The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has opened the 2026 Call for Proposals under the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF), inviting UN organizations, in partnership with eligible implementing partners, to submit projects that support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The funding supports country and regional initiatives that strengthen biodiversity protection while advancing national biodiversity strategies and sustainable development priorities.
Application Period: 11 August – 15 November 2026
About the Kunming Biodiversity Fund
The Kunming Biodiversity Fund was established to accelerate implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by financing practical conservation and restoration projects at national and sub-national levels.
Projects should align with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and deliver measurable outcomes that contribute to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable resource management.
The 2026 funding round follows a two-stage application process, with shortlisted applicants invited to submit full proposals.
Priority Thematic Areas
Proposals must contribute to at least one of the Fund’s priority themes, although projects addressing multiple themes will receive favourable consideration.
Eligible thematic areas include:
- Restoring and protecting ecosystems to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Mainstreaming biodiversity into policies, regulations, planning, and development strategies.
- Strengthening resource mobilisation for biodiversity conservation and sustainable financing.
- Promoting equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources and digital sequence information.
Projects should demonstrate clear environmental impact while supporting national biodiversity commitments.
Funding Available
The Kunming Biodiversity Fund supports both single-country and regional multi-country initiatives.
| Project Type | Maximum Funding | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Single-country project | Up to $500,000 | 12–24 months |
| Multi-country regional project | Up to $800,000 | 12–24 months |
Regional proposals involving multiple participating countries are eligible for the higher funding ceiling of $800,000.
Who Can Apply?
The 2026 call is open to United Nations organizations, working together with eligible partners specified in the official application guidelines.
Projects should be designed for implementation at the country or sub-national level and demonstrate strong alignment with national biodiversity priorities, government strategies, and the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Project Requirements
Competitive proposals should deliver practical conservation outcomes while strengthening long-term biodiversity governance and sustainable ecosystem management.
Strong projects are expected to:
- Support implementation of national biodiversity strategies.
- Deliver measurable biodiversity conservation results.
- Demonstrate community and stakeholder engagement.
- Strengthen ecosystem resilience and environmental sustainability.
- Integrate policy, financing, and conservation approaches where appropriate.
- Present realistic implementation plans within the 12–24 month timeframe.
Projects combining multiple thematic priorities may be particularly competitive.
Two-Stage Application Process
The 2026 funding cycle will be conducted in two stages.
Stage 1
- Submission deadline: 15 September 2026
Eligible concept proposals will be reviewed before selected applicants are invited to proceed.
Stage 2
- Full proposal deadline: 15 November 2026
Final project proposals must be submitted following the Secretariat’s guidance and evaluation process.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted directly to the Kunming Biodiversity Fund Secretariat by email.
All enquiries and proposal submissions should be sent to:
[email protected]
Applicants are encouraged to review the official application guidelines carefully to ensure compliance with eligibility, partnership, budgeting, and documentation requirements before submitting.
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
The Kunming Biodiversity Fund represents an important global financing mechanism supporting implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. By investing in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity policy, sustainable financing, and equitable genetic resource governance, the Fund helps countries translate biodiversity commitments into tangible environmental action.
For UN organizations and their implementing partners, this call provides significant funding to deliver high-impact conservation initiatives while advancing national and global biodiversity goals.
Stage 1 Deadline: 15 September 2026
Stage 2 Deadline: 15 November 2026
