LocationsUNDP GEF Small Grants Programme Approves US$520,000 in Wildlife Economy Grants Across 3 Biodiversity Economy Nodes
March 2, 2026
Dukuduku craft
In December 2025, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) National Steering Committee (NSC) approved a new portfolio of community-based wildlife economy projects under the GEF-8 Operational Phase, strengthening South Africa’s biodiversity conservation efforts while advancing while advancing inclusive rural development.
A total of US$520,000 has been allocated to support 13 community-led projects across 3 priority biodiversity economy nodes of Greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park (6 projects), Greater Kruger-Limpopo (4 projects) and the Greater Addo-Amathole (3 projects). Project implementation will take place between 12 – 24 months.
“These projects demonstrate how biodiversity conservation can deliver socio-economic benefits for communities living alongside some of South Africa’s most important ecosystems. By investing in community-led initiatives, GEF SGP is helping to build resilient livelihoods while safeguarding the country’s natural heritage,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Max Gomera.
South Africa’s biodiversity economy plays a vital role in driving rural livelihoods, job creation and sustainable land and resource use. Through the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES), government is prioritizing inclusive growth, community participation and equitable access to biodiversity-based economic opportunities.
“The biodiversity economy is a key lever for inclusive development in rural areas. By supporting community-led initiatives, these projects contribute to national priorities on job creation, equity and sustainable use of natural resources,” said Ms. Caroline Petersen, Chairperson of the GEF SGP National Steering Committee.
The GEF SGP wildlife economy portfolio directly supports this national agenda by enabling communities to become active participants and beneficiaries of conservation, while contributing to poverty reduction and local economic transformation. The newly approved projects complement and add to the 14 wildlife economy projects supported under the GEF-7 Operational Phase, bringing the total number of GEF SGP supported wildlife economy initiatives across the 3 nodes to 27. They build on the Programme’s long-standing role in empowering communities to become active stewards and beneficiaries of biodiversity.
Across the 3 nodes, supported projects span a diverse range of wildlife-based economy activities, including community-based ecotourism, small-scale fisheries, waste management and recycling, community conservation and ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, human-wildlife co-existence and value-added enterprises such as arts and crafts from recycled material, clay and sustainably sourced indigenous plant species through bioprospecting approaches.
Implementation of both GEF-7 and GEF-8 portfolios is closely aligned and coordinated with the ongoing Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) GEF-7 Biodiversity Economy Project implemented by the World Bank in the same biodiversity economy nodes and in partnership with SANBI, SANParks, Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA) and iSimangaliso Park Wetland Authority. Through these partnerships, community projects benefit from enhanced technical support, institutional linkages and integration into broader biodiversity economy initiatives.
