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Weaving Transformative Resilience and Active Hope: An Alliance in the Face of Climate Change in the Gran Tescual Indigenous Reservation

Published 29 Jul 2025

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The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples is essential to protecting global biodiversity and is central to GCBC’s mission of advancing climate resilience through nature.

Colombia, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, harbors around 10% of global biodiversity within just 0.7% of Earth’s surface. With ecosystems under growing threat, the sustainable stewardship of Indigenous territories, rooted in Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and rights, is crucial to safeguarding both ecological and cultural heritage

Corporación CIASE, in partnership with the Gran Tescual Indigenous Reservation of the Pasto People, is leading a research initiative to protect local ecosystems, enhance community well-being, and support biodiversity conservation. A recent key output of the project, the Illustrated Botanical Guide to the Gran Tescual Reservation, documents the region’s rich plant diversity and presents ancestral knowledge as a valuable resource for education and conservation.

To mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and to celebrate the guide’s release, CIASE members have contributed a special article, reflecting on their collaboration with the Pasto community and the role of ancestral knowledge in shaping inclusive, sustainable climate action.

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The following article was written for GCBC by Corporación CIASE. 

In today’s world, increasingly affected by the accelerating climate crisis, there is an urgent need to seek collective paths that challenge excessive consumerism, while teaching us about care and empathy for the world’s finite natural resources.

The alliance in Colombia between Corporación de Investigación y Acción Social y Económica (CIASE)—a feminist and mixed-gender organisation—and the Pan-Amazonian Indigenous Reservation of Gran Tescual, inhabited by the Pasto people, forms part of this collective search. This alliance has been consolidated through years of equitable collaboration and the implementation of various initiatives, the most recent being the development of the Climate Plan for the Reservation.

In this process, research oriented towards biodiversity protection and the integration of Indigenous knowledge to preserve biocultural heritage (see The Botanical Guide of the Gran Tescual Resguardo) has opened space for reflections on the safeguarding of strategic ecosystems such as the páramo (high treeless plateaus), food sovereignty, and gender dynamics.

Image 1 shows women from the Pasto community outside their restaurant initiative in the resguardo, with Daniela Torres,  Mama Genith Quitiaquez,  Taita Vicente Obando, Ricardo Ibarguen, Wendy Toro and Rosa Emilia Salamanca from Corporación de Investigación y Acción Social y Económica (CIASE). Image 2 shows the full CIASE team: Mama Genith Quitiaquez, Rosa Emilia Salamanca, Wendy Toro, Germán Niño (behind) Fredy O Chávez, Taita Vicente Obando, Angel E Gamboa, Patricia Luli, Ricardo Ibarguen, Maria Cristina Umbarila and Felipe Imbacuan.

 

Indigenous knowledge and feminist perspectives can walk together and contribute to building futures that are more just, more inclusive, and, above all, allow such transformations to become more embedded in the daily lives of communities.

— Wendy Toro, CIASE Researcher

Extractive industries, agricultural expansion, megaprojects and internal armed conflicts in our country have been historical obstacles to ensuring the quality of life for communities facing multiple forms of exclusion—such as Indigenous peoples, women, and others whose identities have been placed in positions of denial and oppression.

This unfolds within a broader context shaped by Western modernity, which has influenced how we relate to and make sense of the world. These ways of thinking have also informed scientific approaches, which, have at times led to an instrumental perspective on the environment, where everything is seen as a resource.

It is at this juncture that CIASE’s approach centered on gender justice and the Indigenous knowledge of the Pasto People interweave to form an inspiring proposal. In order to understand the roots of today’s climate crisis, this alliance brings the gender–environment intersection to the forefront.

It raises fundamental questions: To what extent does the association of weakness with the feminine—viewed as something to be possessed—sustain and justify violence against women and, to a large extent, against nature? And how does the notion of masculinity as a dominant and possessive force reflect itself in the extractive practices that destroy and exploit vital ecosystems? [1]

Feminism still feels like a somewhat foreign approach. In the Pasto community, it’s often mocked or seen as a loss of manhood—as if men are being feminised. [However], through the feminist lens, we’ve begun to raise awareness about economic mistreatment, and I find it quite striking how an approach like this can bring about transformation and change.

— Taita Vicente Obando, Indigenous Governor of Gran Tescual

Promoting women's participation isn’t just about creating a space for women—it’s about creating a better environment for the entire community. And in that sense, feminism can say: this is not only a struggle for women, it is a struggle for society as a whole.

— Mama Genith Quitiaquez, Authority of Gran Tescual

This experience has also been a space where everyday encounters and practice challenge the illusion of objectivity and the idea of a single truth. It demands situating knowledge, decolonising research processes, and recognising the legitimacy of Indigenous self-governance. This has allowed for mutual curiosity and learning, enabling the weaving of life experiences and knowledge towards a heartfelt construction of peace within the Colombian context—through active listening.

