Supporting the General Direction for FORESTRY in Implementing Priority Projects (Timor Leste)

The European Commission invites applications to strengthen the capacity of Timor-Leste’s Directorate General of Forestry (DG Forestry) for sustainable forest management and climate action. The call provides EUR 1,600,000 in funding for projects lasting 36–45 months, supporting technical, organizational, and project management skills with integrated gender and vulnerable population considerations.

Programme Overview

This initiative aims to enhance the ability of DG Forestry to plan, implement, and scale its own projects, promoting sustainable forest resource management and climate resilience. The program combines technical, methodological, and organizational support to build a comprehensive capacity for forestry governance.

Objectives

• Strengthen technical skills in agroforestry, biodiversity, climate change, IT, organic production, market development, and carbon certification

• Enhance project management capabilities, covering all phases from planning to evaluation and scaling

• Integrate cross-cutting issues, including gender equality and support for vulnerable populations

• Improve general organizational capacities, including policy coordination, regulatory compliance, administration, advocacy, and communication

Funding Details

• Total financial allocation: EUR 1,600,000

• Minimum and maximum funding per project: EUR 1,600,000

• Project duration: 36–45 months

• Funding covers all project-related activities within the allocated budget; the contracting authority may opt not to award the full allocation

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Public sector operators and local authorities

• International or intergovernmental organizations

• Economic operators, including consulting companies
  Requirements:

• Applicants must be legally established in Timor-Leste, an EU member state, or another eligible country, except international organizations which are exempt

• Lead applicants take full responsibility for project preparation and management

• Co-applicants or affiliated entities may collaborate but intermediaries are not permitted

How to Apply

1. Prepare a detailed proposal including:

   • Comprehensive capacity-building plan tailored to DG Forestry needs

   • Project objectives, activities, timeline, and expected outcomes

   • Budget aligned with the total allocation of EUR 1,600,000

   • Integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender and vulnerable populations

2. Submit the application following European Commission guidelines and deadlines

3. Ensure legal and operational eligibility, including establishment requirements

Key Considerations

• Projects should begin with a thorough capacity assessment to identify skill gaps and tailor interventions

• Emphasis on sustainable forestry, climate action, and long-term institutional strengthening

• Expected outcomes include improved project planning, implementation, scaling, and replication of successful initiatives

Why This Initiative Matters

• Supports Timor-Leste’s green development and climate action goals

• Enhances institutional capacity of DG Forestry

• Promotes sustainable management of natural resources and forest ecosystems

• Strengthens governance, technical expertise, and organizational resilience

FAQ

1. What is the total funding available for this call?

• EUR 1,600,000

2. What is the project duration?

• 36–45 months

3. Who is eligible to apply?

• NGOs, public sector operators, local authorities, international/intergovernmental organizations, and economic operators established in eligible countries

4. Are international organizations required to be established in Timor-Leste or the EU?

• No, international organizations are exempt from the establishment requirement

5. Can the funding be divided among multiple projects?

• No, the total allocation applies per project, and the contracting authority may not award the full amount

6. What areas of capacity are prioritized?

• Technical skills, project management, policy coordination, regulatory compliance, advocacy, communication, and cross-cutting gender and vulnerability integration

7. Who is responsible for project management?

• Lead applicants are fully responsible; co-applicants or affiliated entities may collaborate but cannot act as intermediaries

Conclusion

This European Commission initiative offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen the capacity of Timor-Leste’s DG Forestry, enhance sustainable forestry practices, and advance climate action. Through technical, organizational, and methodological support, the program will enable effective project planning, implementation, and scaling for long-term institutional resilience.