Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is inviting experienced civil society organizations to apply as the Regional Implementation Team for the Mountains of Central Asia Biodiversity Hotspot. The selected organization or consortium will manage and support a five-year biodiversity conservation program worth up to USD 8 million across five Central Asian countries. This role is central to strengthening local conservation capacity and delivering long-term environmental impact in one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Overview of the CEPF Opportunity
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is seeking expressions of interest from eligible organizations and consortia to serve as the Regional Implementation Team for the Mountains of Central Asia Biodiversity Hotspot.
The initiative will deliver a five-year civil society support program aligned with the officially approved ecosystem profile and investment strategy for the hotspot. The program is designed to strengthen biodiversity conservation, civil society capacity, and sustainable development outcomes across the region.
About the Mountains of Central Asia Biodiversity Hotspot
The Mountains of Central Asia Biodiversity Hotspot spans ecologically significant mountain ecosystems that are home to globally important species and habitats.
The CEPF program will support conservation activities in the following countries:
-
Kyrgyzstan
These landscapes face increasing pressure from climate change, land degradation, infrastructure development, and resource extraction, making coordinated conservation action critical.
Program Scope and Funding Structure
CEPF will invest up to USD 8 million through this initiative to support civil society organizations working at local, national, and regional levels.
The Regional Implementation Team will oversee a diverse grant portfolio of approximately 100 projects implemented by:
-
Nongovernmental organizations
-
Community-based organizations
-
Academic and research institutions
-
Private sector entities
-
Other civil society actors
Role and Responsibilities of the Regional Implementation Team
The Regional Implementation Team serves as CEPF’s primary partner for on-the-ground implementation across the hotspot.
Key responsibilities include:
-
Managing and contracting grants of up to USD 50,000 directly
-
Providing technical guidance for grants above USD 50,000 managed by the CEPF Secretariat
-
Supporting grant design, implementation, and reporting
-
Coordinating regional stakeholders and conservation actors
-
Strengthening institutional and technical capacity of grantees
-
Ensuring funded projects align with CEPF’s investment strategy and conservation priorities
Selection Process and Organizational Structure
The Regional Implementation Team will be selected through an open and competitive process.
CEPF will award the grant to a single lead organization, which may form a consortium with subordinate partners if desired. The lead organization will be accountable for:
-
Overall program coordination and delivery
-
Financial management and compliance
-
Reporting to CEPF
-
Collaboration and communication among consortium members
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
-
Nongovernmental organizations
-
Other civil society organizations
Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in one or more of the following areas:
-
Biodiversity conservation
-
Sustainable development
-
Civil society capacity building
All applicants must meet CEPF’s eligibility and fiduciary requirements.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Organizations interested in this opportunity must begin by submitting an expression of interest.
The application process includes the following steps:
-
Review CEPF eligibility requirements and ecosystem profile for the hotspot
-
Prepare a letter of expression of interest outlining relevant experience and capacity
-
Submit the expression of interest within the announced deadline
-
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal
Only organizations that submit a complete and eligible expression of interest will be considered for further stages.
Why This Role Matters
Serving as the Regional Implementation Team places an organization at the center of biodiversity conservation efforts in Central Asia.
This role enables the selected organization to:
-
Shape regional conservation priorities
-
Strengthen local and national conservation capacity
-
Coordinate cross-border environmental initiatives
-
Ensure effective use of international conservation funding
-
Deliver measurable, long-term biodiversity outcomes
Common Application Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should ensure their expression of interest clearly demonstrates:
-
Regional experience and understanding of Central Asian contexts
-
Strong financial and grant management systems
-
Proven ability to work with diverse civil society actors
Common mistakes to avoid include submitting vague organizational profiles, underestimating administrative responsibilities, or failing to demonstrate alignment with CEPF’s ecosystem profile and investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is CEPF?
CEPF is a global partnership that funds civil society organizations to conserve biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
What is a Regional Implementation Team?
It is the organization responsible for coordinating, managing, and supporting CEPF-funded projects within a specific biodiversity hotspot.
How much funding is available for this program?
The total program value is up to USD 8 million over five years.
Can a consortium apply?
Yes. A single lead organization may apply and form a consortium with subordinate partners.
Who manages large grants above USD 50,000?
The CEPF Secretariat contracts and oversees larger grants with technical support from the Regional Implementation Team.
Which countries are covered by this hotspot?
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
What is the first step to apply?
Submitting a letter of expression of interest to CEPF.
Conclusion
The CEPF Regional Implementation Team opportunity represents a significant leadership role in biodiversity
For more information, visit CEPF.