The synergy of knowledge systems, perspectives, and identities—even those within a single person—resonates with the relationship between the Andean and Amazonian ecosystems that converge in the Gran Tescual Reservation. From this interaction emerges abundant biodiversity and essential ecological processes that maintain the balance and vitality of both regions.

The Indigenous knowledge of the Gran Tescual Reservation offers a deeply relational vision, where spirituality, community and territory are inseparable.

— Daniela Torres, Climate Advocacy Specialist at CIASE

The relationship between CIASE and the Gran Tescual Reservation is not a mere coming together of good intentions – it is a novel construction between differences. Here, the “quality of the relationship” becomes the foundation for facing complex challenges of cultural transformation. This collaboration goes beyond technical support; it is based on building mutual trust through dialogue, and for that to happen, both parties have shown a necessary openness.

“Transformation also entails a reworking of everyday and family realities, and that, in turn, shapes how we relate to the territory.”
— Felipe Imbacuan, Researcher from the Pasto People and Municipal Councillor of Puerres

This alliance offers a viable and proactive proposal for addressing the changes brought by the climate crisis from a deeply rooted ethnic and gender analysis—perspectives that challenge historical logics and cultures of discrimination, while calling for the recovery of ancestral thought as a path to restoring the territory.

“This initiative is a powerful and promising pathway to transform power relations in an integral way. It helps build shared visions of peace and drive a deep cultural shift. It is an undeniable intercultural dialogue that weaves together the heart of feminism—one that rejects all forms of discrimination and oppression—with the Indigenous vision of harmony and care for nature and the people who inhabit it, so central to the spirit of Colombia’s Indigenous peoples.”

— CIASE’s Centre for Thought (Patricia Luli and Rosa Emilia Salamanca G.)

Endnote

[1] Questions we have taken from classical ecofeminism.

 

References

CIASE (2025). Recuperar el pensamiento, restaurar el territorio: Diagnóstico participativo de biodiversidad y medios de vida del resguardo El Gran Tescual. CIASE

Brigitte Baptiste-Ballera (2025). TransEcología: Una guía patafísica para habitar las transformaciones del mundo. Ariel.

Maristela Svampa (2015). Feminismos del Sur y ecofeminismos. Recovered from: https://nuso.org/articulo/feminismos-del-sur-y-ecofeminismo

 

Discover More: Gran Tescual Indigenous Reservation Climate Plan

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Recognising Indigenous Knowledge in Cambodia’s Biodiversity Management

Published 24 Jul 2025

GCBC

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Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples is essential to safeguarding global biodiversity and is central to GCBC’s mission of leveraging biodiversity for climate resilience.

With a global population of over 476 million, Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in sustainability, managing or holding tenure rights to roughly a quarter of the Earth’s surface – regions that contain a significant share of the planet’s biodiversity. While disproportionately impacted by climate change, Indigenous Communities possess deep, place-based ecological knowledge that complements and enhances scientific research.

Recognising their critical role, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) includes a dedicated Target 22 to ensure the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples. In alignment with this global recognition, GCBC upholds the rights and voices of Indigenous Peoples as a core principle, and as a prerequisite for awarding research grants

The following report has been written by Sam At Rachana, Research Lead, Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO)

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During June and July 2025, Cambodia hosted two significant events to launch the GCBC funded project, “Recognizing and Rewarding the Contribution of Indigenous Knowledge for the Sustainable Management of Biodiversity.” These powerful gatherings connected Indigenous communities, researchers, youth, elders, conservationists, and government representatives in collaborative shared spaces.

As a Bunong Indigenous person and lead researcher for this project, I found these events profoundly meaningful. They were not only a celebration of Indigenous knowledge but a practical step toward inclusive, co-designed biodiversity governance in Cambodia.

For context, the Bunong people are one of Cambodia’s largest Indigenous groups. We have a deep connection to the forest, land, and spiritual world, as reflected in our traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices, which center on respect for nature and the spirits of the land.

Images show 1) Rachana Sam At, Lead Researcher, CIPO, at the national project launch in Phnom Penh 2) Rachana Sam At, Lead Researcher, with Indigenous elders and government officials during a panel discussion at the project launch event 3-5) His Excellency Chuop Paris, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, greets Mrs Yun Mane, CIPO  Executive Director during the traditional opening ritual 6) Project researchers from CIPO, WCS, and the Royal University of Agriculture, with the Chief of the Indigenous community committee of Andong Kraleung village 7) Elders from Andong Kraleung village sharing their perspectives on the value of traditional knowledge.

