About the opportunity
The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) aims to support developing countries to accelerate and upscale actions to strengthen and advance the implementation of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The 2026 Call for Proposals focuses specifically on actions addressing key gaps identified through the ongoing global review of collective progress in implementing the KMGBF. Proposed projects must contribute to at least one of four thematic areas: ecosystem restoration and protection, mainstreaming biodiversity into policies and planning, strengthening resource mobilization, and sharing benefits from genetic resources and digital sequence information. The call is conducted in two stages with deadlines on 15 September 2026 and 15 November 2026.
Funding and benefits
- Single country project budget up to $500,000
- Multi-country regional project budget up to $800,000
- Project duration between 12 to 24 months
- Direct funding allocated to participating UN organizations with programme support costs capped at 7%
Who can apply?
- Developing country Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Projects must be co-developed between the country and any United Nations Participating Organization of the country's choice
- Non-UN organizations may participate as sub-partners
- Engagement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), women, and youth is highly encouraged
Required documents
- Completed full project proposal template
- Completed budget template
- Endorsement letter(s) signed by the CBD national focal point or Designated Official in the Lead Ministry (multiple ministry endorsement letters are an advantage; multi-country projects require an endorsement letter from each participating country)
When to apply
- Stage 1 submission deadline: 15 September 2026 (for priority review and potential launch during COP 17)
- Stage 2 submission deadline: 15 November 2026 (with anticipated results announced by 31 December 2026)
How to apply
- Prepare the project proposal and budget using the official templates provided by the KBF
- Obtain required endorsement letter(s) signed by the CBD national focal point or Designated Official in the Lead Ministry
- Submit the completed application package by email to kbf@un.org no later than 23:59 on the respective deadline date
Additional information
- Submissions are sent directly to the KBF Secretariat by email at kbf@un.org.
- Projects are reviewed by the KBF Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) and decided upon by the Executive Council (EC).
- Fund transfers are handled by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) upon approval.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Developing country Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) seeking project funding
- UN organizations and partners aiming to implement National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans
- Teams proposing ecosystem restoration, biodiversity mainstreaming, or resource mobilization projects
What should you think carefully about?
- Projects must be co-developed between the country and a United Nations Participating Organization.
- Programme support costs are strictly capped at 7% for participating UN organizations.
- Proposals require endorsement letters signed by the CBD national focal point or Designated Official.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This funding call fits organizations and developing nations wanting to accelerate actions supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework with budgets up to $800,000.
Our take
Developing country authorities and UN partners advancing biodiversity conservation initiatives should seriously consider applying, whereas organizations lacking official state endorsements or UN partnerships cannot apply.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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