Forest Value Chain Support Program for a Green Transition (Gabon)

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The Forest Value Chain Support Program in Gabon funds initiatives to strengthen forest value chains while promoting sustainable management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. With a budget of up to EUR 4,375,000, the program supports civil society organizations and eligible partners to implement high value-added forest and non-timber projects, create jobs, and align with EU environmental and trade standards.

Programme Overview

The program aims to consolidate forest value chains in Gabon to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability. It focuses on enabling the private sector and civil society to meet market demands, implement pilot initiatives, and integrate climate adaptation and biodiversity goals into forest-based industries.

Overall Objective

• Strengthen forest value chains in Gabon to comply with:

  • Sustainable forest management

  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

  • Adaptation to climate change

  • Biodiversity conservation

Specific Objectives

• Support the private sector in developing high value-added sectors

• Promote job creation and income diversification

• Integrate climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection into forestry practices

• Strengthen legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks in forest management

• Facilitate compliance with EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), CITES, and the Nagoya Protocol

Priority Areas

1. Forest Resources:

   • Primary focus on timber forests, followed by non-timber products and cocoa

2. Economic Impact:

   • Promote market diversification, income growth, added value creation, and investment facilitation

3. Governance and Legal Frameworks:

   • Strengthen sector dialogue, data sharing, and supply chain structuring

   • Improve legal compliance and regulatory oversight

4. Environmental Sustainability:

   • Encourage certified forest management

   • Promote biodiversity management

   • Facilitate access to renewable energy

Funding Details

• Indicative Budget: EUR 4,375,000

• Grant Amounts: Minimum EUR 4,300,000; Maximum EUR 4,375,000

• The contracting authority may choose not to allocate all funds

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Actors

• Lead Applicant:

  • Must be a non-profit legal entity and civil society organization

  • Established in eligible countries under the IVCDCI framework:

    • EU Member States

    • IPA III beneficiaries

    • European Economic Area countries

    • Developing countries and territories listed in the OECD DAC ODA list (non-G20)

    • Overseas Countries and Territories

    • Neighbourhood Partner Countries

  • Must manage the action directly with co-applicants and affiliated entities

• Co-Applicants and Affiliated Entities:

  • Must actively participate in preparation, implementation, and management of the project

Exclusions

• Lead applicants acting as intermediaries

• Entities falling under PRAG exclusion situations (e.g., bankruptcy, fraud, conflict of interest)

Eligible Actions and Costs

• Actions must align with forest value chain strengthening and sustainable economic, legal, governance, and environmental outcomes

• Costs must be reimbursable under the grant in accordance with total cost reimbursement rules

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility: Verify the lead applicant and any co-applicants meet legal and geographic requirements.

2. Define the Action: Develop a project that strengthens forest value chains, supports sustainability, and addresses climate and biodiversity goals.

3. Prepare Budget and Costs: Include reimbursable costs only under the rules for total cost reimbursement.

4. Submit Proposal: Ensure all documentation reflects compliance, governance, and expected impacts.

5. Implementation and Monitoring: Manage the project directly and in coordination with co-applicants and affiliated entities.

Key Benefits

• Consolidation of forest value chains for sustainable economic growth

• Job creation and development of high value-added sectors

• Enhanced legal compliance and governance in forestry and trade

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved climate adaptation

• Protection and conservation of biodiversity in Gabon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this programme?
Civil society organizations legally established in eligible countries under the IVCDCI framework.

2. What is the grant amount range?
Between EUR 4,300,000 and EUR 4,375,000.

3. Can profit-making entities apply?
No, only non-profit legal entities are eligible as lead applicants.

4. What actions are eligible for funding?
Projects that strengthen forest value chains, promote sustainability, and integrate climate and biodiversity goals.

5. Can the lead applicant act as an intermediary?
No, the lead applicant must be directly responsible for managing the project.

6. What are the environmental priorities?
Certified forest management, biodiversity conservation, and access to renewable energy.

7. Is the full budget guaranteed to be awarded?
No, the contracting authority may choose not to allocate all funds.

Conclusion

The Forest Value Chain Support Program accelerates Gabon’s green transition by linking economic development with environmental stewardship. By supporting civil society and private sector actors, the programme strengthens forestry governance, legal compliance, and market readiness, ensuring sustainable, high-value forest industries that create jobs, conserve biodiversity, and contribute to climate resilience.

For more information, visit EC.