The Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded “Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC)” project seeks non-profit organizations to partner with UNDP in strengthening climate resilience in India’s coastal regions. The project focuses on ecosystem restoration, climate-adaptive livelihoods, and governance reform aligned with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. Eligible applicants must be experienced non-profit organizations with at least five years of expertise in climate adaptation, community mobilization, and livelihood development.
About the Project
The project “Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC)” is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The initiative supports vulnerable coastal populations in India in adapting to climate change and extreme weather events.
Strategic Alignment
The project aligns with:
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India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
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Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches
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Community-based climate adaptation models
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National and subnational climate resilience priorities
It integrates environmental sustainability with livelihood security.
Project Objectives
The ECRICC project aims to:
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Enhance resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems
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Promote climate-adaptive livelihoods for vulnerable communities
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Strengthen governance frameworks for climate-resilient coastal management
The approach combines ecosystem restoration with socio-economic resilience.
What Is Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA)?
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to climate change.
Examples include:
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Mangrove restoration
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Watershed management
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Sustainable fisheries management
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Climate-resilient agriculture
EbA improves environmental protection while enhancing livelihood security.
Nature of the Opportunity
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a direct funding call.
The RFI seeks expressions of interest from qualified non-profit organizations for potential partnership with UNDP in implementing development components of the ECRICC project.
Who Is Eligible?
Submissions are invited exclusively from:
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Non-profit organizations
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Civil society organizations (CSOs)
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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
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Community-based organizations (CBOs)
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Registered institutions
For-profit entities are not eligible.
Mandatory Experience Requirements (Minimum 5 Years)
Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of experience in:
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Climate-adaptive livelihoods
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Natural resource management
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Ecosystem-based adaptation
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Disaster management
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Watershed management
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Rural livelihoods development
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Women empowerment and gender programming
Institutional Capacity Requirements
Organizations must have proven experience in:
Community Institution Development
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Formation of self-help groups (SHGs)
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Establishment of eco-development committees
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Building village-level institutions
Planning and Micro-Planning
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Preparing village-level development plans
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Developing micro plans
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Designing livelihood improvement or income-generation plans
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Using participatory planning tools such as PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal)
H3: Government and Market Linkages
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Working with line departments (fisheries, agriculture, forestry, rural development)
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Convergence with government schemes
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Creating backward and forward market linkages
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Linking livelihood groups to banks and financial institutions
Technical Expertise Required
Organizations must demonstrate experience in:
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Community mobilization
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Capacity building and training
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Stakeholder engagement
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Data collection and household surveys
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Project documentation
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Landscape-level ecosystem restoration
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Climate-adaptive agriculture and fisheries
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Biodiversity conservation
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Sustainable natural resource practices
Experience in coastal districts is considered an advantage.
Livelihood and Enterprise Development Expertise
Applicants should have experience in:
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Preparing business or enterprise plans
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Providing handholding support to livelihood groups
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Supporting income generation initiatives
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Facilitating access to credit and financial services
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Establishing sustainable value chains
Expected Areas of Partnership
Selected organizations may support:
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Community mobilization in coastal areas
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Climate-resilient livelihood implementation
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Ecosystem restoration activities
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Training and awareness programs
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Institutional strengthening at village and district levels
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Documentation and monitoring of project outcomes
Why This RFI Matters
Supports Climate-Vulnerable Communities
Coastal communities face rising sea levels, cyclones, salinity intrusion, and biodiversity loss.
Integrates Livelihood and Ecosystem Protection
The project ensures climate resilience while protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
Strengthens Local Governance
Improves institutional capacity for long-term climate-resilient coastal management.
Promotes Gender-Responsive Adaptation
Encourages women’s participation in livelihood and institutional development.
How to Respond to the RFI
Interested organizations should:
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Confirm eligibility as a non-profit or civil society entity.
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Compile evidence of at least five years of relevant experience.
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Document previous projects in climate adaptation and ecosystem management.
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Highlight experience in participatory planning and PRA tools.
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Demonstrate capacity in enterprise planning and financial linkages.
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Provide examples of working with government departments.
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Submit an Expression of Interest according to UNDP’s RFI guidelines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting applications as a for-profit entity
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Failing to demonstrate five years of relevant experience
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Providing generic organizational profiles without project examples
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Not highlighting coastal district experience
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Omitting evidence of community institution-building expertise
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Ignoring gender and inclusion components
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this a funding call?
No. This is a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential NGO partners.
2. Who is funding the project?
The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
3. Who is implementing the project?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is leading implementation.
4. Can private companies apply?
No. Only non-profit and civil society organizations are eligible.
5. What minimum experience is required?
At least five years of experience in climate adaptation, ecosystem management, and livelihood development.
6. Is coastal experience mandatory?
While not explicitly mandatory, prior work in coastal districts is an advantage.
7. What types of livelihoods are expected?
Climate-adaptive livelihoods such as sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient agriculture, and ecosystem-based income activities.
Conclusion
The GCF-funded ECRICC project represents a major climate adaptation initiative for India’s coastal communities.
Through this RFI, UNDP seeks experienced non-profit partners capable of delivering ecosystem-based adaptation, climate-resilient livelihoods, and institutional strengthening at scale.
Organizations with strong community engagement, technical expertise, and a proven track record in climate and livelihood programming are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest in alignment with project objectives and national climate priorities.
For more information, visit UNDP.
