The Conference of the Parties established the voluntary funding mechanism, in decision VII/16G, to support the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in meetings under the Convention, giving special priority to those from developing countries and countries with economies in transition and small island developing States.

Beneficiaries are pre-selected by the Selection Committee, consisting of seven representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities, from the seven socio-cultural regions recognized by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, along with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties. The selection criteria are outlined in decision VIII/5 D Annex.

Support is provided subject to available resources and may include full or partial funding, such as travel and daily subsistence allowance.

Application form is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian

HOW TO APPLY

The Voluntary Fund supports only applications from accredited organizations to the Convention from indigenous peoples and local communities.

STEP 1: Accreditation for the first-time organization only

Please submit an accreditation request letter that includes the following requirements:

1. A statement demonstrating the organization's qualifications in fields relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity;
2. A website address (optional);
3. The organization's statutes/by-laws or terms of reference demonstrating the organization's legitimacy as a bona fide organization constituted in its home country;
4. Any other relevant information.

Organizations attending a CBD meeting for the first time only need to be accredited once. Individuals without an institutional affiliation cannot be admitted as observers to CBD meetings.

STEP 2 - Applying to the Voluntary Fund

Send an official nomination letter from an accredited organization of indigenous peoples or the local community. This letter must include:

• A request for the organization to be represented as an observer at a CBD meeting (the name of the meeting should be clearly stated);
• The names, titles, and contact details of the nominated representatives, including each person's role in the organization, telephone number, and email address.
• The official nomination letter should be on the organization's letterhead and signed by the chief executive or president.
• A signed application form is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian
• Curriculum vitae

Send your application to the Secretariat of the CBD via email: secretariat@cbd.int

Incomplete nominations will not be considered. The Secretariat will contact only those delegates selected to receive financial support.