RNIn a global context where climate resilience and ecosystem preservation are urgent priorities, a key funding opportunity has emerged for organizations worldwide. The Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) has officially launched its first call for project proposals under its new Strategic Plan 2026–2030, explicitly including Latin America among the eligible regions for financial support.
This initiative aims to drive concrete, on-the-ground solutions by promoting sustainable forest management, biodiversity recovery, and technological innovation within the environmental sector.
The APFNet call is structured into two main funding windows, designed to accommodate both localized pilots and large-scale regional initiatives:
Small Projects: Grants of up to US$100,000 with a maximum execution timeline of 24 months. This category is ideal for pilot projects, local diagnoses, or fast-tracked interventions.
Regular Projects: Designed for larger-scale interventions, offering funding over US$100,000 with a project duration ranging between 24 and 48 months.
To be considered for international funding, project proposals must align with the organization's strategic priorities. This year, alongside traditional conservation efforts, there is a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology:
Restoration & Climate: Forest landscape restoration and climate-smart solutions.
Conservation & Governance: Biodiversity conservation, public policy strengthening, and forest governance.
Digital Forestry: An innovative priority axis focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and remote sensing for environmental monitoring and resource management.
Capacity Building & Knowledge: Academic training, local capacity building, and knowledge management and exchange.
The call welcomes applications from a broad spectrum of actors within the technical, scientific, and governmental ecosystems, including:
Non-profit organizations (NGOs).
Government institutions and public administrations.
Research centers and universities.
Specialized technical organizations and eligible entities from participating countries.
The selection process will be conducted in two consecutive phases according to the following schedule:
Concept Notes Submission: The hard deadline for submitting initial project concepts is July 5, 2026.
Full Proposals: Organizations whose concepts are successfully shortlisted will receive a formal invitation to submit a full project proposal, with a deadline of September 30, 2026.
To ensure proposal eligibility, the organizing committee highlights three critical administrative and financial requirements:
1. Co-financing Requirement: Applicants must secure a minimum counterpart contribution of 20% of the total project budget. This contribution can be provided in cash, in-kind (existing resources, staff time, infrastructure), or a combination of both.
2. Official Language: All concept notes, full proposals, forms, and supporting annexes must be completed strictly in English.
3. Institutional Endorsement: The call requires official endorsement letters, which vary depending on the type of organization and the regulations of the host country. Prospective applicants are highly encouraged to contact APFNet early to clarify the specific endorsement requirements applicable to their jurisdiction before developing a proposal.
As the official call webpage functions as a repository for guidelines and does not feature an automated "Apply Now" button, direct communication with the technical secretariat in Beijing is essential for submitting documents and resolving inquiries:
Email for submissions and inquiries: [email protected]
Telephone support: +86 10 66007866 (Extension 8028)
Full guidelines and official terms of reference:
