Deadline: 26-Jan-2026
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is seeking proposals to lead the update of the Ecosystem Profile for the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. The assignment focuses on aligning biodiversity conservation priorities with climate change challenges, with a strong emphasis on ecosystem-based adaptation led by civil society organizations. Funding of USD 150,000 is available for work conducted between March and November 2026.
Overview of the Opportunity
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has launched a call for proposals to update the Ecosystem Profile for the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.
This assignment aims to deliver an evidence-based, up-to-date strategic document that reflects current biodiversity threats, climate risks, and conservation opportunities across island ecosystems. The updated profile will guide future conservation investments and ecosystem-based adaptation efforts in the region.
About the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)
CEPF is a global partnership supported by leading international conservation and development organizations.
Its core mission is to strengthen the role of civil society in protecting the world’s most biologically rich and threatened ecosystems, known as biodiversity hotspots.
CEPF works by funding local and regional organizations to deliver conservation outcomes that also support sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.
What Is an Ecosystem Profile?
An ecosystem profile is a strategic planning document used by CEPF to guide investment decisions within a biodiversity hotspot.
It provides:
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A comprehensive analysis of biodiversity values and threats
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An assessment of climate change impacts and vulnerabilities
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Identification of priority ecosystems, species, and geographic areas
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Strategic directions for conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation
For this assignment, the ecosystem profile will be updated to reflect new data, emerging climate risks, and evolving civil society capacity.
Geographic Scope of the Assignment
The updated ecosystem profile will cover the entire Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.
This includes four countries within the hotspot and addresses:
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Terrestrial ecosystems
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Freshwater ecosystems
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Coastal ecosystems
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Marine ecosystems
Applicants must acknowledge the ecological, political, and social diversity across countries and propose context-sensitive engagement approaches.
Key Focus: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA)
A central component of the assignment is identifying and prioritizing ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) actions.
Ecosystem-based adaptation refers to the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to climate change.
Examples include:
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Protecting mangroves to reduce coastal erosion and storm impacts
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Restoring watersheds to improve water security
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Conserving forests to regulate climate and support livelihoods
These actions must be:
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Led or co-led by civil society organizations
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Grounded in local knowledge and scientific evidence
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Designed to strengthen climate resilience while safeguarding ecosystem services
Program Goals and Expected Outcomes
The overarching goal is to reduce the vulnerability of island populations to climate change.
This will be achieved by:
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Protecting and sustainably managing ecosystems critical to climate resilience
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Strengthening civil society leadership in conservation and adaptation
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Generating scalable lessons applicable to other island nations
The initiative places particular relevance on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Stakeholder Engagement and Consultations
Applicants must clearly explain how stakeholder consultations will be conducted in each country.
Consultation strategies may include:
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In-person national or subnational workshops
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Virtual consultations and online meetings
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Remote engagement with local organizations
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Desk-based research and data analysis
Proposals must demonstrate how civil society perspectives will be meaningfully integrated into the ecosystem profile.
Important Clarification on Investment Decisions
While the ecosystem profile will inform future CEPF investments, it will not predefine:
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Final funding allocations
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Specific grant recipients
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Exact investment envelopes
This ensures flexibility in how findings are applied during the subsequent investment phase.
Funding and Timeline
Available Budget
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Total funding: USD 150,000
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The amount is inclusive of all management, operational, and indirect costs
Implementation Period
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Start date: 1 March 2026
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End date: 30 November 2026
The timeframe covers research, stakeholder consultations, analysis, drafting, and final delivery.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
CEPF welcomes proposals from a broad range of qualified entities.
Eligible applicants include:
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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
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Private consulting firms
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Universities and research institutions
Consortia are allowed, provided that:
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One organization is designated as the lead
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The lead organization is responsible for coordination, reporting, and financial management
Organizations involved in preparing the ecosystem profile remain eligible to apply for future CEPF grants during the investment phase.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This assignment plays a critical role in shaping conservation and climate adaptation strategies across one of the world’s most vulnerable biodiversity hotspots.
It matters because it:
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Aligns biodiversity conservation with climate resilience
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Empowers civil society to lead adaptation solutions
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Influences long-term funding priorities across multiple island nations
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Contributes knowledge relevant to global island and climate policy discussions
How the Assignment Works: Step-by-Step
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Conduct a comprehensive review of existing biodiversity and climate data
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Assess emerging threats and conservation priorities across ecosystems
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Design and implement stakeholder consultations in each country
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Identify priority ecosystem-based adaptation actions led by civil society
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Synthesize findings into an updated ecosystem profile
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Deliver the final profile within the agreed timeline and budget
Common Proposal Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to tailor engagement strategies to country-specific contexts
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Overlooking civil society leadership in adaptation actions
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Proposing rigid consultation methods that do not account for data or capacity gaps
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Underestimating time and resources required for inclusive stakeholder engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main objective of this call?
The objective is to update the Ecosystem Profile for the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot with a strong focus on climate resilience and ecosystem-based adaptation.
How much funding is available?
A total of USD 150,000 is available, inclusive of all costs.
What is the project duration?
The assignment will run from 1 March to 30 November 2026.
Can consulting firms apply?
Yes. NGOs, consulting firms, universities, and consortia are all eligible.
Are consortia allowed?
Yes. One organization must serve as the lead and manage coordination and finances.
Does preparing the ecosystem profile affect eligibility for future CEPF grants?
No. Organizations involved in this assignment remain eligible for future CEPF funding.
Will the ecosystem profile determine future funding allocations?
No. The profile will inform strategy but will not predetermine final investment decisions.
Conclusion
The CEPF call to update the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands Ecosystem Profile offers a strategic opportunity to shape climate-resilient biodiversity conservation across island ecosystems. By centering civil society leadership and ecosystem-based adaptation, the assignment aims to deliver actionable insights that support both environmental protection and community resilience, with lessons extending far beyond the hotspot itself.
For more information, visit CEPF.