Deadline: 25-May-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting national NGOs in Benin to support Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) under Phase 2 of the ICCA Global Support Initiative. The project focuses on policy integration, monitoring and evaluation, and community capacity strengthening, with funding up to USD 50,000 for a maximum duration of three years. Selected organisations will assess project sites, apply resilience tools, and strengthen local conservation systems.
Programme Overview
This initiative under the UNDP-led ICCA Global Support Initiative (ICCA-GSI) aims to strengthen the recognition, governance, and sustainability of ICCAs in Benin.
The programme builds on earlier efforts to integrate community-led conservation systems into national and global frameworks while improving monitoring and resilience.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme focuses on strengthening ICCAs through policy, monitoring, and capacity development.
Core Objectives
- Integrate ICCAs into national policies and legal frameworks
- Support registration of ICCAs in global registries
- Strengthen monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems
- Build capacity of local communities and grant recipients
- Enhance resilience to environmental and socio-economic pressures
- Promote sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation
Funding Overview
Grant Amount
- Up to USD 50,000
Project Duration
- Maximum 3 years
Funding Scope
- Monitoring and evaluation activities
- Capacity-building and training
- Field assessments and follow-up visits
- Community engagement and facilitation
Key Concepts Explained
What are ICCAs?
Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) are territories and ecosystems conserved by Indigenous Peoples and local communities through traditional knowledge, governance systems, and cultural practices.
What is the ICCA-GSI?
The Global Support Initiative for ICCAs (ICCA-GSI), launched in 2014, supports recognition, protection, and strengthening of ICCAs globally.
Resilience and Security Index
A rapid assessment tool used to evaluate:
- Governance systems
- Conservation effectiveness
- Socio-cultural dynamics
- Land tenure security
- External support and threats
Scope of Work
The selected NGO will play a central role in programme implementation.
Core Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments at project sites
- Evaluate needs and capacities of grant recipients
- Apply Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks
- Facilitate community self-strengthening processes
- Use tools like the Resilience and Security Index
- Support ICCA registration and policy integration
- Ensure context-sensitive implementation in Benin
Community Strengthening Approach
- Participatory, community-led discussions
- Flexible methodologies adapted to local priorities
- Focus on governance, conservation, and resilience
Expected Outcomes
Projects must deliver measurable improvements in ICCA systems.
Key Outcomes
- Stronger integration of ICCAs into national frameworks
- Improved monitoring and evaluation systems
- Enhanced community capacity and governance
- Better resilience of ecosystems and livelihoods
- Increased recognition of ICCAs globally
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
- National NGOs
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
Required Expertise
- Knowledge of ICCA-related legal and policy frameworks
- Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities
- Proven capacity in monitoring, evaluation, and fieldwork
Proposal Requirements
- Detailed work plan
- Comprehensive budget
- Timeline and implementation strategy
- Defined roles and responsibilities
- Qualified research and implementation team
Why the Programme Matters
This initiative strengthens community-led conservation in Benin.
Key Importance
- Supports Indigenous and local governance systems
- Enhances biodiversity conservation
- Builds climate resilience
- Promotes sustainable livelihoods
- Bridges local action with global recognition
Long-Term Impact
- Stronger conservation outcomes at community level
- Improved policy integration of ICCAs
- Increased resilience to climate and socio-economic risks
- Sustainable ecosystem management
How the Programme Works
Application and Implementation Process
- Confirm organisational eligibility
- Develop detailed proposal (work plan + budget)
- Submit application to UNDP
- Evaluation based on experience and proposal quality
- Selection of implementing NGO
- Conduct field assessments and capacity building
- Apply M&E tools and resilience assessments
- Deliver results within 3-year timeframe
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak understanding of ICCA frameworks
- Lack of field experience with communities
- Incomplete or unclear work plan
- Poorly defined monitoring and evaluation approach
- عدم aligning activities with local socio-cultural context
Best Practices for Applicants
- Demonstrate strong community engagement experience
- Align proposal with ICCA principles and frameworks
- Include clear M&E methodologies
- Use participatory and inclusive approaches
- Provide realistic timelines and budgets
- Highlight expertise in policy integration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this programme?
To strengthen ICCAs through policy integration, monitoring, and community capacity building.
Who can apply?
National NGOs and civil society organisations in Benin.
How much funding is available?
Up to USD 50,000 per project.
What is the project duration?
Maximum of three years.
What activities are funded?
Monitoring, evaluation, capacity building, field assessments, and policy support.
What tool is used for assessment?
The Resilience and Security Index.
What is required in the proposal?
A detailed work plan, budget, timeline, and qualified team.
Conclusion
The UNDP ICCA-GSI Phase 2 initiative in Benin provides a strategic opportunity for NGOs to strengthen community-led conservation systems. By combining monitoring, policy integration, and capacity building, the programme supports resilient ecosystems, empowered communities, and sustainable environmental governance.
For more information, visit UNDP.
