Kunming Biodiversity Fund 2026 Call for Proposals: A Critical Opportunity for Rwandan Conservation

By Earth Focus Network

“Without urgent action, there will be a further acceleration in the global rate of species extinction, which is already at least tens to hundreds of times higher than it has averaged over the past 10 million years.”

— Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 

A landmark funding opportunity has opened for biodiversity conservation across the developing world. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) 2026 Call for Proposals is now accepting applications, offering catalytic financing for projects that advance the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

For Rwandan organizations, this represents a significant opportunity to secure funding for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and community-based environmental action. The window is short—Stage 1 applications are due 15 September 2026.

What is the Kunming Biodiversity Fund?

The Kunming Biodiversity Fund is a strategic financing mechanism initiated and financially supported by the Government of China, operating in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Officially launched in May 2024, the Fund supports developing countries in accelerating implementation of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in line with the KMGBF.

The KMGBF itself is a historic agreement adopted by 196 countries at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022. It sets out an ambitious roadmap with four global goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030, including:

• Target 2: Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 
• Target 3: Conserve and manage at least 30% of the world’s lands, inland waters, coastal areas, and oceans 
• Target 19: Mobilize at least $200 billion per year in biodiversity-related funding by 2030 

Funding Details

Important: The KBF can only fund projects implemented through UN entities. Beneficiary countries access funding through a UN implementing partner (e.g., FAO, UNEP, UNDP). Proposals must be co-developed between the country and the UN implementing entity.

Thematic Areas

Proposed projects must contribute to at least one of the following thematic areas. Projects addressing multiple areas will be viewed favorably:

1. Restoring and protecting ecosystems to improve biodiversity and ecosystem services
2. Mainstreaming biodiversity effectively into policies, regulations, planning, and strategies
3. Sustainable use of biodiversity enhanced
4. Biodiversity mainstreamed among businesses and consumers
5. Benefits shared from genetic resources and digital sequence information on genetic resources
6. Prevention and control of invasive alien species for enhanced biosecurity
7. Strengthened resource mobilization for biodiversity conservation 

Why This Matters for Rwanda

Rwanda’s Eastern Province—where Here For Hope Foundation operates—faces severe biodiversity and climate challenges. 75% of Kayonza’s land area is highly susceptible to drought, and deforestation between 2009 and 2019 resulted in the loss of 18,179 hectares in Kayonza alone.

The KBF Call for Proposals aligns perfectly with Rwanda’s national priorities:

How Here For Hope Foundation & Earth Focus Network Can Engage

The KBF Call for Proposals requires a UN implementing partner. Here For Hope Foundation and Earth Focus Network could explore partnerships with the following:

• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): FAO has direct expertise in agrifood sectors and biodiversity, with more than half of the KMGBF targets directly related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture. FAO also leads the Target 2 Road Map for monitoring ecosystem restoration.
• UNEP (UN Environment Programme): UNEP is a direct KBF partner and has extensive experience in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
• UNDP (UN Development Programme): UNDP has experience implementing KBF-funded community projects, including a Garífuna coastal community project in Honduras.

Potential Project Ideas for Rwanda

Application Process

The application process is conducted in two stages:

Stage 1: Project Concept Note

• Deadline: 15 September 2026
• Submit to: kbf@un.org 
• Content: Brief concept note outlining the project idea

Stage 2: Full Project Proposal

• Deadline: 15 November 2026
• Content: Detailed proposal for longlisted projects

Key Requirements

1. UN Implementing Entity: Projects must be implemented by a UN organization 
2. Country Endorsement: Proposals require endorsement from the CBD national focal point or designated official in the lead ministry 
3. Alignment with NBSAPs: Projects must contribute to national biodiversity strategies 

Call to Action

Is your organization ready to apply?

1. Identify a UN Partner: Reach out to FAO, UNEP, or UNDP Rwanda to explore collaboration.
2. Develop a Concept Note: Align your project with KBF thematic areas.
3. Secure Government Endorsement: Engage Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment or CBD focal point.
4. Submit by 15 September 2026: Email your concept note to kbf@un.org.

APPLY TODAY THROUGH: https://www.unep.org/events/award/2026-call-proposals-kunming-biodiversity-fund

 Join Earth Focus Network to connect with potential partners and strengthen your proposal.

This article was developed by Earth Focus Network News to inform our community about the Kunming Biodiversity Fund 2026 Call for Proposals and its relevance to biodiversity conservation in Rwanda and across Africa.

Will your organization apply? Let us know in the comments!