Description for the Publication of the Call for Proposals The Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) is pleased to announce the launch of its Call for Proposals (CFP) for the CAFI Science & Innovation Programme. This initiative seeks implementing partners capable of executing impactful scientific projects aimed at sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and poverty reduction in the Congo Basin. This funding opportunity supports high-quality research and data collection to address key environmental and socio-economic challenges in Central Africa. Objective The CFP aims to select organizations with the expertise to contribute to the CAFI Science & Innovation framework by addressing pressing issues related to deforestation, land use, carbon stocks, biodiversity, and the socio-economic impacts of conservation efforts. Successful proposals will contribute essential data and insights to enhance CAFI’s theory of change and provide actionable strategies for policy and programming in CAFI partner countries. Background The Congo Basin, home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, plays a critical role in global climate stabilization and biodiversity preservation, while supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. Despite national efforts, forest loss continues, emphasizing the need for data-driven solutions to balance conservation with sustainable economic development. Through this CFP, CAFI encourages applications from academic institutions, NGOs, Indigenous People’s Organizations, and civil society to address scientific gaps and support informed decision-making. Key Themes and Expected Outcomes The CFP focuses on multiple thematic areas, including: - Forest Cover and Land Use Changes: Projects on forest monitoring, carbon stock assessment, and annual reporting on deforestation drivers. - Data Accessibility and Transparency: Efforts to establish open data policies in partnership with CAFI countries. - Biodiversity Conservation: Mapping and assessing biodiversity to inform conservation planning and biodiversity credits. - Community Forest Management: Initiatives to evaluate the effectiveness of community-managed forests in reducing deforestation. - Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES): Exploring PES as a conservation incentive. - Capacity Building: Scholarships and fellowships to develop expertise in environmental science and policy within the region. Submission Details CAFI is offering up to USD 2.2 million in grants. Proposals may cover one or more themes, with a preference for consortia that include regional or national partners. Applicants should provide a clear methodology, implementation plan, budget, and compliance with CAFI’s operational frameworks. Proposals will be evaluated on technical and financial criteria, including the relevance of the proposed research, team expertise, and alignment with CAFI’s strategic objectives. Application Deadline Interested organizations are invited to submit their proposals electronically by January 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more details, please visit CAFI’s website or contact the UNOPS Science Innovation Team at [email protected]