GEF - SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME - COMDEKS Phase IV

BUILDING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE OF THE HIGHLAND LANDSCAPE AREAS OF BHUTAN

The Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative (COMDEKS) was launched in 2011 as a flagship program of the Satoyama Initiative, a global effort to promote sustainable use of natural resources in the landscapes and seascapes with local communities. The COMDEKS phase IV is funded by the Japan Ministry of Environment and Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF) as a partnership programme with GEF-SGP implemented by UNDP, Bhutan office in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan. The grant aims to realize the long-term goal of the Satoyama Initiative which promotes “Societies Living in Harmony with Nature”.

Background

Climate change is affecting the livelihood of people living in the mountainous region. Mountain communities depend primarily on natural resources and livestock farming for their livelihood. Besides the livelihood, the impact of climate change has also greatly affected biodiversity. Significant challenges to agriculture, livestock rearing, and tourism threaten the socio-economic well-being and cultural heritage of the highland communities.

The highlanders of Bhutan possess a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to their local environment. However, their livelihoods are vulnerable to climate change and its impacts. It poses significant challenges to agriculture, livestock rearing, tourism, and traditional crafts, threatening these communities' socio-economic well-being and cultural heritage.

About the Proposal Call

The GEF-SGP, implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan, invites registered Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to submit project proposals for implementing COMDEKS initiatives. These projects aim to enhance sustainable development and strengthen the resilience of highland communities in Bhutan.

Objective: 

This proposal call aims to improve the socio-economic well-being of “Highland Communities” through sustainable and innovative climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, ensuring a better future for these unique and resilient communities.

Focus Areas:

The outcome of the proposal should strive to enhance the livelihoods and improve the socio-economic well-being of the highlanders in Bhutan. The following are the focus areas of the grant:

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Sustainable Livelihood Enhancement
• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Addressing Land Degradation 
• Wetland Management

For detailed information, please download the COMDEKS strategy Phase 4 below.