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Call for Proposals: GEF Small Grants Programme (Namibia)

Deadline: 30-Mar-2026

The UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) is inviting proposals for projects that strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) in Namibia. The program supports initiatives in biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, inclusive governance, climate resilience, and gender equality, offering grants up to USD 50,000 for projects lasting up to 24 months.

Overview

The initiative focuses on supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities to manage and conserve their territories effectively. It aims to:

  • Improve recognition and effectiveness of ICCAs

  • Promote sustainable natural resource management

  • Enhance resilience to climate change

  • Strengthen inclusive governance and community participation

  • Advance gender equality in biodiversity conservation

  • Encourage knowledge sharing and scalable, innovative practices

The program aligns with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasizing ecosystem conservation, knowledge exchange, and inclusive decision-making.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

  • Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

  • Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)

  • Cooperative Societies

  • Academic or Research Institutions registered in Namibia

Projects must focus on Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) and support innovative, inclusive, and scalable conservation practices.

Priority Locations

The program prioritizes projects in the following Namibian landscapes:

  • Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions

  • Erongo North and Kunene South landscapes

  • Hardap and Karas regions

Funding Details

  • Maximum grant: USD 50,000

  • Implementation period: Up to 24 months from grant allocation

  • Funding source: Government of Germany via the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection

Focus Areas

  1. Biodiversity Conservation – Protect ecosystems, species, and natural habitats

  2. Sustainable Livelihoods – Support community-based economic and conservation activities

  3. Inclusive Governance – Ensure community and gender participation in decision-making

  4. Climate Resilience – Strengthen adaptive capacity of ICCAs to climate change

  5. Knowledge Sharing – Promote exchange of best practices, traditional knowledge, and innovation

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Confirm eligibility: Your organization must be registered in Namibia

  2. Develop your project plan: Include objectives, target communities, expected outcomes, and alignment with ICCA conservation

  3. Prepare a detailed budget: Specify costs and demonstrate efficient use of funds

  4. Submit your proposal: Follow UNDP GEF-SGP application guidelines and deadlines

  5. Implement and report: If selected, manage the project for up to 24 months with regular reporting

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly link activities to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods

  • Highlight community engagement and inclusivity

  • Show alignment with regional priorities and ICCA objectives

  • Include gender considerations and knowledge-sharing components

  • Demonstrate scalability and innovation in project design

FAQs

1. Who can submit proposals?
CSOs, CBOs, cooperative societies, and academic/research institutions registered in Namibia.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to USD 50,000.

3. How long can projects last?
Up to 24 months from the date of grant allocation.

4. Which regions are prioritized?
Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Erongo North, Kunene South, Hardap, and Karas regions.

5. What are the main focus areas?
Biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, inclusive governance, climate resilience, and knowledge sharing.

6. What frameworks guide the program?
The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and ICCA conservation principles.

7. Who funds this initiative?
The Government of Germany through the Federal Ministry for the Environment, implemented by UNDP GEF-SGP.

Conclusion

The UNDP GEF-SGP ICCA Phase 2 initiative in Namibia empowers Indigenous Peoples and local communities to strengthen conservation practices, support sustainable livelihoods, and advance inclusive governance. With grants up to USD 50,000, projects contribute to biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and gender equality, reinforcing Namibia’s role in global conservation efforts.

For more information, visit UNDP.