In decision VII/16 G, paragraph 10, on Participatory mechanism for indigenous and local communities, the Conference of the Parties decided “ to establish to establish a voluntary funding mechanism under the Convention to facilitate the participation of indigenous and local communities, giving special priority to those from developing countries and countries with economies in transition and small island developing States in meetings under the Convention, including meetings of the indigenous and local community liaison group and relevant meetings of ad hoc technical expert groups”. The Conference of the Parties at its eighth meeting (Decision VIII/5 D Annex in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian), adopted the draft criteria for the operation of such a Fund. This Fund remains the only United Nations fund specifically for indigenous and local community participation in meetings related to the Convention.

Once the Notifications are posted on the Secretariat website, indigenous and local communities are invited to apply for funding, as needed. In the selection of beneficiaries for such a fund, the Executive Secretary will consult, through electronic means, with an Selection Committee consisting of seven representatives of indigenous and local communities nominates by indigenous and local communities from the seven geo-cultural regions recognized by the United nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, as well as with the bureau of the Conference of the Parties.Selection will be made, from among the nominations received, on the bais of expertise, gender balance and equitable geographic distribution.

Application forms are available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian on our web site in all 6 UN languages.