Call for Third-Party Financial Support for Forests Program (Colombia)

The Call for Applications for Third-Party Financial Support (AFT) under the Forests Program supports organizations implementing projects focused on sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and peacebuilding in Colombia. Selected projects can receive funding of up to €600,000 and will contribute to sustainable livestock systems, forest restoration, carbon finance, and innovative financial solutions aligned with Colombia’s environmental and development policies.

What is the Forests Program AFT Call for Applications?

The Third-Party Financial Support (AFT) Call under the Forests Program invites eligible organizations to develop projects that strengthen sustainable land use, protect biodiversity, reduce deforestation, and support climate resilience in Colombia.

The initiative is part of the Technical Assistance Program supporting the “Forests for Biodiversity, Climate and Peace in Colombia” programme.

The call aims to support innovative approaches that connect:

• Forest conservation
• Climate mitigation
• Sustainable agriculture and livestock systems
• Biodiversity protection
• Rural development
• Peacebuilding efforts

Objectives of the Forests Program

The program aims to:

• Promote sustainable forest management practices
• Reduce deforestation and ecosystem degradation
• Strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts
• Support climate action through carbon solutions
• Improve sustainable livestock production systems
• Develop financial mechanisms for environmental projects
• Strengthen institutional capacity for forest protection

Key Focus Areas of the Call

Eligible projects should address one or more of the following themes:

Sustainable Forest Management and Restoration

Projects may focus on:

• Forest conservation
• Ecological restoration
• Sustainable land management
• Reducing forest loss and degradation
• Restoration of affected ecosystems

Biodiversity Conservation

Activities may include:

• Protection of biodiversity-rich areas
• Development of biodiversity market mechanisms
• Conservation strategies linked to local communities

Climate Action and Carbon Finance

Supported initiatives may involve:

• Carbon capture and removal solutions
• Carbon assessment methodologies
• Climate finance mechanisms
• Innovative funding models for environmental projects

Sustainable Livestock Systems

Projects should support:

• Sustainable livestock production
• Improved environmental performance
• Reduced deforestation linked to cattle farming
• Sustainable land-use practices

Gender and Social Inclusion

Applicants must integrate:

• Gender considerations
• Social inclusion approaches
• Participation of local communities
• Equitable access to project benefits

Funding Details

The program will support two projects, with one project selected under each funding category.

Grant Amount

Each selected project may receive:

• Maximum funding: €600,000

Applicant Contribution

Applicants must provide:

• Minimum counterpart contribution: 15% of total project costs

Additional details:

• In-kind contributions are accepted as complementary support
• Subcontracting of project implementation is not permitted

Project Lots Under the Call

The call is divided into two complementary lots.

Lot 1: Technical and Financial Models for Sustainable Livestock Systems

This lot focuses on developing models that evaluate sustainable livestock practices.

Projects should analyze:

• Livestock productivity
• Environmental performance
• Economic feasibility
• Financing options
• Sustainable production models

Expected outputs may include:

• Technical studies
• Financial assessments
• Livestock system analysis
• Implementation recommendations

Lot 2: Carbon Capture, Removal, and Sustainable Finance Models

This lot focuses on developing financial mechanisms that encourage sustainable livestock practices.

Projects should address:

• Carbon capture potential
• Carbon removal opportunities
• Blended finance models
• Financial instruments for climate action
• Feasibility of sustainable investment approaches

Expected outputs may include:

• Carbon assessment methodologies
• Financial models
• Investment feasibility studies
• Implementation roadmaps

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants are organizations capable of implementing projects related to forests, biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable development.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong project management capacity
• Technical expertise relevant to the selected lot
• Experience working in environmental or rural development areas
• Ability to deliver technical and financial outputs

Eligible proposals should focus on Colombian territories and align with:

• National deforestation control policies
• Colombia’s National Development Plan
• Peace Agreement commitments
• Biodiversity and climate strategies

Required Project Activities and Outputs

Selected projects are expected to develop technical and analytical outputs, including:

Technical Studies

Examples:

• Sustainable production assessments
• Environmental analysis
• Rural development studies

Financial Analysis

Examples:

• Cost-benefit evaluations
• Financing models
• Investment feasibility assessments

Data and Mapping Tools

Projects may need to produce:

• Geodatabases
• Spatial analysis tools
• Territory-based information systems

Climate and Carbon Assessments

Activities may include:

• Carbon measurement methodologies
• Carbon capture evaluations
• Climate impact analysis

Implementation Roadmaps

Projects should provide:

• Practical recommendations
• Implementation strategies
• Scaling opportunities

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare proposals that include:

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Lot

Choose between:

• Lot 1: Sustainable livestock technical and financial models
• Lot 2: Carbon finance and sustainable investment mechanisms

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

The proposal should explain:

• Project objectives
• Target territories
• Planned activities
• Expected environmental and social impacts
• Budget and financing structure

Step 3: Demonstrate Technical Capacity

Applicants should provide evidence of:

• Relevant experience
• Qualified project teams
• Ability to manage large-scale projects

Step 4: Submit Financial Information

Applicants must include:

• Project costs
• Eligible expenses
• Required counterpart contribution

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

Management Capacity

Reviewers will evaluate:

• Organizational experience
• Technical expertise
• Ability to deliver project outcomes

Project Activities

Assessment will consider:

• Quality of proposed activities
• Innovation
• Alignment with program objectives

Target Territories

Projects will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance of selected locations
• Environmental importance
• Community impact

Project Costs

Reviewers will assess:

• Budget justification
• Financial efficiency
• Eligibility of expenses

Why This Program Matters

Colombia contains globally important forests and biodiversity areas that face challenges from:

• Deforestation
• Unsustainable land use
• Climate change impacts
• Pressure from agricultural expansion

By supporting sustainable livestock systems, restoration, and climate finance solutions, this program helps create pathways where environmental protection and economic development can work together.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

• Clearly connect the project with Colombia’s forest and climate priorities
• Provide realistic financial models
• Include measurable environmental outcomes
• Demonstrate local knowledge and stakeholder engagement
• Integrate gender and inclusion throughout the project design
• Explain how solutions can be scaled after project completion

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals unrelated to forest conservation or climate goals
• Providing unclear financial plans
• Ignoring gender and inclusion requirements
• Failing to define project territories
• Proposing activities without measurable outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Forests Program AFT Call for Applications?

It is a funding opportunity supporting organizations implementing projects related to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and peace in Colombia.

2. How much funding is available?

Each selected project can receive up to €600,000.

3. How many projects will be funded?

The program will support two projects, with one selected under each available lot.

4. What are the two funding lots?

Lot 1 supports technical and financial models for sustainable livestock systems. Lot 2 supports carbon capture, removal assessments, and blended finance solutions.

5. Are counterpart contributions required?

Yes. Applicants must provide at least 15% counterpart contribution. In-kind contributions are accepted as complementary support.

6. Can applicants subcontract project implementation?

No. Subcontracting of project implementation is not permitted under this call.

7. What topics must proposals address?

Projects should focus on areas such as forest conservation, biodiversity, climate finance, sustainable livestock, restoration, carbon solutions, gender, and inclusion.

Conclusion

The Third-Party Financial Support (AFT) Call under the Forests Program provides a major opportunity for organizations to advance sustainable development solutions in Colombia. By supporting forest conservation, biodiversity protection, climate finance, and sustainable livestock systems, the initiative contributes to long-term environmental resilience and peacebuilding.

Through technical innovation, financial solutions, and inclusive approaches, funded projects will help create sustainable models that protect Colombia’s ecosystems while supporting rural communities.