LocationsWith support from UNDP and GEF Small Grants Programme, the community-led initiatives will advance climate-smart farming, rural waste recovery and economic empowerment of survivors of gender-based violence among others.
Six new initiatives to advance community-led climate solutions
October 12, 2026
Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative ad interim and Mr. Namgyel Dorji, Chief Programme Officer and GEF Operational Focal Point at the Ministry of Finance
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Approved under the second call for proposals of the GEF-Small Grants Programme’s Operational Phase 8 (OP8), the projects will receive USD 240,500 in grants and mobilize about USD 478,336 in cash co-financing—nearly twice the grant amount.
Together, the initiatives will advance climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and circular waste management, reduce plastic use and promote more sustainable ways of using natural resources.
Namgyel Dorji, Chief Programme Officer and GEF Operational Focal Point at the Ministry of Finance, urged grantees to ensure the funding delivers lasting environmental and livelihood results. He called for strong ownership by communities and local governments, careful documentation of lessons, wider partnerships, and efforts to replicate and scale approaches that work.
Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. highlighted locally led action and partnerships as central to advancing environmental and climate priorities. “Community-driven and civil society-led initiatives are critical to addressing global environmental challenges while advancing sustainable livelihoods and local empowerment."
Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative ad interim and Mr. Namgyel Dorji, Chief Programme Officer and GEF Operational Focal Point at the Ministry of Finance with the grantees
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Local ideas, practical solutions
Since 1998, the GEF Small Grants Programme has supported 240 projects in Bhutan in partnership with the Royal Government, civil society organizations, community-based organizations and academic institutions.
OP8 focuses on strengthening ecological, social and economic resilience to climate change through community participation and partnerships.
The newly funded projects reflect the range of ideas emerging from communities:
- Climate-Smart Coffee for Resilient Rural Livelihoods in Zhemgang will promote climate-resilient Arabica coffee production, processing and value-chain development.
- Transforming Rural Waste into Livelihood and Environmental Solutions in Trashi Yangtse will establish community-led systems for waste management, recovery, recycling and upcycling.
- CAFE YUM: A Zero-Waste Social Enterprise for Women’s Economic Empowerment and Circular Urban Solutions in Thimphu will pair zero-waste practices with livelihood opportunities for women who have survived gender-based violence.
- Integrated Climate-Resilient Orchard Adaptation and Diversification in Mongar will introduce climate-resilient farming practices, including irrigated strawberry intercropping and orchard diversification.
- Eco Bag Production Initiative in Sarpang will establish an eco-bag production unit and promote alternatives to single-use plastics in support of the zero-waste vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City area.
- Fungi Flow Ecosystem in Thimphu and Paro will pilot mushroom cultivation using sawmill waste as a growing substrate, reducing pressure on native hardwood forests while creating rural livelihood opportunities.
Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative a.i and Mr. Namgyel Dorji, Chief Programme Officer and GEF Operational Focal Point at the Ministry of Finance, at grant award signing
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Keeping decisions close to communities
Community ownership is built into the programme’s governance. The National Steering Committee helps keep the portfolio country-driven and aligned with Bhutan’s priorities, while the Technical Advisory Group reviews eligible proposals for technical soundness.
The committee brings together representatives from government, civil society and UNDP, linking local proposals with national environmental objectives and the wider goals of the GEF Small Grants Programme.
Small grants, wider impact
Though modest in size, the grants are designed to unlock broader benefits: stronger local livelihoods, new employment, cleaner communities and practical models for responding to environmental pressures.
For UNDP and the Royal Government of Bhutan, the next test is whether the projects can generate evidence, partnerships and community ownership strong enough for successful ideas to travel beyond their original sites.
As Bhutan pursues greater climate resilience, environmental sustainability and inclusive development, the programme gives communities and civil society a direct role in shaping—and delivering—solutions.
For more information about GEF-SGP, please contact:
Ms. Tshering Yangtsho, National Coordinator, GEF-Small Grants Programme, UNDP; Email: dechen.wangmo@undp.org
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Dechen Wangmo, Communications and Partnerships Analyst; E-mail: dechen.wangmo@undp.org
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