Deadline: 24-May-2026
The UNDP–GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Thailand is funding Landscape/Seascape Support Organisations to strengthen community-led environmental action. Grants of up to THB 2,000,000 are available with a 50% co-financing requirement, supporting coordination, capacity building, and landscape-level impact across three priority areas. Selected organisations will operate through June 2028 to enable scalable, community-driven sustainability solutions.
Programme Overview
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), is inviting proposals under Operational Phase 8 (OP8) in Thailand.
This initiative adopts a landscape-based approach to address interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges by strengthening local organisations and enabling coordinated action across ecosystems.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme focuses on empowering local communities and improving environmental outcomes at scale.
Core Objectives
- Strengthen community-led environmental action
- Enable coordinated landscape and seascape management
- Build local capacity for sustainable development
- Support scalable and replicable environmental solutions
- Enhance partnerships and stakeholder collaboration
- Improve resilience of ecosystems and communities
Funding Overview
Grant Value
- Up to THB 2,000,000 per project
Co-Financing Requirement
- Minimum 50% (cash or in-kind)
Project Duration
- Support activities until June 2028
Project Type
- Landscape/Seascape Support Organisation (LSSO) role
Priority Landscapes and Seascapes
Projects must operate within one of the designated priority areas.
Target Areas
- Lower Andaman Coast
- Phetchabun Mountain Range
- Yuam–Salween River Basin
Key Selection Rule
- Only one organisation per landscape/seascape will be selected
Focus Areas
The programme supports integrated environmental and community development actions.
Environmental and Development Themes
- Conservation of threatened ecosystems and species
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Sustainable fisheries and marine resource management
- Low-carbon energy access and climate co-benefits
- Chemicals and waste management
- Integrated landscape and seascape solutions
Role of Selected Organisations (LSSOs)
Selected organisations will act as coordination and support hubs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance to community organisations
- Mentor and build capacity of local groups
- Support proposal development and grant applications
- Facilitate stakeholder collaboration and partnerships
- Participate in grant selection processes
- Conduct monitoring and evaluation of projects
- Document lessons learned and promote replication
- Support policy engagement and knowledge sharing
Expected Impact
Projects must contribute to measurable landscape-level outcomes.
Impact Requirements
- Improved ecosystem management and conservation
- Strengthened community capacity and participation
- Scalable and replicable environmental solutions
- Enhanced coordination across stakeholders
- Contribution to sustainable development goals
- Increased resilience of local ecosystems and communities
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
- Non-profit organisations
- Legally registered entities in Thailand
Required Experience
- Community engagement and mobilisation
- Capacity development and training
- Environmental or landscape-level project implementation
Additional Requirements
- Ability to provide 50% co-financing
- Demonstrated experience in multi-stakeholder coordination
- Operational capacity to deliver until June 2028
Why the Programme Matters
This initiative strengthens grassroots environmental action in Thailand.
Key Importance
- Empowers local communities to manage natural resources
- Promotes integrated, landscape-level sustainability solutions
- Enhances collaboration between stakeholders
- Supports climate resilience and biodiversity conservation
- Builds long-term institutional and community capacity
Long-Term Impact
- Sustainable ecosystem management
- Stronger local governance and coordination systems
- Replication of successful environmental models
- Improved livelihoods linked to sustainable practices
- Greater policy influence from community-level insights
How the Programme Works
Application Process Flow
- Identify relevant priority landscape/seascape
- Develop proposal aligned with SGP OP8 priorities
- Secure 50% co-financing commitment
- Submit application as Landscape Support Organisation
- Evaluation and selection (one per landscape)
- Project implementation and coordination role
- Ongoing support, monitoring, and knowledge sharing
- Final outcomes delivered by June 2028
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- عدم demonstrating strong community engagement experience
- Weak co-financing plan or unclear contributions
- Lack of alignment with priority landscapes
- Insufficient capacity for coordination role
- Poor monitoring and evaluation framework
- Limited focus on scalability or replication
Best Practices for Applicants
- Demonstrate strong local partnerships and networks
- Highlight experience in community-based environmental work
- Provide clear co-financing strategy
- Focus on integrated, landscape-level impact
- Include strong monitoring and learning systems
- Align with national and local sustainability priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SGP Thailand OP8 programme?
It is a UNDP–GEF initiative supporting community-led environmental action through a landscape-based approach.
How much funding is available?
Up to THB 2,000,000 per project, with 50% co-financing required.
Who can apply?
Non-profit organisations legally registered in Thailand with relevant experience.
What is a Landscape/Seascape Support Organisation?
An organisation that coordinates, supports, and strengthens community projects within a specific landscape.
How many organisations will be selected?
One organisation per priority landscape or seascape.
What is the project duration?
Selected organisations will operate until June 2028.
What are the priority areas?
Lower Andaman Coast, Phetchabun Mountain Range, and Yuam–Salween River Basin.
Conclusion
The UNDP–GEF Small Grants Programme in Thailand provides strategic funding to organisations capable of coordinating and strengthening community-led environmental action at the landscape level. By combining financial support, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the programme enables scalable and sustainable solutions that enhance biodiversity, resilience, and livelihoods across priority ecosystems.
For more information, visit UNDP.
