In line with GEF Small Grants Program (GEF SGP) 2.0 implementation arrangements and operational guidelines, this program will combine FAO’s technical assistance with financial grants from the GEF SGP to de-risk community-led investments in socio-ecological resilience. It will strengthen the capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to develop and deliver investment-ready GEF SGP pipelines, foster local innovations, local partnerships and business-oriented approaches. The program will embed the principles of gender-responsive, youth-focused, disability-inclusion in its design and delivery while respecting indigenous customs, local languages and cultural values.

The Program will support CSOs and CBOs across 13 countries under OP8 Tranche II to co-design and deliver locally-led initiatives generating multiple global environmental benefits including:

• 20 000ha of land and ecosystems under restoration (Core Indicator 3)
• 305 606ha of landscapes under improved practices (Core Indicator 4)
• 25 000ha of marine habitat under improved practices (Core Indicator 5)
• An estimated 45 000 direct beneficiaries, including 22 500 women, 7 200 youth and 7 200 people with disabilities (Core Indicator 11)