Empowering indigenous peoples and local communities is critical for global biodiversity. While broad policy measures play a vital role, supporting grassroots initiatives is equally important for safeguarding traditional knowledge, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and advancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

A Global Initiative with Local Focus

Building on the achievements of Phase 1, Phase 2 of the Global Support to Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCA-GSI) has been launched to drive these global targets on the ground. Viet Nam is among 50 countries selected globally to receive this funding.

This multi-partnership initiative is delivered by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP and funded by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Phase 2 aims to enhance the recognition and effectiveness of ICCAs in promoting biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience, specifically aligning with GBF 2030 Targets 3, 21, 22, and 23.

The programme in Viet Nam supports local Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and NGOs in impactful environmental initiatives. Core areas focus on community-based ICCA stewardship, legal and policy support, and climate resilience, with cross-cutting priorities for ethnic minorities and women.

Progress and Local Initiatives in Viet Nam

In January 2026, SGP Viet Nam launched a call for concept notes. Following the appraisal meeting by the GEF SGP National Steering Committee (NSC), three initiatives were approved for full proposal development:

• Piloting a green, community-based tourism model in the fishing village of Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa province. (Proposed by the Women’s Union of Nha Trang Ward)
• Developing sustainable livelihoods linked to the protection of aquatic resources and ecosystems, alongside the conservation and promotion of the historical Sa Huynh Culture, Quang Ngai province. (Proposed by the Union of Science and Technology Associations of Quang Ngai Province)
• Researching and proposing policies for community-based tourism development to enhance biodiversity protection, leveraging the best practices of previous SGP projects in community conservation areas. (Proposed by the Nghe An Center for Consultation on Forestry Development)

Supported by planning allocations of up to 5,000 USD each, the grantees advanced their initial concepts into comprehensive proposals. This development phase prioritised local stakeholder engagement, featuring consultation workshops in Khanh Hoa on 10^th April, in Quang Ngai on 15^th Apri and in Hanoi on 29^th May 2026. Incorporating valuable feedback from these sessions, the grantees finalised their proposals and submitted them to the GEF SGP NSC for the project appraisal meeting, expected in late June 2026.

By integrating community stewardship and policy advocacy, ICCA-GSI Phase 2 demonstrates how international funding translates into meaningful progress toward Viet Nam’s green growth objectives.

Consultation workshop on the project “Piloting a green, community-based tourism model in the fishing village of Nha Trang Ward” in Khanh Hoa province on 10^th April 2026. Photo: UNDP 

Consultation workshop on the project “Developing sustainable livelihoods linked to the protection of aquatic resources and ecosystems, alongside the conservation and promotion of the historical Sa Huynh Culture” in Quang Ngai province on 15^th April 2026. Photo: UNDP

Consultation workshop on the project “Supporting community-based tourism development to enhance biodiversity protection, leveraging the best practices of previous SGP projects in community conservation areas.” in Hanoi on 29^th May 2026. Photo: UNDP