Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
UNESCO Bangkok is inviting applications from qualified contractors to enhance community forest and territory management in the Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. The initiative focuses on strengthening land rights, governance, community participation, eco-tourism, and sustainable livelihoods through targeted interventions under the Investments in Tiger Landscapes program.
Overview of the Opportunity
UNESCO Bangkok is seeking a contractor to implement activities that improve the management of community forests and territories in the Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, part of the Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) in Thailand.
This call is part of the Investments in Tiger Landscapes initiative, funded by Cartier for Nature, which aims to:
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Conserve tigers and other wildlife
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Support communities living alongside protected areas
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Promote sustainable livelihoods using a blended finance approach combining grants, investments, and capacity-building
The focus of this specific call is Output 1.1: improving management of community forests and territories through strengthened land rights and governance.
Key Focus Areas
The contractor will implement activities in the following areas:
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Community Forest Governance – Enhance management practices, strengthen local participation, and support decision-making processes.
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Land and Resource Rights – Secure and clarify legal rights for communities to access and manage forest resources.
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Stakeholder Engagement – Facilitate dialogue among local communities, government agencies, and conservation stakeholders.
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Eco-Tourism Support – Develop infrastructure that promotes sustainable, community-based tourism.
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Legal and Bureaucratic Challenges – Address obstacles preventing communities from fully exercising their rights.
Background Context
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The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) hosts multiple protected areas where communities live and rely on forests for their livelihoods.
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Conflicts exist between legal frameworks and on-the-ground realities, hindering conservation outcomes.
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Activities under this program include improving protected area governance, ranger patrols, snare removal, and community livelihood support, often requiring external funding because they lack direct financial returns.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Organizational Experience: Minimum five years of experience implementing projects with indigenous or ethnic communities in Thailand.
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Network Knowledge: Familiarity with at least three entities or expert individuals in Thailand with expertise in:
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Community-based sustainable development
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Nature-culture integration
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Environmental science
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Green Economy
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Related disciplines
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Operational Capacity: Ability to deliver activities over 10 months with clear methodology and financial planning.
How to Apply / Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete package to the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, including:
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Institutional Profile – Background, experience, and qualifications of the organization.
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Technical Proposal – Detailing:
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Background and rationale
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Proposed target communities
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Detailed workplan with timeframe
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List of network entities/individuals with contact details
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Financial Proposal – Including rate per unit for proposed activities and a detailed budget.
Duty Station: Thailand
Project Duration: 10 months
Why This Opportunity Matters
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Supports community empowerment through stronger governance and land rights
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Enhances biodiversity conservation, particularly for tigers and other threatened species
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Encourages sustainable livelihoods in communities living within and near protected areas
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Bridges the gap between legal frameworks and practical conservation on the ground
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly demonstrate experience with indigenous and ethnic communities in Thailand
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Include a practical and detailed workplan that aligns with project objectives
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Identify network entities and experts relevant to community forest management
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Ensure financial proposals are transparent, realistic, and aligned with activities
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Highlight capacity to address both governance and livelihood dimensions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to demonstrate minimum required experience
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Submitting proposals without a clear workplan or methodology
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Not including network contacts or technical expertise
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Ignoring legal and bureaucratic context of community forest governance
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Providing an incomplete or unstructured financial proposal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of this call?
To enhance community forest and territory management in the Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, supporting conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
2. Who can apply?
Organizations with at least five years’ experience in indigenous and ethnic community projects in Thailand, and familiarity with relevant local experts.
3. What is the project duration?
10 months from contract commencement.
4. What documents are required?
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Institutional profile
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Technical proposal (workplan, communities, network contacts)
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Financial proposal (rate per unit, detailed budget)
5. Where is the duty station?
Thailand, within the Western Forest Complex and Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.
6. What is Output 1.1?
Improving management of community forests and territories through strengthened land rights and governance.
7. Who funds this initiative?
The Investments in Tiger Landscapes initiative, funded by Cartier for Nature, with support from UNESCO.
Conclusion
This UNESCO Bangkok call provides a strategic opportunity for organizations to strengthen forest governance, secure land rights, and empower communities while contributing to tiger conservation and sustainable livelihoods in Thailand. Successful applicants will play a pivotal role in bridging conservation, governance, and community development in a UNESCO World Heritage context.
For more information, visit UNESCO.
