The United Nations Development Programme, through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), has launched its first Call for Proposals under the programme’s operational phase (OP8) in Papua New Guinea.

The funding opportunity will support community-led initiatives that protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods. It aims to empower local communities, Indigenous Peoples and civil society organizations to develop practical solutions that benefit both people and the environment.

Individual grants can apply up to   USD 75,000, depending on the scope and expected impact of each project.
The programme will prioritize proposals from three priority landscapes identified in Papua New Guinea’s OP8 Country Programme Strategy, where locally led initiatives can deliver significant environmental and socioeconomic benefits:

1. Sepik-Hunstein Landscape: Proposals may focus on forest conservation, freshwater ecosystem management, community conservation initiatives and sustainable livelihoods.
2. New Britain Ridge-to-Reef Landscape and Seascape: Priority areas include forest and biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture and cocoa value chains, coastal and marine ecosystem management, and climate resilience.
3. Mount Wilhelm Climate Resilient Landscape: Initiatives may support watershed management, climate-smart agriculture, community resilience and forest restoration.

Approximately 70 per cent of programme resources will be directed towards initiatives within these three priority landscapes, reflecting their importance to the programme’s conservation and sustainable development objectives.
Innovative proposals from other parts of Papua New Guinea may also be considered where they demonstrate strong conservation benefits and potential for replication, scaling up or influencing policy.

The Call for Proposals will support community-driven projects across several interconnected thematic areas:

• Biodiversity conservation: Establishing or strengthening Community Conservation Areas, protecting species and habitats, restoring ecosystems and applying traditional ecological knowledge.
• Climate change adaptation and resilience: Developing community adaptation initiatives, strengthening climate-resilient livelihoods, improving water resource management and reducing disaster risks.
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems: Promoting climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, sustainable cocoa and coffee value chains, and food security.
• Sustainable livelihoods: Supporting nature-based enterprises, community ecotourism, green businesses and sustainable value chains.
• Social inclusion and community empowerment: Strengthening the leadership and participation of women, young people, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities.
• Knowledge management and innovation: Demonstrating innovative community solutions and sharing knowledge and approaches that can be replicated elsewhere.

Projects should demonstrate clear environmental benefits, meaningful community participation and the potential to deliver lasting environmental and socioeconomic outcomes.

The Call for Proposals is open to eligible organizations working in Papua New Guinea, including community-based organizations (CBOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), Indigenous Peoples organizations (IPOs), Local and national non-governmental organizations, Community associations and cooperatives, Faith-based organizations engaged in environmental activities; and, Women’s and youth organizations.

Applicants must be legally registered or demonstrate recognized community legitimacy and governance structures. Proposals must also demonstrate consultation with, and support from, the communities they intend to serve.

Eligible organizations are invited to submit full project proposals aligned with the programme’s geographic priorities and thematic areas. The deadline for submitting proposals is 15 November 2026.

Interested organizations should consult the official Call for Proposals and accompanying application template below for the full eligibility requirements, proposal format and submission instructions.