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The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved a new initiative that will amplify environmental solutions led by youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples through the creation of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Challenge Program. This program, which will be managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), seeks to recognize and expand the impact of civil society organizations (CSOs) working on critical environmental issues.

Supported by a $10 million investment from the GEF, the program will focus on five key areas: ecosystem management, sustainable agriculture, low-carbon energy, chemicals and waste management, and urban sustainability. This global program is designed to provide direct funding, mentorship, and training for CSOs that are working to address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

A Global Call for Solutions

Launching in the spring of 2025, the CSO Challenge Program will invite proposals from CSOs around the world. Successful applicants will receive up to $300,000 in funding and additional support, including leadership training, risk management, and business development tools. The program aims to restore over 12,000 hectares of land and ecosystems, improve practices across 159,000 hectares of landscapes, and reach 25,000 beneficiaries, half of whom will be women.

The program highlights the critical role that local communities, particularly youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples, play in environmental conservation. IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar emphasized the importance of these communities, stating, "To tackle the most pressing global environmental challenges, we need the voices, ideas, and solutions from all members of society."

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Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future

Civil society organizations have long been at the forefront of environmental action,but often face barriers to funding and recognition. This new program, part of the GEF Small Grants Program, will provide a much-needed platform to scale up successful community-led initiatives. GEF CEO Carlos Manuel Rodríguez expressed confidence in the program's potential, noting that IUCN's extensive experience in supporting CSOs would be crucial in helping bring new solutions to a global scale.

The GEF Small Grants Program, which has supported over 29,000 community-led initiatives across 137 countries, has already proven the impact of local action in addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation. With the launch of the CSO Challenge Program, this partnership hopes to further the integration of global environmental goals with grassroots innovation.

By empowering those who are closest to the issues, the CSO Challenge Program represents a significant step toward achieving a sustainable and inclusive global environment.