GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme in India

1. Introduction

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is embarking on an ambitious journey with the implementation of the Seventh Operational Phase of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) in India. This groundbreaking initiative spans five years and is executed through The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The overarching goal is to empower communities and organizations, fostering collective action for socioecological resilience and sustainable livelihoods with far-reaching local and global environmental benefits.

1.1 Project Overview

The project targets three key landscapes in India, with a primary focus on providing financial and technical support to local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs). This support is predominantly directed towards initiatives in economically disadvantaged and remote areas. The initiative aims to champion projects that not only conserve and restore the environment but also enhance the livelihoods and well-being of the people involved. The flagship program under SGP offers a thrilling opportunity for NGOs, CBOs, and CSOs to collaborate with local populations in the noble cause of building resilient communities.

1.2 Targeted Landscapes

The Seventh Operational Phase of the GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme will be executed in three major landscapes spread across various districts. These include the Central Semi-Arid Region, Indian Coastal Region, and North-East Region. Detailed in Table 1 are the specific districts within each landscape that will be the focus of the SGP-OP7 Project.

Resources

Download Request for Proposal (RFP)
Download Proposal Form

1.3 Thematic Areas

The project is organized around three thematic areas, each addressing critical environmental challenges. Below are the thematic areas and examples of the projects that can be developed under each category:

Biodiversity: Projects in this area aim to promote the conservation of globally significant biodiversity, sustainable management of natural resources, and nature-based livelihoods. Examples include:

• Agrobiodiversity conservation through the preservation and promotion of indigenous seeds, plant species, and livestock.
• Protection of endemic species and endangered/threatened species through the establishment of community-managed ecological corridors.
• Conservation of globally significant biodiversity or cultural resources, such as Indigenous Community Conserved Areas and Locally Managed Marine Areas.
• Promotion and strengthening of local community institutions, including Biodiversity Management Committees and Peoples Biodiversity Registers.
• Conservation of forest areas through livelihood-based eco-restoration activities.
• Improved marine habitat practices, such as the seasonal protection of critical fishing grounds.
• Collaborative management of protected areas in partnership with PA administration.

Climate Change: Projects in this area contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, adopting energy-efficient solutions, and promoting renewable energy alternatives. Examples include:

• Mitigation of GHG emissions through the introduction, adaptation, piloting, and dissemination of energy-efficient solutions.
• Expanded application of renewable and clean energy solutions for productive uses, such as mills and solar pumps.
• Increased use of renewable energy, including alternatives to fuelwood and coal.
• Improved energy efficiency for household use and community lighting.

Land Degradation: Projects in this area seek to address soil erosion, damaged agricultural land, desertification, and deforestation. Examples include:

• Improved provision of agroecosystem, forest, and marine ecosystem goods and services through activities like reforestation and knowledge dissemination on improved grazing/livestock maintenance.
• Community-managed natural regeneration of degraded lands and coastal ecosystems.
• Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in productive landscapes and buffer zones of protected areas, including sustainable utilization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs).

2. Key Grant Information

Grant Amount: The GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme will provide financial support to eligible projects. The grant amount will vary based on the specific needs and scope of each project, with a commitment to ensuring impactful initiatives.

Last Date to Apply:

Interested organizations, NGOs, CBOs, and CSOs are invited to submit their project proposals before the specified deadline. The last date for application submission is [Insert Last Date].

Organizing Body: The Seventh Operational Phase of the GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme is being executed through The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). TERI, with its extensive experience and expertise, is dedicated to overseeing the successful implementation of the project over the next five years.

3. Application Process

Organizations interested in applying for the GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme must adhere to the following application process:

1. Thoroughly review the project guidelines and thematic areas outlined in the official documentation.
2. Develop a comprehensive project proposal aligned with the chosen thematic area, clearly stating the objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and impact.
3. Ensure that the proposed project falls within the scope of the targeted landscapes and districts, as specified in Table 1.
4. Submit the completed project proposal before the deadline, [Insert Last Date], via the designated application portal or email address.
5. Await the evaluation process, during which a panel of experts will assess the proposals based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.
6. Successful applicants will be notified, and further details regarding project implementation, reporting, and monitoring will be provided.

4. Conclusion

The Seventh Operational Phase of the GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme presents an exciting opportunity for organizations to contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable development in India. By addressing critical issues in biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation, these projects have the potential to make a lasting impact on local and global ecosystems. Interested parties are encouraged to actively participate, bringing forth innovative and impactful solutions to build resilient communities and safeguard our planet for future generations. Together, we can create positive change and ensure a sustainable future.

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