GEF-8 Heart of Conservation Initiative (HCI)

About this program

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is offering the GEF-8 Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) to support Indigenous Peoples and local communities in their governance and stewardship of natural resources, aiming to deliver global environmental benefits. The initiative provides a total funding of USD $108,363,902, with 80% of project grants directly allocated to Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and their organizations. Eligible applicants include Indigenous Peoples and local communities organizations, as well as Indigenous and locally-led funding mechanisms, focusing on self-determined priorities and capacity-building activities. The project targets significant environmental outcomes, including the protection and restoration of terrestrial and marine areas, benefiting approximately 125,000 individuals.