This project aims to identify innovative approaches to enhance Indigenous stewardship of biodiversity within the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary by exploring the knowledge and sustainable practices of the Bunong people. It is implemented by a consortium which includes the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO), Monash University, the University of Oxford, the Royal University of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment.

 

Shared Beginnings

On June 16, 2025, the project launch took place at Phnom Penh’s Cambodiana Hotel. A traditional Bunong ritual, a symbolic act that grounded the project in Indigenous values and ways of being, showcased to all attendees, including officials and international partners, that Indigenous knowledge systems are living and deeply connected to nature.

A special performance by a young Indigenous man, blended traditional song with modern rap, demonstrating the innovative ways Indigenous youth are keeping their culture alive.

Featuring elders from the three participating communities, the panel discussion which followed marked a positive shift. Their direct address to officials, donors, researchers, and other stakeholders provided a crucial moment to address directly officials, donors, researchers, and other stakeholders. They shared stories, concerns, and ideas rooted in community, lived experiences, and ancestral knowledge, reminding everyone that Indigenous knowledge is a living, evolving spirit, passed down and actively practiced.

The active support of the Ministry of Environment added significant weight to the event. Their representatives not only attended but participated, listened, and expressed strong encouragement. One official even offered a three-day training on Participatory Action Research (PAR), that highlighted the potential for collaboration when understanding and respect are present.

 

Where Knowledge Lives

Following the national launch, a community event took place on July 2nd in Andong Kraleung village. Conducted in the traditional Bunong way, this event was an essential part of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, ensuring meaningful and culturally appropriate community engagement from the outset.

The Andong Kraleung launch was particularly special as it took place directly in the village, with the community leading. It began with a traditional Bunong dance performed by local students, a powerful display of cultural strength and identity. Mrs. Yun Mane, CIPO Executive Director, spoke about the importance of documenting Indigenous knowledge before it disappears, highlighting that for the Bunong, the forest is not merely a place but their market, bank, school, and sacred ground.

Dr Emiel de Lange, Wildlife Conservation Society, also shared insights, emphazing that Indigenous peoples have cared for the forest for centuries and possess unparalleled knowledge. He presented examples of documented traditional knowledge from Australia, encouraging the community to continue using their own voices to record their wisdom. This event felt like a strong, community-centered start.

 

Next Steps

The project will organize consultation meetings with Indigenous communities to identify research questions, clarify study objectives, and co-develop research questionnaires. These steps are crucial to ensure the research is grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, supports self-determination, and addresses the communities’ real priorities.

Challenges lie ahead, including ensuring meaningful community participation throughout the research, as well as addressing power imbalances.

These recent events have left me feeling inspired, having witnessed elders, youth, researchers, and government genuinely engaging with one another. It reinforced my belief that efforts to amplify Indigenous voices are gaining traction and reminded me why I do this work: to see our knowledge recognized, respected, and rewarded in meaningful ways.

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Towards COP30: Belém Workshop Explores Forest Restoration in Pará

Published 24 Jul 2025

GCBC

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On 10 June 2025, the city of Belém hosted a key event on the future of forest restoration in the state of Pará. The workshop “Towards COP30 – Integrated and Participatory Planning for Forest Restoration in Response to the Climate Crisis” took place at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental.

Organised by Lancaster University, UK and Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, the workshop was part of the international research project “Enabling Large-scale and Climate-resilient Forest Restoration in the Eastern Amazon,” funded by GCBC and the Centre for Advanced Socioecological Research for Environmental Recovery (CAPOEIRA).

The milestone event brought together scientists, restoration practitioners, policymakers, and civil society organisations to spark dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and help steer forest restoration efforts through the Embrapa–Lancaster University partnership.

Images: 1) From left to right, Jos Barlow (Lancaster University), Leonardo Miranda (Lancaster University), Joice Ferreira (Embrapa Amazônia Oriental), and Erika Berenguer (University of Oxford). 2) Joice Ferreira (Embrapa Amazônia Oriental), with Jos Barlow (Lancaster University) seated beside her. Joice introduced both projects (GCBC and Capoeira) and outlined the day’s agenda. 3) Andrea Coelho (SEMAS-PA) presented perspectives from Pará State’s restoration strategy.

The event was attended by representatives from Pará State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS), Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Amazon Institute of People and the Environment (Imazon), Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), International Institute for Sustainability (IIS), WRI Brazil, Socioenvironmental Institute (ISA), and the Amazon Restoration Alliance, among others.

Dr Joice Ferreira, co-founder of the Sustainable Amazon Network, highlighted that the event built on earlier co-construction efforts under the State Plan for Native Vegetation Recovery (PRVN), where Embrapa has played an active role.

“We’re now turning our attention to the spatial planning side of restoration,” she explained. “Our research is focused on identifying where restoration efforts can deliver the greatest impact—boosting climate action, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing critical challenges like water scarcity and food security.”

Professor Jos Barlow, Principle Investigator from the Lancaster Environment Centre, emphasized that the longstanding collaboration with Embrapa, and strong partnerships with Brazilian institutions, has been key to bridging restoration and forest conservation efforts. “Through this workshop,” he noted, “our goal was to sharpen the focus of our research, ensuring it responds directly to local challenges and supports practical, place-based solutions.”

 

Pará Aligns with Global Commitments

Pará currently has around 23.2 million hectares of open areas lacking native vegetation cover, equivalent to 18.6% of its territory. These environmental liabilities are concentrated in private lands (12.8 million ha), rural settlements (5 million ha), Indigenous territories (424,000 ha), quilombola territories (337,000 ha), protected areas (1.6 million ha), and undesignated public forests (2.9 million ha).

Many of these areas are used for low-productivity pasture and agriculture, especially in the eastern and southeastern parts of the state. On private lands alone, 2.88 million hectares are legally required to be restored under the Brazilian Forest Code, including Legal Reserves (RLs) and Permanent Protection Areas (APPs).

As a major South American country facing complex land-use challenges, Brazil has committed to restoring 12 million hectares by 2030, in line with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the New York Declaration on Forests, and the Latin American 20×20 Initiative. For Pará, connecting to this global goal and restoring part of its environmental liabilities is both a legal obligation and a strategic move to reduce deforestation, recover ecosystem services, and promote a forest-based economy.

According to Andrea Coelho, Cabinet Advisor at the Secretaria de Meio Ambiente, Clima E Sustentabilidade (SEMAS), forest restoration in the Amazon requires a holistic, multi-scalar approach. “This is why coordination among public institutions, the productive sector, local communities, academia and civil society is so critical. Such collaboration allows for harmonisation of data, methodologies and capacities, and alignment of policies, funding programmes and on-the-ground efforts.”

Andrea added that this collaboration also strengthens governance and supports joint restoration efforts aligned with shared goals such as climate neutrality, biodiversity conservation and social inclusion. “It also improves resource allocation efficiency and avoids duplication, ensuring that restoration plans are grounded in technical evidence, social legitimacy, and territorial feasibility.”

Bringing together government, civil society, academia and local organisations is essential to ensuring that restoration strategies are not only scientifically sound but also socially legitimate and practically viable. No single institution has all the answers. Building integrated solutions requires bridges, exactly what this event set out to create.

Dr Leonardo De Sousa Miranda, University of Lancaster

 

COP30: An Opportunity

The workshop offered a vital opportunity to reflect on how Pará’s restoration efforts can align with global climate strategies, especially in the lead-up to COP30, taking place in Belém in November 2025. The event also strengthened the state’s spatial restoration planning and helped identify collaborative actions that could be showcased during the global climate summit.

Dr Leonardo de Sousa Miranda, researcher at Lancaster University and part of the organising committee, said the workshop came at a historic moment for Brazil, and especially for the Amazon, by offering a platform to highlight concrete examples of environmental leadership.

He stressed that large-scale restoration in the Amazon requires coordinated efforts among institutions with different roles and expertise. “Bringing together government, civil society, academia and local organisations is essential to ensuring that restoration strategies are not only scientifically sound but also socially legitimate and practically viable. No single institution has all the answers. Building integrated solutions requires bridges, exactly what this event set out to create.”

According to Leonardo, the approach goes beyond simply sharing data. “It’s about co-creating knowledge. We want to build together; listening to and learning from forest peoples, smallholder farmers, and restoration practitioners,” he added.

 

Programme Highlights

During the event, participants explored key themes such as restoration planning in Pará; key metrics and indicators for a multi-benefit restoration strategy beyond carbon; the incorporation of climate risks, such as drought and fire; and how to ensure genuine participation of producers, communities, technical experts, and public managers.

To foster these discussions, the workshop featured preliminary findings from collaborative projects that are mapping restoration opportunities, challenges, and pathways across Pará.

“This was a crucial step toward strengthening the technical, social, and political foundations for a more resilient Pará—one that is aligned with global climate goals,” concluded Joice Ferreira.

As the region moves toward COP30, the insights and alliances forged here mark an important milestone in the building of a more sustainable and inclusive restoration agenda for the Eastern Amazon.

 

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Rooted Alliances: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) Advances Inclusive Access in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Published 20 Jun 2025

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By conducting in-depth research, building trust, fostering dialogue, and empowering community leadership, we are advancing a transformation that is deeply rooted in the territory and designed for long-term resilience.

Professor Omar Malagón, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL)

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), in collaboration with Terrambiente Consulting and SEDEFA, has reached a major milestone in its efforts to lay a strong ethical, legal, and cultural foundation for sustainable innovation.

Driven by research and the commitment of specialists Ana María Rodríguez and Omar Malagón, the project “Realizing the Potential of Plant Bioresources as New Economic Opportunities for the Ecuadorian Amazon: Developing Climate-Resilient Sustainable Bioindustry” (BIOAMAZ), seeks to establish sustainable bioindustries based on essential oil production. This initiative addresses the interlinked challenges of climate vulnerability, biodiversity loss, and poverty by promoting alternatives to unsustainable economic practices that degrade ecosystems, restrict local development, and deepen poverty in indigenous communities.

Images feature the BIOAMAZ team and stakeholders (image 1), the Terrambiente team during their presentation (image 2), Karla Espinosa outlining the project’s legal scope (image 3), Team Leader Ana María Rodriguez delivering her presentation (image 4), and fieldwork scenes in the Amazon, including a Community Assembly (images 6-8).

 

The project recently reached a pivotal milestone with the signing of a strategic agreement with the Shuar Federation. This marks a key alliance in advancing the project’s goal of an inclusive and participatory approach. The agreement acknowledges the vital leadership of Indigenous peoples in safeguarding and sustainably managing Amazonian biodiversity, setting the stage for ongoing collaboration grounded in mutual respect and equity.

Additionally, the project has secured Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Acts with seven other Indigenous communities: Jatari Ancestral, Kajekai, Cóndor Mirador, Obepare, San Antonio, San Virgilio, and Wita Waya. These agreements ensure respectful, transparent, and community-driven access to biological and genetic resources. The communities represent a rich mosaic of Indigenous nationalities: Obepare is Huaorani; San Antonio and Kajekai are Shuar; and Jatari, Cóndor Mirador, San Virgilio, and Wita Waya are Kichwa.

For these communities, the project represents more than an economic opportunity, it stands for autonomy, resilience, and cultural affirmation. After many years of calling for support, they see this initiative as a way of achieving greater sustainable economic independence, and a viable alternative of generating income for their people. As the project moves forward, they now look ahead to the next phase and the collaborative selection of plant species.

For the researchers, these agreements reflect a core value proposition: building a bioindustry that is equitable, grounded in dialogue, and shaped by the voices of Amazonian communities.

Next Steps

On 12 June, the teams from UTPL, Terrambiente, and SEDEFA delivered a dynamic presentation of their project to a diverse group of stakeholders, including high-level authorities from the Ministry of Environment, the National Congress, the United Kingdom Embassy, as well as members of local and international NGOs and the Ecuadorian pharmaceutical industry.

The next phase of the project will focus on establishing clear criteria for selecting potential plant species, conducting field visits to identify and evaluate promising candidates, conducting detailed studies of their growth cycles, collecting biological samples, and assessing natural populations.

These efforts will support the development of agroforestry systems, build local capacities, and strengthen strategic market connections for the resulting products. Insights from this phase will also inform regulatory recommendations aimed at ensuring the project’s sustainability and enabling its replication in other regions.

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The GCBC 2025 Research Symposium Open Day

04 Mar 2025

10:00 - 17:00 Hrs UTC

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Each year, the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate hosts a research symposium focused on sharing big ideas, transformative practice and stories of impact.

This year, we invited the entire GCBC community to participate in the event through an online Open Day on Tuesday 4 March 2025.

The Open Day programme included four engaging sessions with speakers from around the world. You can access the session recordings below.

Additionally, the key takeaways from each panel session have been beautifully brought to life through the illustrations of Elly Jahnz.
 

Opening Session: Why supporting innovative research at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty alleviation matters.


 

Panel Discussion 1: Contributing to global goals – Exploring the science behind national and global frameworks and targets.


 

Panel Discussion 2: Strengthening the connection between evidence and policy with a focus on practice from across the GCBC community.


 

Panel Discussion 3: Harnessing private sector investment in Nature-based Solutions.


 
For more information, read our blog on the Symposium, written by Samantha Morris, to explore the key outcomes from the full three-day event.

Thank you so much to all members of our GCBC research community who joined us in person and online for the symposium, and to our wonderful speakers, panelists, and chairs for your insight, expertise, and for generously giving your time to be with us.

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The GCBC Research Grant Competition 3 (RGC3) Concept Note application has CLOSED

Published 04 Feb 2025

GCBC

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The GCBC Opportunities Portal for Concept Note submissions for the Third Research Grant Competition (RGC3) CLOSED at 23:00 hrs UTC, on Sunday, 16 March, 2025. Any applications submitted after that time and date will not be accepted or considered for the full proposal stage. 

The GCBC extends grateful thanks to all applicants who made submissions through the Opportunities Portal. We have been delighted with the responses to this grant call, particularly from the Global South.

Over the next few weeks we will be working through the applications, carrying out eligibility checks, technical evaluations, moderation and scientific meetings to establish the most suitable Concept Notes to take forward to the next round. 

RGC3 Themes

The two research themes of this RGC3 are:  

  • Theme 1: Using biodiversity to improve the climate resilience of agricultural, food and bioeconomy value chains – Transforming agrifood systems at scale to incorporate nature-based solutions that build biodiversity back into production landscapes to boost climate resilience and reduce poverty (open to all GCBC focus regions). 
  • Theme 2: Biodiversity hotspots in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – Building sustainable businesses from nature to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and tackle poverty (focused in SIDS). 

The GCBC, a UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), aims to fund a mixed portfolio of up to twenty grants in RGC3, covering a range of topics and geographies across both themes. Grants sums of between £100,000 and £1 million are offered for projects of 12-36 months duration. 

The GCBC will accept proposals for projects with activities in GCBC-eligible countries in Latin America (including Central America), the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South-east Asia and the Pacific and Small Island Developing States. A list of GCBC eligible countries is available here. To be accepted for funding under the GCBC programme projects must demonstrate: 

  • Fit to GCBC: All proposals need to address poverty alleviation and climate resilience, focusing on approaches that better value, protect, restore and sustainably manage biodiversity. 
  • Fit to theme: Proposals must address research questions within one of the themes set out above. 
  • GESI: All proposals must incorporate clear plans to factor in gender, equality and social inclusion from the outset. 
  • R&D: Proposed work must meet the definition of research and development: creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge – including knowledge of humankind, culture and society – and to devise new applications of available knowledge (OECD, 2015). 

 

 

 

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Research Grant Competition 2 (RGC2): The GCBC awards £13.4 million in UK ODA grants for research to find nature-based solutions to climate change and poverty reduction   

Published 14 Jan 2025

GCBC

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RGC2 awards 18 new project grants worth £13.4 million based on the theme: “Driving innovation in how biodiversity can support climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods through practice and governance”. 

Initial concept note applications for the second GCBC research grant competition (RGC2) numbered 507 from lead delivery partners in 60 UK-ODA eligible countries. This response more than trebled the 155 applications submitted for the first round of grants in 2023. From the initial concept notes, 56 applications were selected to submit full proposals.    

Grant awards were made using several criteria, including applications’ contribution to the context of the RGC2 theme. These involved assessing applicants’ understanding of how addressing evidence gaps in the potential of nature-based solutions using less utilised species (plants, animals, insects, fungi, trees etc.) can contribute to:   

  • improving poor livelihoods through more resilience to climate change;  
  • meeting resource or service demands; and  
  • protecting and conserving traditional knowledge and biodiversity.  

Filling these evidence gaps is critical to finding innovative approaches to guide practice and governance.  

Climate change, biodiversity loss and poverty are three of the most pressing challenges facing the world today and are fundamentally inter-linked. Climate change, driven by human activity, is increasingly and negatively affecting people and the natural environment. Biodiversity loss, which also results from human activity, is causing degraded landscapes and soil and increasing food insecurity. This exacerbates climate risk by reducing the resilience of natural and managed ecosystems. Unfortunately, those living in poverty are often the most vulnerable and the least able to respond to the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. 

By working in partnership with scientists, research institutions and practitioners around the world, the GCBC seeks to develop innovative research and scalable approaches to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This will have an impact on ecosystem resilience to climate change, halting and reversing biodiversity loss, contributing to poverty alleviation and helping countries to achieve a nature-positive future. The GCBC is funded by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs working in partnership with DAI as the Fund Manager Lead and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as the Strategic Science Lead.  

The 18 projects awarded under RGC2 will be implemented in 16 UK ODA-eligible countries in the Global South; seven countries from Latin America (including Central America) and the Caribbean (Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Dominican Republic; Guatemala; Panama; Peru); six from Sub-Saharan Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo; Ethiopia; Ghana; Kenya; Tanzania; Republic of Congo); and three from South East Asia and the Pacific (Cambodia; Indonesia; Vietnam).  

Eleven of the RGC2 projects cover broad thematic areas: Agroforestry; Community led approaches; Integrated land / water management; and Forest restoration. Seven of the projects cover more uniquely focused research areas: Seagrass restoration; Carbon markets; Biodiverse seed bank; Mangrove restoration; Peatlands; Land use (landscape level); and Underutilised species for soil restoration.  

“This new round of 18 diverse and innovative projects represents a consolidation of the ‘Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate’ as Defra’s flagship ODA R&D programme.  These new projects will continue GCBC’s growing reputation for delivery of high-quality evidence about the effective and sustainable use of biodiversity for climate resilience and to improve livelihoods.” said Professor Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

“As fund management lead, DAI is delighted to continue our relationship with Defra and especially to welcome the successful applicants who are joining the GCBC’s project portfolio for the next phase of the programme’s development. Through this project round, we will continue to support scientists, academics and research institutions working to build stronger capacity, increase collaboration, deliver high-impact projects and share learning on the biodiversity-climate-livelihoods nexus that will have an impact on ecosystem resilience to climate change, halting and reversing biodiversity loss and contributing to poverty alleviation,” said Luqman Ahmad, Senior Vice President, DAI.  

“As strategic science lead, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew also welcomes the new projects to the growing portfolio. The new evidence, data and knowledge across pressures/drivers, solutions and enablers for the different themes of the grant competitions will support the adoption of systems approaches in tackling the nexus of climate, biodiversity and livelihoods. By understanding and managing the complex interactions between science, society and the multiple interacting systems through temporal and spatial scales it will be possible to recommend solutions – orientated approaches for transformative change across different sectors and regions,” said Professor Monique Simmonds, Deputy Director, Science (Partnerships), The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.    

The 18 Projects funded by RGC2:

Assessing Carbon Credits as a Sustainable Funding Mechanism for Participatory Forest Management in Tanzania – Lead Grantee: Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania (Country: Tanzania)

Biodiversity for climate and social resilience: Empowerment of coastal communities in sustainable production practices in Ecuador – Lead Grantee: Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral – ESPOL, Ecuador (Country: Ecuador)

Biodiversity science in support of community-led conservation of threatened local forests in Tompotika, Central Sulawesi: Protecting biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate resilient local livelihoods – Lead Grantee: Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG), USA (Country: Indonesia)

Biodiversity potential for resilient livelihoods in the Lower Omo, Ethiopia – Lead Grantee: University of Leeds, UK (Country: Ethiopia)

BREL-Borneo: Benefits of Biodiverse Restoration for Ecosystems and Livelihoods in Borneo – Lead Grantee: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, UK (Country: Indonesia)

Cataloguing and Rating of Opportunities for Side-lined Species in Restoration of Agriculturally Degraded Soils in Sub-Saharan Africa (CROSSROADS-SSA) – Lead Grantee: University of Aberdeen, UK (Country: Ethiopia)

Creation of an Intercultural biodiverse Seed Bank with the indigenous “Resguardo Puerto Naranjo” for enhancing restoration and conservation efforts in degraded areas in the Colombian Amazon – Lead Grantee: Fundación Tropenbos, Colombia (Country: Colombia)

EMBRACE: Engaging Local Communities in Minor Crop Utilisation for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Enrichment – Lead Grantee: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), Ghana (Countries: Ghana and Kenya)

Enabling large-scale and climate-resilient forest restoration in the Eastern Amazon – Lead Grantee: Lancaster University, UK (Country: Brazil)

Exploring sustainable land use pathways for ecosystems, food security and poverty alleviation: opportunities for Indonesia’s food estate programme – Lead Grantee: University of Sussex, UK (Country: Indonesia)

Forest restoration on Indigenous lands: Restoring biodiversity for multiple ecosystem services, community resilience and financial sustainability through locally informed strategies and incentives – Lead Grantee: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama (Country: Panama)

Integrated Land and Water Management of the Greater Amanzule Wetland System – Lead Grantee: University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (Country: Ghana)

NATIVE: Sustainable Riverscape Management for Resilient Riverine Communities – Lead Grantee: University of Lincoln, UK (Countries: Colombia and Dominican Republic)

Nature based solutions for climate resilience of local and Indigenous communities in Guatemala – Lead Grantee: University of Greenwich, UK (Country: Guatemala)

Realising the potential of plant bioresources as new economic opportunities for the Ecuadorian Amazon: developing climate resilient sustainable bioindustry – Lead Grantee: Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador (Country: Ecuador)  

Recognising and rewarding the contribution of Indigenous knowledge for the sustainable management of biodiversity – Lead Grantee: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), USA (Country: Cambodia)

TRIALS: Translating Research into Action for Livelihoods and Seagrass: Establishing scientific foundation for seagrass restoration and blue carbon potential, with sustainable livelihood development for coastal communities in Central Vietnam – Lead Grantee: WWF-UK, UK (Country: Vietnam)

Using biodiversity to support climate resilient livelihoods in intact tropical peatlands  – Lead Grantee: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK   (Countries: Peru, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo)  

 

Photo Credit (Detail): Laitche

 

 

 

 

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Agriculture Agroforestry Capacity Building Coastal Ecosystems Conservation and Restoration Food Systems Governance and Policy Improving livelihoods Indigenous Peoples Natural Resource Management Nature based solutions

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Assessing Carbon Credits as a Sustainable Funding Mechanism for Participatory Forest Management in Tanzania

Project Details

Status: Active
GCBC Funding Round: RGC2
Grant Value: £216, 868
Dates: Nov 24-Oct 27

Published 14 Jan 2025

GCBC

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Agroforestry Capacity Building Conservation and Restoration Improving livelihoods Partnership

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Project Summary

Countries: Tanzania

Delivery Partner: Sokoine University of Agriculture

Project Partners: Bangor University

Principle Investigator: Dr. Kajenje Magessa Nkukurah, Sokoine University of Agriculture

Project Description

Tanzania is rich in biodiversity but faces rapid deforestation and severe poverty. Villages own 46% of forests, but resource limitations hinder effective management and deforestation continues apace. Carbon credits offer potential incentives for climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation, yet their applicability to village forests remains unproven at scale.

This project aims to collaborate closely with local communities to evaluate the feasibility of carbon credit schemes, considering costs, benefits and governance. Additionally, it will focus on capacity-building initiatives for village governments and stakeholders, empowering them to navigate carbon markets effectively. Through this approach, the project aims to harness the power of carbon markets to combat climate change, safeguard biodiversity, and alleviate poverty in Tanzania’s forested areas.

Photograph (detail): Laitche

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Biodiversity Science in Support of Community-led Conservation of Threatened Forests in Tompotika, Central Sulawesi: Protecting Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Climate Resilient Local Livelihoods

Project Details

Status: Active
GCBC Funding Round: RGC2
Grant Value: £743,246
Dates: Oct 24-Sept 27

Published 14 Jan 2025

GCBC

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Agroforestry Capacity Building Conservation and Restoration Improving livelihoods Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Natural Resource Management Nature based solutions

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Project Summary

Countries: Indonesia

Delivery Partner: Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG), USA

Project Partners: New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), United States Case Western University (CWU) United States Alliance for Tompotika (ALTO), Indonesia Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN)

Principle Investigator: Dr Carmen Puglisi, Assistant Curator, (Asia), Missouri Botanical Garden,

Project Summary

This project will empower the communities of Tompotika, Sulawesi to protect their forests from the urgent threat of nickel mining concessions and enhance their nature-based livelihoods. The project will collaboratively (1) characterise Tompotika’s plant biodiversity through botanical inventories, species extinction assessments, climate modelling, and key ecosystem services; (2) document traditional ecological and biocultural knowledge to prioritise climate resilient species that support livelihoods and provide important ecosystem services; (3) establish a community-run plant nursery for cultivation of selected species; and (4) disseminate this knowledge to internal and external stakeholders through community education and outreach as well as scientific publications and presentations.

Through a combination of biodiversity science and capacity building, this work will support the collaborative development of conservation proposals and promote the sustainable cultivation of economically important species to alleviate poverty and support climate resilience for the communities of Tompotika.

Photograph (detail): Enrico Kumesan

 

 

 

 

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BREL-Borneo: Benefits of Biodiverse Restoration for Ecosystems and Livelihoods in Borneo

Project Details

Status: Active
GCBC Funding Round: RGC2
Grant Value: £749,638
Dates: Nov 24- Oct 27

Published 14 Jan 2025

GCBC

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Project Summary

Countries: Indonesia

Delivery Partner: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Project Partners: Research Organisation for Life Sciences and Environment, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bioversity International, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Plan Vivo Foundation, Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, YTAN, Indonesia, The University of Aberdeen

Principle Investigator: Dr Mark Hughes, Taxonomy Research Leader (Southeast Asia), Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Project Description

Bornean lowland forests harbour globally important biodiversity and carbon stocks but are severely degraded and reduced. In Indonesia, there are government and community initiatives to restore forests, but due to capacity constraints, only a small suite of species is used, meaning restored forests lose potential to capture carbon and support livelihoods.

This project will increase the number of native Bornean species available in forest restoration supply chains in Kalimantan, by (i) removing supply constraints through providing new data on distributions and germplasm supply; (ii) aiding take-up of under-utilised species by restoration actors through new planning tools; and (iii) supporting monitoring, reporting and verification of biodiversity benefits of restoration.

The outcome will be an increased area under higher-biodiversity restoration, which has benefits for carbon capture and also livelihoods, through restoration supply chain involvement and potential for biodiversity credit trade.

Photograph (detail): Shahibul Anwar

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