Focus: Local environmental and climate action
Programme Background
The Small Grants Programme is a global initiative implemented by UNDP and funded by the Global Environment Facility. It operates in over 130 countries and supports civil society and community organizations in delivering environmental and sustainable development solutions.
In Cameroon, over 200 projects have already been supported under previous phases, focusing on:
- Forest and wildlife conservation
- Marine ecosystem protection
- Protection of endangered species such as elephants, manatees, sea turtles, and crocodiles
- Conservation of plant species including Moabi, Prunus africana, Bubinga, and mangroves
What the Programme Supports
The programme funds activities such as:
- Community-based conservation projects
- Sustainable livelihood development initiatives
- Ecosystem restoration and reforestation
- Climate adaptation and mitigation actions
- Ecotourism and nature-based economic activities
- Sustainable fisheries and agriculture projects
- Renewable energy deployment in rural areas
- Capacity building for local environmental governance
Role of Indigenous and Local Communities
A key feature of OP8 is the strong emphasis on:
- Indigenous knowledge systems in conservation
- Community-led protected area management
- Local participation in biodiversity protection
- Equitable benefit-sharing from natural resources
- Strengthening grassroots environmental governance
Key Expected Outcomes
The programme seeks to:
- Improve ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation
- Strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities
- Enhance sustainable livelihoods and income diversification
- Reduce deforestation and environmental pressure
- Expand renewable energy access in rural areas
- Support sustainable food systems and green economies
Key Features
- Community-led environmental action focus
- Strong biodiversity and climate resilience orientation
- Integration of livelihood development with conservation
- Alignment with global climate commitments (Paris Agreement)
- Support for Indigenous and local knowledge systems
- Landscape-based ecosystem management approach
Common Misunderstandings
- It is not a large infrastructure funding programme
- It does not support purely commercial or industrial projects
- Projects must be community-led and environmentally focused
- Funding is targeted toward local-scale interventions, not national megaprojects
- Conservation and livelihood components must be integrated
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the UNDP–GEF Small Grants Programme OP8?
- A global funding programme supporting community-led environmental and climate projects
- Implemented by UNDP and funded by the Global Environment Facility
- Who can apply?
- Community-based organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Local and Indigenous groups working on environmental issues
- What types of projects are supported?
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
- Sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food systems
- Renewable energy and climate resilience initiatives
- What are priority locations?
- Protected areas such as Campo Ma’an, Douala-Edéa, Lake Ossa, and others in Cameroon
- What is the funding amount?
- Part of a USD 500,000 programme allocation for Cameroon OP8 activities
- Is community participation required?
- Yes
- Projects must be community-driven and locally implemented
- Are commercial projects eligible?
- No
- Only non-commercial, environmental, and sustainability-focused initiatives are eligible
Conclusion
The UNDP–GEF Small Grants Programme OP8 in Cameroon is a major community-driven initiative that strengthens biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. By supporting local organizations and Indigenous communities, it promotes sustainable development, ecosystem protection, and improved livelihoods while aligning with global environmental and climate goals.
For more information, visit UNDP.