Call for Proposals: Community-Led Biodiversity Conservation and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Mechanism
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN II), is launching a new Call for Proposals aimed at catalyzing community-driven environmental stewardship across the Albertine Rift landscape.
As part of Uganda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), this pilot mechanism establishes a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) framework. The initiative is designed to test and scale sustainable business models that directly reward local communities for restoring vital ecosystems while unlocking revenue opportunities and resilient livelihoods.
Who Should Apply?
Eligible NGOs must demonstrate experience in biodiversity financing, including Payments for Ecosystem Services or comparable conditional incentive arrangements, as well as relevant expertise in community development, natural resource management and engagement with upstream communities and downstream ecosystem-service users.
Strategic Focus Areas
Proposals should focus on key intervention areas within the Rwenzori Landscape, particularly catchments in Kasese and neighbouring districts where community and private-sector restoration activities are already under way, including:
- Ecosystem & Riparian Restoration: Riverbank and hillslope stabilization, indigenous tree planting, and buffer zone protection.
- PES Mechanism Implementation: Establishing clear stewardship agreements, monitoring frameworks, and incentive schemes.
- Community & Livelihood Support: Developing nature-positive enterprises, bamboo value chains, agroforestry, and cooperative structures.
- Inclusive Governance & Capacity: Strengthening community institutions with a core focus on expanding participation for women and youth.
Submission Email: tenders.kampala@undp.org
Reference Number: UNDP-UGA-BIOFIN-LVG-2026-02
Submission Deadline: 30 October 2026 at 5:00pm EAT
