The Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, invites eligible organizations to submit project proposals under the Global Support Initiative to Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA-GSI) – Phase 2.

This national call supports community-led conservation initiatives that strengthen biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience, while recognising the critical role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as custodians of nature.

About ICCA-GSI Phase 2

ICCA-GSI is a flagship global partnership funded by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). The initiative recognises that territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (ICCAs) cover nearly one-third of the world’s land and are essential to safeguarding ecosystems, cultural heritage, and community wellbeing.

Building on Phase One, ICCA-GSI Phase Two expands to 50 countries globally, including Zambia, 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

In Zambia, ICCA-GSI aligns with national priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while contributing directly to the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23.

The objective of ICCA-GSI Phase 2 is to improve the recognition, effectiveness, and visibility of Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) in Zambia.

Supported projects should:

• Strengthen community-led biodiversity conservation
• Enhance sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience
• Promote documentation and transmission of traditional knowledge
• Advance inclusive governance, with particular emphasis on women, youth, and marginalized groups
• Support mapping, storytelling, policy engagement, and the ecological integrity of ICCAs

Grant funding of up to USD 25,000 is available per project, with implementation expected between 2026 and 2028. Proposed projects should be implemented in the Chambeshi, Luapula, Luangwa, Kafue, Tanganyika and/or Zambezi catchment areas. ICCA-GSI prioritizes inclusive, community-driven approaches and strongly encourages proposals that engage:

• Indigenous Peoples and local communities
• Women and women-led initiatives
• Youth as present and future environmental leaders
• Persons with disabilities, through inclusive participation and livelihood opportunities

Projects must focus on one or more of the following strategic focus areas:

• Work Package 1: Community-Based Demonstration and Action Grants
• Work Package 2: Legal, Policy and Governance Support
• Work Package 3: Networking, Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete proposal package using the official templates provided below. Submissions close on 30 January 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applications should be emailed to ops.zm@undp.org, with registry.zm@undp.org copied. Only proposals submitted using the official templates and received before the deadline will be considered.

A virtual information session will be held to guide applicants through the call and application process on 12 January 2026, from 12:00 to 13:00 (CAT). The Zoom Meeting ID is 841 7512 1280. Passcode: 313355.

Download the Full Call and Submission Templates below: