Deadline: 20-Aug-2025
UNEP is inviting project proposals for the Nature-based Solution Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA) to promote sustainable and resilient infrastructure in emerging economies. The initiative focuses on applying cost-effective nature-based solutions (NbS) to strengthen infrastructure resilience against climate-related events through innovative green interventions.
The project targets Africa and Central Asia, aiming to improve the resilience of infrastructure assets and other sectors. It supports entities working on sustainable infrastructure and NbS, from design to technological innovation, at the development, testing, or implementation stage. Selected projects will receive grants, communication and knowledge management support, and connections with potential co-funders or investors. The ultimate goal is to prove that financially viable NbS solutions can be applied to diverse sectors and scaled with subsequent public or private capital.
UNEP is seeking a project implementation partner to manage activities from design to execution. Between January and August 2026, the partner will oversee project and consortium development, launch calls for proposals, conduct screenings and due diligence in target countries, and finalize contractual agreements. Consortium leads may be public or private entities, either for-profit or not-for-profit.
From September 2026 to June 2029, the partner will launch pilot projects, collect environmental, social, and financial performance data, monitor progress, and provide policy insights. Key deliverables include a due diligence and selection report, a mid-scope update on financial and technical progress, an end-of-pilot summary report, and a final NBS-IA publication detailing achievements, lessons learned, and policy recommendations.
The implementation period runs from Q3 2025 to Q2 2029. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in nature-based infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and managing donor-funded programs. They should have experience in proposal calls, due diligence processes, and NbS interventions in sectors such as ports, energy, water management, and transportation—particularly in Africa and Central Asia. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit, non-governmental entities.
For more information, visit UNEP.
