Community Protocols
Community protocols, in the context of access and benefit-sharing, encompass a broad range of expressions, articulations, rules, and practices developed by indigenous peoples and local communities. These protocols are based on customary laws and traditional authorities, outlining how communities expect other stakeholders to engage with them concerning access to their associated traditional knowledge and/ or genetic resources, and benefit-sharing.
They assist all stakeholders to gain a better understanding and respect for the community’s values and customary laws. Community protocols may also include minimum requirements for mutually agreed terms and model contractual clauses for benefit-sharing.
Parties to the Nagoya Protocol have obligations regarding traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, including Articles 7, 11, 12, and 16 of the Nagoya Protocol. In accordance with Article 12, paragraph 1 of the Nagoya Protocol, in implementing and fulfilling their obligations under the Protocol, Parties must consider indigenous and local communities’ customary laws, community protocols and procedures, as applicable, with respect to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources.
Criteria for selection
Who can apply?
- Indigenous peoples and local communities’ organizations.
- Parties to the Nagoya Protocol that are eligible to receive official development assistance (ODA).
- Relevant organizations applying for projects that will benefit Parties to the Nagoya Protocol eligible to receive official development assistance (ODA).
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Ensures full engagement of or are led by indigenous peoples and local communities’ organizations.
- Involve multiple eligible Parties and/or indigenous peoples and local communities and/or relevant organizations.
- Foster collaboration, synergies or joint work among various governmental institutions, countries, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant stakeholders, women and youth.
- Produce tangible output(s) and lasting outcome(s).
- Propose efficient and effective strategies and approaches.
- Include actual or tentative co-funding.
- The objective or activity is included in national, local, or community planning (e.g NBSAPs, work on Art. 8(j), community plans).
Funding available:
- Up to $20,000 USD for single-country projects
- Up to $35,000 USD for projects involving 2-3 countries.
- Up to $50,000 USD for regional or global projects
The funding from the small grants could be used to leverage funding from other sources.
Expectations from applicants
The project concept notes will be assessed based on the criteria described above and the selected applications will be further developed into detailed projects documents by the applicant together with the Secretariat and will serve as a basis for receiving the funding
Applicants should be ready to commit the time necessary to realize the agreed project and document its progress and experience, including lessons learned.
Relevant project information (outputs) must be published in the ABS Clearing-House, including a final report, executive summary, and lessons learned from the project.
Applicants of the selected projects will have the opportunity to share their experiences with others and reflect on lessons learned and best practices, both online and at in-person meetings and during an event at COP-MOP 6
How to apply
If your country/organization meets the criteria and is interested in submitting a concept note for consideration, please complete the project proposal format and send it to secretariat@cbd.int by 30 MAY 2025. Proposals that involve country governments require endorsement by the ABS national focal point.
Click to download the Community Protocols Project Proposal Form (2).docx
