Deadline: 07-Jun-2026
The ICCA Global Support Initiative (ICCA-GSI) Phase 2 is a global programme implemented under the GEF Small Grants Programme by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It supports Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conserving ecosystems through traditional knowledge, customary governance, and community-led conservation systems.
The initiative recognizes Indigenous and local territories as key contributors to global biodiversity protection and climate resilience.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant amount: USD 40,000 per project
- Funding source: GEF Small Grants Programme (UNDP implemented)
- Phase coverage: Expansion to 50 countries, including Malaysia
- Support type: Community-led conservation and sustainable development projects
Key Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection
- Sustainable livelihoods for local and Indigenous communities
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Inclusive governance and community decision-making
- Gender equality and women’s participation
- Youth leadership and engagement
- Policy engagement and advocacy
- Knowledge sharing and capacity building
- Recognition of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)
- Strengthening ICCAs as conservation demonstration sites
Programme Objectives
The ICCA-GSI Phase 2 aims to:
- Empower Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conservation
- Strengthen traditional and customary governance systems
- Support sustainable and community-driven livelihoods
- Contribute to global biodiversity targets under the Kunming-Montreal Framework
- Improve recognition of ICCAs and OECMs in national and global policy
- Generate evidence for biodiversity policy development
- Enhance climate resilience at the community level
National Context (Malaysia)
In Malaysia, the programme aligns with:
- National Policy on Biological Diversity (2022–2030)
- National conservation and sustainability goals
- Efforts to strengthen community-based environmental stewardship
- Integration of Indigenous knowledge into biodiversity management
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Community-based organisations
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Civil society organisations
- Academic and training institutions
- Social enterprises
- Indigenous Peoples’ organisations
- Women’s groups
- Youth groups
- Persons with disabilities organisations
- Local community groups
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Government institutions
- State-owned enterprises
- International organisations
Special Requirements for Informal Groups
Applicants without formal organisational registration must:
- Establish a dedicated bank account
- Ensure at least three authorised signatories
- Use the account exclusively for project implementation
Expected Project Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to:
- Strengthen community-led conservation systems
- Protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Improve sustainable livelihood opportunities
- Enhance participation of women and youth
- Strengthen local governance and decision-making
- Support documentation of traditional ecological knowledge
- Contribute to national and global biodiversity reporting
Strategic Importance
This initiative contributes to:
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets
- Recognition of Indigenous and community conservation areas
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Sustainable development at the local level
- Integration of traditional knowledge in conservation policy
Why This Programme Matters
The ICCA-GSI Phase 2 is important because it:
- Recognizes Indigenous stewardship of ecosystems
- Strengthens grassroots conservation efforts
- Supports sustainable livelihoods in biodiversity-rich areas
- Promotes inclusive and equitable conservation governance
- Bridges local knowledge with global environmental policy
- Enhances climate resilience in vulnerable communities
Conclusion
The ICCA Global Support Initiative Phase 2 in Malaysia empowers Indigenous Peoples and local communities to lead biodiversity conservation and climate resilience efforts. Through financial support, capacity building, and policy engagement, the programme strengthens community-led conservation systems while contributing to global biodiversity targets and sustainable development goals.
For more information, visit UNDP.