UNDP Call for Proposals: Community-Led Environmental Monitoring (Maldives)

Deadline: 10-Mar-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a Call for Proposals under its Integrated Governance Programme III to support a community-led environmental monitoring and environmental justice initiative in the Maldives. One locally registered Civil Society Organization (CSO) will receive up to MVR 300,000 to implement a six-month project focused on environmental and human rights monitoring, advocacy, and inclusive participation. The project must be completed by August 2026 and strengthen accountable environmental governance across island communities.

What Is the UNDP Call for Proposals in the Maldives?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting proposals from registered Maldivian CSOs under its Integrated Governance Programme III.

The objective is to implement a community-based environmental monitoring initiative that:

• Documents environmental and human rights impacts

• Strengthens inclusive environmental governance

• Promotes environmental justice awareness

• Enhances public participation in decision-making

The initiative is supported by the Government of Sweden and will be implemented in partnership with one selected local CSO.

Program Objective

The specified objective of this Call for Proposals is to:

• Strengthen the capacity of affected populations to monitor and document environmental and human rights impacts

• Promote advocacy and awareness on environmental justice issues

• Increase public understanding of environmental rights and responsibilities

• Improve meaningful and inclusive participation in environmental decision-making processes

The project must directly benefit:

• Island communities

• Youth

• Women and girls

• Vulnerable socioeconomic groups

• Persons with disabilities

Why This Initiative Matters

The Maldives is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation.

Key environmental challenges include:

• Sea level rise

• Coastal erosion

• Coral reef degradation

• Intensified weather events

• Land reclamation and infrastructure impacts

These environmental pressures directly affect:

• Human rights

• Livelihoods

• Food security

• Economic stability

• Community resilience

At the same time, development projects have raised concerns about:

• Environmental sustainability

• Access to information

• Public consultation processes

This initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in environmental decision-making.

What UNDP Does

UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, operating in approximately 170 countries and territories.

It works with:

• National governments

• The United Nations system

• Development partners

• Civil society organizations

Its focus areas include:

• Poverty eradication

• Governance and state-building

• Crisis resilience

• Sustainable development

• Structural transformation

In the Maldives, UNDP supports inclusive governance and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a currently active and registered NGO or CSO in the Maldives

• Have a qualified and dedicated project team as outlined in the Terms of Reference

• Commit to a six-month implementation period

• Demonstrate capacity to manage funds and deliver community-based interventions

Only one locally registered Civil Society Organization will be selected.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: MVR 300,000

• Funding type: Project-based grant

• Duration: Up to six months

• Completion deadline: By August 2026 (depending on contract start date)

The grant must support direct interventions within selected communities in the Maldives.

Budget Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A detailed itemized budget

• A financial proposal using UNDP’s official template

Eligible budget categories may include:

• Operational support

• Technical assistance

• Monitoring and reporting

• Overhead costs

Budgets must align with UNDP financial guidelines and demonstrate cost-effectiveness.

What the Selected CSO Will Do

The selected organization will:

1. Strengthen capacity of civil society and local actors

2. Train community representatives on environmental monitoring

3. Support documentation of environmental and rights-related concerns

4. Conduct advocacy and awareness campaigns

5. Promote inclusive environmental governance

The initiative must combine monitoring, documentation, and public awareness components.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is registered in the Maldives

• Is currently active

• Has technical and financial capacity

• Can complete the project within six months

Step 2: Review the Terms of Reference (ToR)

Carefully review:

• Project objectives

• Required team qualifications

• Expected outputs

• Reporting requirements

Step 3: Develop a Community-Based Monitoring Plan

Your proposal should include:

• Clear environmental monitoring methodology

• Human rights documentation framework

• Advocacy and awareness strategy

• Inclusion plan for vulnerable groups

Step 4: Prepare a Detailed Budget

• Use UNDP’s financial proposal template

• Provide itemized costs

• Justify operational and technical expenses

• Ensure total does not exceed MVR 300,000

Step 5: Submit Proposal

Submit all required documentation before the deadline specified by UNDP.

Incomplete or non-compliant applications may be rejected.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting a proposal without clear monitoring methodology

2. Ignoring human rights dimensions of environmental impacts

3. Exceeding the MVR 300,000 budget cap

4. Failing to demonstrate inclusion of vulnerable groups

5. Providing vague advocacy strategies

6. Not aligning with UNDP’s financial template

Strong proposals are structured, measurable, inclusive, and realistic within six months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this UNDP Call?

Only registered and active NGOs or CSOs in the Maldives are eligible.

2. How much funding is available?

The maximum grant amount is MVR 300,000.

3. How long can the project run?

The project duration cannot exceed six months and must be completed by August 2026.

4. Is this funding for infrastructure projects?

No. The funding supports community-based environmental monitoring and advocacy initiatives.

5. Can international NGOs apply?

No. Only locally registered Maldivian CSOs are eligible.

6. Must the project include both monitoring and advocacy?

Yes. The initiative must combine environmental and human rights monitoring with awareness and advocacy components.

7. What groups must benefit from the project?

Island communities, youth, women and girls, vulnerable socioeconomic groups, and persons with disabilities must be included as direct beneficiaries.

Conclusion

UNDP’s Integrated Governance Programme III Call for Proposals offers Maldivian civil society organizations an opportunity to strengthen environmental justice, accountability, and inclusive governance. With funding of up to MVR 300,000 and a six-month implementation period, the initiative focuses on community-based monitoring of environmental and human rights impacts combined with advocacy and awareness.

Eligible Maldivian CSOs with strong technical capacity and community engagement experience should prepare a structured, inclusive, and impact-driven proposal aligned with UNDP requirements. This initiative represents a critical step toward transparent and accountable environmental governance in the Maldives.

For more information, visit UNDP.