The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana, has announced the 2nd Call for Proposals under the Global Support Initiative on Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCA-GSI) Phase II.

The 2026 call is designed to support community-led conservation, biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, low-carbon development, chemicals and waste management, and sustainable urban solutions in Ghana.

Through this call, eligible local organizations and community-based groups can apply for grants of up to US$50,000 to implement innovative initiatives that contribute to the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and strengthen the recognition and effectiveness of territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

This opportunity is particularly relevant for NGOs, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, community groups and eligible social enterprises operating in Ghana, especially those working in the priority areas identified under the programme.

Opportunity Overview

The ICCA-GSI Phase II call is part of the GEF Small Grants Programme Operational Phase 8 (OP8) in Ghana. It seeks organizations capable of implementing locally driven solutions that strengthen biodiversity conservation while simultaneously improving livelihoods and community resilience.

The programme recognizes that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities play an important role in conserving ecosystems through customary governance systems, traditional knowledge and community-led environmental management.

Under the 2026 call, applicants can submit proposals addressing one or more of five strategic initiative areas.

About the ICCA-GSI Phase II Programme

The Global Support Initiative on Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (GSI-ICCA) is a flagship initiative under the GEF Small Grants Programme.

The initiative is implemented by UNDP and focuses on strengthening the contribution of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Climate resilience
• Ecosystem protection
• Community governance
• Sustainable natural-resource management
• Environmental policy engagement
• Knowledge sharing

The programme is based on the recognition that communities living in and around important ecosystems can play a central role in protecting biodiversity and managing natural resources sustainably.

ICCA-GSI therefore supports locally driven approaches rather than relying solely on externally designed conservation interventions.

According to the programme information, ICCAs cover nearly one-third of the world’s land and make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and community wellbeing.

The initiative is funded by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).

It also contributes to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), particularly Targets 3, 21, 22 and 23.

What Is the 2026 Call for Proposals About?

The 2026 call is described as a two-in-one Call for Proposals. It provides opportunities for organizations to undertake different types of work under the ICCA-GSI Phase II programme.

There are two separate assignments:

1. Catalytic NGO – Monitoring and Evaluation

The first opportunity is intended for a Catalytic NGO that will support monitoring and evaluation activities based on the ICCA-GSI methodology and tools.

This component focuses on strengthening the monitoring, evaluation and learning processes associated with ICCA-GSI interventions.

Applicants interested in this assignment should use the designated Catalytic NGO proposal template provided by UNDP Ghana.

2. Community-Based NGOs/CSOs – Regular Project Grants

The second opportunity provides regular project grants for community-based NGOs and civil society organizations.

These organizations are expected to implement community-led projects that contribute to the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and align with the objectives of the ICCA programme.

Applicants for this component should use the designated Regular Projects Grants proposal template.

Organizations should carefully review the relevant call document and use the correct application template for the assignment they are applying for.

Priority Geographic Areas

Geographic targeting is an important component of this funding opportunity.

The call prioritizes communities along the Black Volta Basin, particularly communities located in the following districts and municipality:

Upper West Region

• Wa-West District

Bono Region

• Banda District

Savannah Region

• Bole District
• Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District
• Central Gonja Municipality

Organizations planning to apply should therefore carefully consider the geographic eligibility requirements and ensure that their proposed activities correspond with the programme’s identified priority areas.

A proposal may have a strong environmental concept, but applicants should still demonstrate alignment with the geographic priorities and objectives of the ICCA-GSI Phase II programme.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is primarily intended for organizations and community groups operating in Ghana that meet the eligibility requirements established by UNDP Ghana.

Eligible applicants include:

• Local non-governmental organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Community-based organizations
• Community groups
• Eligible social enterprise organizations

The call specifically states that organizations must satisfy the applicable registration, recognition and documentation requirements.

Organizational Eligibility Requirements

For local NGOs and non-profit organizations, applicants should have valid documentation from the relevant authorities, including:

• Registrar General’s Department certification
• Social Welfare certification

Community groups and community-based organizations may also be eligible where they are appropriately recognized by the relevant authorities.

Social enterprise organizations may be eligible where they are recognized by the relevant District Assemblies and the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana.

Applicants should consult the official call documentation for the complete eligibility conditions because registration status alone may not be sufficient to establish eligibility.

What Types of Projects Are Relevant?

The strongest alignment will come from projects that connect community leadership with environmental and development outcomes.

Relevant project concepts could include initiatives addressing:

Biodiversity

• Threatened species
• Ecosystem conservation
• Habitat protection
• Biodiversity restoration
• Community conservation

Climate Resilience

• Climate-resilient livelihoods
• Community adaptation
• Ecosystem-based resilience
• Sustainable resource management

Sustainable Livelihoods

• Sustainable agriculture
• Sustainable fisheries
• Community enterprises
• Natural-resource-based livelihoods
• Food security

Environmental Management

• Waste management
• Chemicals management
• Pollution reduction
• Sustainable resource use

Energy

• Low-carbon energy
• Renewable energy access
• Community energy solutions

Urban Sustainability

• Sustainable urban planning
• Government-CSO-private-sector collaboration
• Environmental policy dialogue
• Community participation in urban solutions

Alignment With the Global Biodiversity Framework

A significant component of the regular project grants is alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

The GBF provides an international framework for addressing biodiversity loss and strengthening conservation and sustainable use.

