Deadline: 16-Feb-2026
The PeaceNexus Foundation Environment and Peace International Grant Program supports environmental organisations working in conflict-affected contexts to strengthen conflict-sensitive approaches to biodiversity protection and climate action. The program combines organisational accompaniment with grants of up to CHF 50,000 to help organisations manage social tensions and reduce conflict risks. Eligible applicants must be international environmental organisations operating in at least five countries.
Program Overview
The Environment and Peace International Grant Program by the PeaceNexus Foundation supports environmental organisations facing social tensions and conflict risks in their operating contexts. The program strengthens institutional capacity for conflict sensitivity so organisations can deliver effective biodiversity protection and climate action while avoiding harm and supporting peacebuilding outcomes. It recognises that conservation and climate initiatives often operate in fragile and conflict-affected settings where poorly designed interventions can unintentionally exacerbate tensions.
Key Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities
Supported initiatives must align with one or more of the following focus areas:
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Biodiversity loss and ecosystem protection
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Climate change mitigation and adaptation
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Environmental action in fragile and conflict-affected contexts
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Conflict-sensitive conservation and climate practice
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Social tensions, polarisation, and intergroup conflict
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Social cohesion and peacebuilding
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Institutional capacity building for conflict sensitivity
What Is Conflict Sensitivity in Environmental Action?
Conflict sensitivity refers to an organisation’s ability to understand the political, social, and conflict dynamics of its operating environment and to adapt programmes accordingly. In environmental and climate work, this includes managing land use disputes, natural resource competition, community grievances, and governance challenges in ways that prevent harm and contribute positively to peace.
What Support Does the Program Offer?
Financial Support
Selected organisations receive a small grant of up to CHF 50,000 to support one defined phase of conflict-sensitivity capacity building.
Organisational Accompaniment
In addition to funding, PeaceNexus provides tailored organisational accompaniment, which may include context analysis, conflict risk assessments, strategic advice, coaching, and support to integrate conflict sensitivity into programmes and internal systems. This approach ensures learning is practical, applied, and embedded across the organisation.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible Organisations
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Have a primary mission related to the environment, including nature conservation, biodiversity protection, or climate action
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Demonstrate international reach with programmes operating in at least five countries
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Operate in conflict-affected or fragile contexts, such as areas with open violence, intergroup tensions, high polarisation, or a history of armed conflict
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Country offices of international organisations or networks may apply if they clearly explain how learning will be shared across the wider organisation and how conflict-sensitive practices will be encouraged beyond a single country programme.
Why This Program Matters
Environmental interventions can unintentionally intensify social tensions when land, water, or natural resources are contested. This program helps organisations avoid exacerbating conflict, strengthen peacebuilding outcomes, improve the legitimacy and sustainability of environmental action, and build organisational resilience in volatile and complex settings.
How the Program Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Organisational Reflection
Organisations assess their environmental work, operating contexts, and existing conflict-related challenges.
Step 2: Application Submission
Applicants submit an application outlining their environmental mission, international footprint, conflict risks in their contexts, and capacity-building needs related to conflict sensitivity.
Step 3: Selection and Engagement
PeaceNexus selects organisations based on strategic fit, relevance of conflict risks, and potential for organisational learning and impact.
Step 4: Capacity-Building Phase
Selected organisations implement a defined phase of conflict-sensitivity capacity building with financial support and organisational accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common pitfalls include underestimating conflict risks, treating conflict sensitivity as a one-off activity rather than an organisational process, failing to link environmental outcomes with peacebuilding goals, and limiting learning to a single project or country office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of the Environment and Peace International Grant Program?
The program aims to strengthen conflict-sensitive environmental action while reducing social tensions and contributing positively to peace.
How much funding is available?
Selected organisations may receive a grant of up to CHF 50,000.
Is this program only for conservation organisations?
No. Any organisation with a primary mission related to biodiversity protection, climate action, or environmental sustainability may apply.
How many countries must an organisation operate in?
Applicants must demonstrate active programmes in at least five countries.
Are organisations working in peaceful contexts eligible?
No. Applicants must operate in conflict-affected or fragile contexts.
Can country offices of international organisations apply?
Yes, if they explain how learning will be shared across the wider organisation.
Does the program fund project implementation?
No. The grant supports organisational capacity building for conflict sensitivity, not standalone project delivery.
Conclusion
The PeaceNexus Foundation Environment and Peace International Grant Program provides targeted support for environmental organisations working in complex and conflict-affected settings. By combining financial support with organisational accompaniment, the program enables organisations to integrate conflict sensitivity into biodiversity conservation and climate action, achieving more sustainable environmental and peacebuilding outcomes.
For more information, visit PeaceNexus Foundation.