Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is inviting eligible organisations to develop the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) for Turkmenistan under its Eighth Operational Phase (OP8). The initiative aims to strengthen local conservation, sustainable development, and inclusive stakeholder engagement aligned with national and global environmental priorities.
About the Small Grants Programme
The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a flagship initiative of GEF that provides financial, technical, and capacity-building support to civil society organisations, NGOs, and community-based organisations to generate global environmental benefits.
In Turkmenistan:
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Conservation International (CI) will serve as the Implementing Agency
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Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) will act as the Executing Entity
CEPF encourages applications from not-for-profit organisations, private consultancy firms, research centres, and universities. Grants cannot be awarded to individuals.
Purpose of the Call
The selected grantee will lead a multi-phased, participatory, and technically robust process to develop Turkmenistan’s Country Programme Strategy under OP8.
The CPS must align with:
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GEF OP8 guidance
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Relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements
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Turkmenistan’s national environmental and socio-economic priorities
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CEPF’s strategic framework
Key Focus Areas
The CPS development process should include:
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Local conservation and sustainable development priorities
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Livelihood enhancement linked to global environmental benefits
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Stakeholder mapping and engagement
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Context analysis of environmental policies and socio-economic frameworks
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Review of environmental threats and national policy landscape
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Inclusive consultations with marginalised and vulnerable groups
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Identification of priority geographic areas
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Drafting a coherent, technically sound strategy
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Validation and finalisation through workshops and stakeholder feedback
The process must ensure strong collaboration with government agencies, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and local communities.
Responsibilities of Selected Grantees
The selected organisation will:
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Conduct stakeholder identification and mapping
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Undertake national and subnational consultations
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Analyse policy frameworks and environmental threats
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Draft strategic objectives and thematic priorities
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Organise validation workshops
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Incorporate stakeholder feedback
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Submit the final CPS for review and approval
The final CPS will be reviewed by CEPF, the GEF Operational Focal Point, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan before public dissemination.
Budget Considerations
Applicants must budget for all project-related expenses, including:
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Staff and consultancy costs
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Travel for consultations and workshops
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Venue hire and refreshments
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Translation of final deliverables
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Administrative and logistical expenses
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
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Not-for-profit organisations
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Private consultancy firms
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Research centres
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Universities
Individuals are not eligible to receive grants.
FAQs
1. What is the objective of this call?
To develop Turkmenistan’s Country Programme Strategy under GEF’s OP8 framework.
2. Who is implementing and executing the programme?
Conservation International is the Implementing Agency, and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is the Executing Entity.
3. Can individuals apply?
No, grants cannot be awarded to individuals.
4. What should the CPS align with?
GEF OP8 guidance, relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements, national priorities, and CEPF strategic guidance.
5. What costs should be included in the budget?
Staff costs, travel, workshops, venue hire, refreshments, translation, and related project expenses.
Conclusion
This call under the GEF Small Grants Programme presents a strategic opportunity to shape Turkmenistan’s environmental priorities for the OP8 period. By developing a comprehensive and participatory Country Programme Strategy, the selected organisation will help guide investments that promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive environmental governance. The initiative strengthens collaboration between civil society, government, and international partners to deliver lasting global environmental benefits aligned with national development goals.
For more information, visit CEPF.