2026/007: Funding Opportunity for Nature-based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA)

The Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is pleased to inform Parties and stakeholders of a funding opportunity relevant to infrastructure and resilience-related projects in Central Asia and Africa.

The Nature-based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA), is a five-year global initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with the support of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aimed at accelerating the uptake of nature-based solutions to support infrastructure planning and development, thereby strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable development.

The initiative provides design grants of up to USD 300,000 (24 months) and pilot grants of up to USD 1.5 million (up to 48 months). Applications should be submitted by a consortium including national or local authorities and relevant partners. Under the initiative, two calls for proposals are open until 30 June 2026 focusing on Central Asia and Africa Eligible countries include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania. 

This funding opportunity promotes objectives that are consistent with those of the CMS and its specialized agreements as it supports the protection and restoration of natural habitats and the sustainable management of ecosystems on which migratory species rely.

The Secretariat thus encourages Parties to the Convention to propose projects that contribute to the implementation of CMS, its instruments and COP resolutions and decisions, and will strive to support these proposals, e.g., with letters of endorsement, as appropriate.

For any questions, please contact: Laura Cerasi, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer ([email protected]).