The GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan, invites inclusive and innovative proposals from Civil Society Organisations. Proposals should focus on the following priority landscapes identified under Phase II of ICCA-GSI:

• The Monpas Community, Langthel Gewog, Trongsa Dzongkhag
• The Gongdueps, Gongdue Gewog, Mongar Dzongkhag
• The Oleps, Athang Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag
• Taba Dumtey, Tanding Gewog, Samtse and Chhukha Dzongkhag

Three proposals will be selected for a grant support of upto USD 75,000 each. The proposals must be submited by 30 June 2026.

For details on this Call for Proposals (background, objectives, outputs, eligibility and qualification criteria), please refer to this document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ha0EPfrUP-k8C425UGEvclUZ_9EqNszP/view?usp=sharing

• Please download the templates and submit your proposals: https://forms.gle/jEuGF64aKeCuYouV6
• Proposals must align with the Country Programme Strategy for Global ICCA Support Initiative Phase 2, available for download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15_s-lWvk201p5ihcf7nYY5q3vAbZ8ALY/view?usp=sharing
• Download the Terms of Reference: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Oj6IAVAnazfEaaLOddWEWP9gnVQoWuz/view?usp=sharing
• Download proposal template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17P1wvZGEPaBrvRaFDsJ1AmLIjMXWhUir/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101847817509457945823&rtpof=true&sd=true
• Please list and share details about existing projects that you are currently implementing in here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wlvT93HPvM8Ty5Ua_M6uT2ndqbJnlSSm/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101847817509457945823&rtpof=true&sd=true
• Provide summary of your proposal: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OYvFXyYdx4onCd5fAIyaYdvaQBAxmVQT/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101847817509457945823&rtpof=true&sd=true

About ICCA-GSI

The ICCA-GSIor the Global Support Initiative on territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, is a flagship initiative under the GEF-SGP, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Royal Government of Bhutan, to strengthen biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Funded by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), ICCA-GSI recognizes the important role of vulnerable local communities in conserving ecosystems through customary governance and traditional knowledge. 

Globally, ICCAs cover nearly one-third of the world’s land and contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and community wellbeing.

The initiative supports communities through small grants, policy engagement, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), particularly Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23.

Building on Phase One, ICCA-GSI Phase Two expands to 50 countries globally, including Bhutan, with a stronger focus on:

• Inclusive and equitable governance
• Gender equality and women’s leadership
• Youth participation and intergenerational knowledge
• Legal recognition and policy engagement

The ICCA GSI supports community-led conservation initiatives that strengthen biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience, while recognising the critical role of vulnerable communities as custodians of nature. 

In Bhutan, ICCA-GSI aligns with national’s 13th Five Year Plan (FYP), particularly under the Ecological Diversity and Resilience Programme, which is aimed to ensuring a low carbon and climate resilient development and green growth. It also aligns with global commitments, such as the KMGBF, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).