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.