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Call for Proposals: Community-Led Conservation Projects (Zambia)

Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

The UNDP in Zambia invites proposals for community-led conservation projects under ICCA-GSI Phase 2, focusing on inclusive governance, gender equality, youth participation, and policy engagement. Grants of up to USD 25,000 support projects enhancing biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and traditional knowledge documentation across key catchment areas from 2026–2028.

Overview of the Initiative

The Global Support Initiative for Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA-GSI) Phase 2 supports community-led conservation projects in Zambia. Funded by the Government of Germany and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the program aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation while promoting sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, and legal recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs).

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: Up to USD 25,000 per project.

  • Project Duration: 2026–2028.

  • Eligible Locations: Chambeshi, Luapula, Luangwa, Kafue, Tanganyika, and Zambezi catchment areas.

  • Purpose: Support community-based conservation actions, inclusive governance, and traditional knowledge preservation.

Who is Eligible?

  • Organizations actively working with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

  • Applicants capable of implementing community-led projects that align with ICCA-GSI priorities.

  • Projects must focus on demonstration and action, legal and policy support, or knowledge exchange and capacity building within the eligible catchment areas.

Priority Areas

  • Inclusive and Equitable Governance: Strengthening participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in decision-making.

  • Gender Equality and Women’s Leadership: Promoting women-led initiatives in conservation efforts.

  • Youth Participation and Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: Supporting young people and preserving traditional ecological knowledge.

  • Legal Recognition and Policy Engagement: Advocating for formal recognition of ICCAs and influencing relevant policies.

  • Sustainable Livelihoods and Climate Resilience: Enhancing community resilience while conserving biodiversity.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm that your organization works with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, or marginalized groups in one of the eligible catchment areas.

  2. Develop a project proposal demonstrating community-led action, policy support, and knowledge-sharing objectives.

  3. Clearly align the project with ICCA-GSI Phase 2 focus areas, emphasizing women’s leadership, youth engagement, and inclusivity.

  4. Prepare a detailed budget within the USD 25,000 limit.

  5. Submit the proposal according to UNDP Zambia guidelines before the specified deadline.

Why It Matters

ICCA-GSI Phase 2 empowers communities to:

  • Strengthen conservation and ecological integrity in Indigenous Peoples’ and community-conserved areas.

  • Promote inclusive governance and social equity in natural resource management.

  • Enhance sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience for local communities.

  • Preserve and transmit traditional knowledge across generations.

  • Influence legal recognition and policy frameworks for community-led conservation.

Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Ensure strong engagement of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, and youth.

  • Focus on practical, community-led conservation activities rather than purely theoretical proposals.

  • Demonstrate measurable impact on biodiversity, livelihoods, or governance.

  • Include clear strategies for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and policy engagement.

  • Avoid proposals outside the eligible catchment areas or without community participation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Who can apply? Organizations working with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, youth, or persons with disabilities in eligible Zambian catchment areas.

  2. What is the maximum grant amount? USD 25,000 per project.

  3. How long will projects run? Between 2026 and 2028.

  4. Which areas are eligible? Chambeshi, Luapula, Luangwa, Kafue, Tanganyika, and Zambezi catchments.

  5. What types of projects are supported? Community-based conservation, legal and policy support, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.

  6. Are youth-led or women-led initiatives prioritized? Yes, priority is given to projects engaging youth and women.

  7. What outcomes are expected? Enhanced biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, inclusive governance, traditional knowledge preservation, and policy engagement.

Conclusion

The UNDP ICCA-GSI Phase 2 grant provides an opportunity for organizations to lead community-driven conservation in Zambia while fostering inclusivity, gender equality, youth engagement, and policy advocacy. With funding of up to USD 25,000, projects can strengthen ecological integrity, support sustainable livelihoods, and preserve traditional knowledge across key catchment areas from 2026 to 2028.

For more information, visit United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).