CFPs: Strengthening Biodiversity and Community-Led Conservation (Botswana)

Deadline: 06-Mar-2026

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) is offering grants of up to USD 50,000 to eligible non-profit organizations in Botswana. The funding supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate change resilience in Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs). Projects must align with Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 2030 Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23 and operate within selected landscapes in Botswana.

What Is the GEF Small Grants Programme?

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) is a global funding initiative designed to empower local communities and civil society organizations to address environmental challenges.

It supports small-scale, community-led projects focused on:

• Biodiversity conservation

• Climate change adaptation

• Sustainable land management

• Ecosystem restoration

• Community-based environmental governance

This specific call focuses on strengthening ICCAs in Botswana.

Geographic Focus Areas

Projects must be implemented in one of the following landscapes in Botswana:

• Makgadikgadi Wetland System

• Bobirwa Area

• Panhandle of the Okavango Delta

Proposals outside these areas will not be considered.

Key Objectives of the Call

Projects must contribute to at least one of the following objectives:

1. Biodiversity Conservation

• Improve ecosystem protection

• Enhance effectiveness of community conservation

• Strengthen recognition of ICCAs

• Protect threatened species and habitats

2. Sustainable Livelihoods

• Support conservation-linked income activities

• Reduce dependency on harmful environmental practices

• Promote eco-friendly enterprises

3. Climate Change Resilience

• Improve community adaptation strategies

• Strengthen ecosystem resilience

• Integrate climate-smart conservation practices

4. Contribution to GBF 2030 Targets

Projects must align with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 2030, specifically:

• Target 3 – Conserve at least 30% of land and marine areas

• Target 21 – Ensure participation and access to environmental information

• Target 22 – Respect rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities

• Target 23 – Promote gender equality in biodiversity governance

Understanding ICCAs

ICCA stands for Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas.

These are territories:

• Governed or managed by Indigenous Peoples or local communities

• Conserved through traditional knowledge and stewardship

• Critical for biodiversity protection and climate resilience

ICCAs play a central role in achieving global conservation targets.

Who Is Eligible?

The following entities may apply:

Eligible Organizations

• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

  • Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

  • Cooperative Societies

• Academic and Research Institutions registered in Botswana

• Non-profit-oriented entities only

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit:

• Certificate of registration

• Constitution or governing documents

Consortium Applications

• Consortia of CSOs are permitted

• One organization must serve as the lead applicant

• Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined

Not Eligible

• Private sector companies

• Organizations currently implementing a GEF-SGP project

• Institutions submitting more than one proposal

Inclusion and Equity Priorities

Preference is given to projects that enhance inclusion of:

• Women

• Youth

• People living with disabilities

• The San community

Projects should demonstrate equitable participation and benefit-sharing.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: USD 50,000

• Funding type: Project-based grant

• Focus: ICCA-based biodiversity conservation and climate resilience

• One proposal per institution

Budgets must clearly justify expenditures and demonstrate measurable environmental and social impact.

Why This Funding Matters

This call supports Botswana’s contribution to global biodiversity commitments under the GBF 2030.

It matters because:

• Community-led conservation strengthens ecosystem protection

• Sustainable livelihoods reduce environmental degradation

• Climate adaptation improves long-term resilience

• ICCAs are essential for achieving the 30×30 global conservation target

The programme connects local action with international biodiversity goals.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare a competitive proposal:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is legally registered in Botswana

• Operates on a non-profit basis

• Is not currently implementing a GEF-SGP project

• Has not submitted another proposal under this call

Step 2: Identify Your Project Location

Confirm that your project is within:

• Makgadikgadi Wetland System

• Bobirwa Area

• Panhandle of the Okavango Delta

Step 3: Develop a Strong Project Proposal

Include:

1. Clear problem statement

2. Defined objectives

3. Activities and timeline

4. Expected outcomes and measurable indicators

5. Alignment with GBF Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23

6. Climate resilience integration

7. Community engagement strategy

8. Detailed budget (within USD 50,000)

Step 4: Demonstrate Sustainability

Explain how the project will:

• Continue beyond the grant period

• Strengthen local governance

• Deliver long-term conservation impact

Step 5: Submit Required Documents

Attach:

• Registration certificate

• Constitution or governance documents

• Consortium agreement (if applicable)

Submit according to official GEF-SGP guidelines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects outside eligible landscapes

• Failing to align with GBF 2030 targets

• Weak explanation of community involvement

• Lack of measurable outcomes

• Incomplete documentation

• Submitting more than one proposal

Strong proposals are specific, measurable, inclusive, and geographically relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

The maximum funding available per project is USD 50,000.

2. Can private companies apply?

No. Only non-profit organizations and eligible academic institutions may apply.

3. Are consortium applications allowed?

Yes. Multiple CSOs may apply together, but one organization must act as the lead applicant.

4. Can an organization submit more than one proposal?

No. Only one proposal per institution is permitted.

5. What landscapes are eligible?

Projects must be located in the Makgadikgadi Wetland System, Bobirwa Area, or Panhandle of the Okavango Delta.

6. What global framework must projects align with?

Projects must contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 2030, particularly Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23.

7. Are organizations currently funded by GEF-SGP eligible?

No. Institutions already implementing a GEF-SGP-supported project are not eligible under this call.

Conclusion

The GEF Small Grants Programme in Botswana offers up to USD 50,000 to support community-led biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience initiatives within ICCAs. Eligible non-profit organizations and academic institutions operating in selected landscapes are encouraged to apply. Projects must align with GBF 2030 targets and demonstrate measurable environmental and social impact.

This funding opportunity strengthens local conservation leadership while contributing directly to global biodiversity goals.

For more information, visit UNDP.