Call for Proposals: Monitoring and Evaluation Support (Maldives)

Applications are now open for organizations to provide Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) support for territories and areas conserved by local communities (ICCA-GSI) in the Maldives. The initiative strengthens biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience while aligning with global biodiversity targets.

What is the ICCA-GSI M&E Initiative?

The ICCA-GSI M&E initiative is designed to support local community-conserved areas in the Maldives through structured monitoring, capacity building, and systematic evaluation. Key focus areas include conducting needs and capacity assessments, training grantees on the Self-Strengthening Process methodology, Resilience and Security Index, and Project Management tools, and implementing the ICCA-GSI Phase 2 M&E framework in alignment with Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are organizations with demonstrated experience in:

• Facilitating capacity assessments and training programs
• Conducting monitoring and evaluation of conservation projects
• Coordinating with ICCA Consortium members and global partners such as UNEP-WCMC, CBD Secretariat, and IUCN
  Organizations must be able to collaborate with local communities, recognize traditional knowledge, and implement gender-responsive approaches.

What Activities are Supported?

The program supports M&E activities including:

• Developing a detailed work plan and budget for project implementation
• Conducting project site visits
• Delivering training sessions for grantees
• Reporting progress to the SGP National Coordinator
• Systematic data collection and analysis to strengthen governance, management, and resilience of ICCAs

Funding and Duration

• Maximum budget: US $50,000
• Implementation period: 24–36 months between 2026 and 2028

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility and relevant experience in M&E for community-based conservation projects.
2. Prepare a detailed work plan and budget covering project site visits, training, and reporting activities.
3. Highlight past experience in facilitating capacity assessments, training, and project monitoring.
4. Demonstrate collaboration with ICCA Consortium members and global partners.
5. Submit the application according to SGP guidelines before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete work plans or budgets
• Failing to demonstrate relevant M&E experience or partnerships
• Ignoring alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 Targets
• Overlooking the inclusion of gender-responsive and community-focused approaches

Why This Initiative Matters

The ICCA-GSI M&E program strengthens the management and governance of community-conserved areas in the Maldives. By supporting systematic data collection, capacity building, and participatory approaches, the initiative enhances biodiversity conservation, promotes sustainable livelihoods, and increases climate resilience in local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the ICCA-GSI M&E initiative? Organizations with experience in monitoring, evaluation, and capacity-building for community-based conservation projects.
2. What is the maximum funding available? US $50,000 per project.
3. How long is the project implementation period? Between 24 and 36 months from 2026 to 2028.
4. Are local communities involved? Yes, collaboration with local communities and recognition of traditional knowledge are required.
5. What framework guides the project? The ICCA-GSI Phase 2 M&E framework aligned with Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23.
6. Is training provided to grantees? Yes, including the Self-Strengthening Process methodology, Resilience and Security Index, and Project Management tools.
7. Who are the global partners involved? UNEP WCMC, CBD Secretariat, IUCN, and ICCA Consortium members.

Conclusion

The ICCA-GSI M&E initiative offers organizations a critical opportunity to strengthen biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience in community-conserved areas in the Maldives. Through structured monitoring, capacity building, and collaborative approaches, the program ensures data-driven decision-making and long-term sustainability of ICCAs.