Under this call, community-led projects are expected to contribute to the broader biodiversity objectives of the framework while remaining aligned with the ICCA programme.

The call particularly references GBF Targets:

• Target 3
• Target 21
• Target 22
• Target 23

Applicants should therefore consider how their proposed project contributes to biodiversity conservation, participation, knowledge, rights, equity and community involvement within the relevant framework.

Why Community Leadership Is Central to the Programme

ICCA-GSI is built around the recognition that communities are not simply beneficiaries of conservation projects.

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities can also be important decision-makers, custodians of traditional knowledge and managers of natural resources.

Community-led conservation can help connect:

• Local knowledge
• Traditional governance
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Climate adaptation
• Environmental management
• Community participation

This makes community ownership an important consideration when developing a proposal.

Applicants should clearly explain the role that communities will play in identifying problems, designing interventions, implementing activities and monitoring results.

What Should Applicants Consider When Preparing a Proposal?

Organizations preparing an application should ensure that the proposed project is clearly connected to the objectives of the call.

Important considerations include:

1. Define the environmental or community problem

Clearly explain the issue that the project intends to address.

For example, this could involve:

• Biodiversity loss
• Ecosystem degradation
• Unsustainable resource use
• Climate vulnerability
• Food insecurity
• Waste management challenges
• Limited access to sustainable energy

2. Identify the communities involved

Explain who will participate and who will benefit.

The proposal should make community participation clear rather than presenting a project that is designed and implemented entirely externally.

3. Connect the project to the strategic areas

Applicants should clearly demonstrate which of the five strategic initiative areas their project addresses.

4. Demonstrate geographic relevance

Where applicable, demonstrate how the project relates to the priority geographic areas identified by the call.

5. Explain the expected results

A strong proposal should clearly communicate what will change as a result of the project.

Expected results could involve:

• Improved ecosystem protection
• Increased biodiversity conservation
• Improved livelihoods
• Greater climate resilience
• Better waste management
• Increased sustainable energy access
• Stronger environmental governance

6. Demonstrate sustainability

Applicants should consider what happens after the grant period ends.

The proposal should explain how project benefits, community structures, knowledge or conservation activities can continue over time.

Proposal Workshop

UNDP Ghana will organize a virtual proposal workshop on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

The workshop is intended to provide additional information about the proposal process and the call.

Applicants should consult the official Call for Proposals for the workshop details, including the participation information and any instructions provided by UNDP.

Organizations considering applying should take advantage of the workshop where possible because it can provide additional clarification about the application process.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should prepare their applications using the appropriate proposal template.

There are separate templates for the two assignments:

For the Catalytic NGO Assignment

Applicants should use the designated Catalytic NGO proposal template for monitoring and evaluation activities based on the ICCA-GSI methodology and tools.

For Regular Project Grants

Community-based NGOs and CSOs applying for project implementation should use the designated Regular Projects Grants proposal template.

Applicants should ensure that they are using the correct template before submitting their proposal.

etailed requirements that applicants should follow when preparing their applications.

About the GEF Small Grants Programme

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) supports locally driven initiatives addressing environmental and sustainable development challenges.

The programme places significant emphasis on community-level action and partnerships with civil society and local organizations.

Through its small-grants approach, the programme can support organizations working on issues such as:

• Biodiversity
• Climate change
• Land degradation
• International waters
• Chemicals and waste
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Community resilience

The Ghana ICCA-GSI call is therefore part of a broader global environmental funding mechanism.

About UNDP Ghana

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing the GEF Small Grants Programme in Ghana.

Under the ICCA-GSI initiative, UNDP works to strengthen the recognition and effectiveness of territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

The Ghana programme connects local community action with national and global environmental priorities.

About ICCAs

Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) refer broadly to territories and areas where Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities have a strong relationship with the land and natural resources and play a significant role in conservation and governance.

These areas can contribute to:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Ecosystem protection
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Cultural continuity
• Traditional knowledge
• Climate resilience
• Community wellbeing

The ICCA-GSI programme seeks to strengthen the enabling environment and practical capacity for these community-led conservation systems.

Key Dates at a Glance

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity may be relevant to organizations in Ghana that are already working in areas such as:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Community development
• Climate adaptation
• Sustainable agriculture
• Fisheries
• Food security
• Environmental protection
• Waste management
• Sustainable energy
• Urban sustainability
• Community governance
• Indigenous and local-community conservation
• Sustainable livelihoods

Organizations should, however, confirm their eligibility against the official call before investing significant time in proposal preparation.

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Conclusion

The 2nd Call for Proposals – Community-Led Conservation under ICCA-GSI Phase II 2026 provides an opportunity for eligible organizations and community groups in Ghana to obtain funding for locally driven environmental and community development initiatives.

With grants of up to US$50,000, the programme covers five broad strategic areas: community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species; sustainable agriculture, fisheries and food security; low-carbon energy access; chemicals and waste management; and sustainable urban solutions.

The call places particular emphasis on communities along the Black Volta Basin, including priority areas in the Upper West, Bono and Savannah Regions.

Eligible applicants should carefully review the relevant UNDP Ghana call document, select the appropriate proposal template, ensure that their project fits the programme’s geographic and thematic priorities, and submit their application electronically by 3 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.

The opportunity is particularly relevant for Ghanaian NGOs, CSOs, community-based organizations, community groups and eligible social enterprises seeking to combine community leadership, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience in practical local projects.

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