Support indigenous peoples’ networks in the implementation of CBD provisions on the protection and transmission of traditional knowledge (TK) and the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing(ABS)

Background of the GEF SGP

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a corporate programme of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 1992. SGP grant-making in over 125 countries promotes community-based innovation, capacity development, and empowerment through sustainable development projects of communities, and local civil society organizations with special consideration for indigenous peoples, women, and youth. In particular, SGP projects support biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, prevention of land degradation, protection of international waters, and reduction of the impact of chemicals, within a sustainable development framework that promotes sustainable livelihoods and citizen empowerment. 

One of the key actions under the SGP Strategic Direction in GEF-6 is to contribute to achieving the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi 2020 targets: Target 11 – increasing coverage of protected and conserved areas, Target 14 – safeguarding essential ecosystem services, and Target-18 protection of traditional knowledge.

Objectives for the Call for Proposals

The Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) has three main objectives, which are: (1) The conservation of biological diversity;

(2) sustainable use of the components of biological diversity;

(3) fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. To realize the implementation of the third objective of the CBD - the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) adopted the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilization in 2010 after over six years of negotiations. Successful implementation of the third objective is critical to support the fulfilment of the two other objectives of the Convention

To this end, SGP is calling for proposals from competent regional not-for-profit organisations in the Asia Region to ‘Support indigenous peoples’ networks in the implementation of CBD provisions on the protection and transmission of traditional knowledge (TK) and the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing (ABS)’. Grant funding available for the activity is up to a maximum of US $150,000.

For further information and details on how to submit proposals, please refer to the attached CFP document.