IUCN NL’s current funds and programmes 
Opinion
For more than 30 years, IUCN NL has managed donor funds for locally led nature organisations in key biodiversity-rich areas across the Global South. With a solid track record of over 2,300 supported projects in more than 100 countries and collaborations with around 1,000 civil society partners, IUCN NL has invested more than €140 million directly in sustainable nature conservation. Our inclusive and transparent approach allows us to strengthen local initiatives that are crucial for locally led nature conservation and the wellbeing of communities that depend on healthy ecosystems.
What are locally-led conservation organisations?
We refer to locally-led conservation organisations as civil society organisations and the organisations of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities that delegate decision-making authority to the most appropriate local level. This approach is intended to enhance local decision-making capabilities and build capacities for community-based nature conservation. It aims to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of ecosystems that are vital to the culture and livelihoods of local communities. By adopting this bottom-up strategy, IUCN NL and its partners seek to address the specific biodiversity and livelihood needs, priorities, and aspirations unique to each community. The active participation of local civil society groups, community members, village authorities, local entrepreneurs, and other relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process can effectively deliver conservation solutions that are tailored to the context of each individual community and landscape.
IUCN NL: Your partner in effective and inclusive fund management
IUCN NL’s fund management is adaptive, inclusive and trust based. This means that we prioritise flexibility, equity and local ownership in our funding strategies to ensure long-term impact.
Our principals: adaptive, inclusive and trust based
1. Adaptive
We believe in the power of local knowledge and support initiatives that are deeply embedded in local contexts. Conservation challenges are dynamic, ranging from deforestation and climate change to evolving political and social landscapes. Therefore, our funding approach is flexible and responsive, allowing projects to adapt as circumstances change. By tailoring support to each unique context and by only funding projects that are driven by local stakeholders, we ensure that projects are not only effective in implementation but also foster greater sustainability and impact.
2. Inclusive
We acknowledge that effective conservation efforts must empower and involve diverse voices, especially those most affected by environmental changes. The projects that we fund are designed to be inclusive and actively engaging. Firstly, we collaborate with local civil society organisations that advocate for environmental and community rights. Secondly, we strengthen indigenous communities and traditional stewards of biodiversity, whose knowledge is critical for successful conservation. Thirdly, we empower women and youth, ensuring their leadership and perspectives are integrated into governmental and private sector decisions. By fostering broad participation, we enhance community ownership and resilience, making conservation efforts more sustainable in the long term.
3. Trust based
The projects we support shift power to local actors by reducing bureaucracy and placing trust in their knowledge, expertise and realities. This trust-based funding takes various shapes and forms. Firstly, flexible project funding or unrestricted (emergency) funding allows grassroots organisations to allocate resources based on their most pressing needs. Secondly, less rigid planning and budgeting requirements prioritise long-term impact over short-term compliance. Thirdly, a relationship-driven approach allows us to listen to and collaborate with local partners, ensuring funding is aligned with their real constraints and opportunities. By focusing on trust, autonomy and long-term partnerships, we empower organisations and communities to lead their own conservation efforts.
Why these principles matter for locally-led conservation
- Empowers local civil society and communities to drive conservation efforts on their own terms
- Encourages long-term, sustainable impact rather than short-term project cycles
- Recognises the complexity of conservation challenges and allows for adaptive responses
- Empowers local civil society and communities to drive conservation efforts on their own terms
- Encourages long-term, sustainable impact rather than short-term project cycles
- Recognises the complexity of conservation challenges and allows for adaptive responses
Our approach towards locally-led impact
I. Landscape approach
Projects are based on a Landscape Approach that takes into account the ecological, social and political coherence within a landscape, while connected to opportunities and pressure. This ensures that solutions are future proof.
II. Capacity building
Through training, coaching and exchange of experience, local organisations grow and develop. This increases their impact. Among other topics we deliver capacity strengthening at the level of advocacy, fundraising, communication, organizational structure and inclusive impact.
III. Network and communication
We connect local initiatives with national and international partners and networks to maximise knowledge sharing and impact. This creates a global network of conservationists across the globe.
IV. Protecting environmental defenders
We support individuals and organisations working in the frontline of nature conservation and human rights. This helps to protect them from threats.
V. Key technical expertise
Based on local needs, we support projects technically on various topics that connect the local to global agenda, such as species conservation, monitoring, illegal wildlife trade, climate change, agro-commodities, green finance and nature-based solutions, as well as various European and global policy tools such as EUDR, CSRD, CSDDD and the CBD. This technical advice supports locally-led projects.
IUCN NL’s current funds and programmes
Through the management of funds, we are currently helping different local initiatives to increase their impact in highly biodiverse landscapes.
- Land Acquisition Fund: Helps conservation organisations secure threatened natural areas and connect habitats of endangered species.
- Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund: Supports organisations in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change.
- Forest for a Just Future: Promotes sustainable and inclusive forest management with a focus on climate, human rights and livelihoods in 9 tropical counties.
- EU LIFE BEST 2030: Encourages nature conservation actions in EU overseas territories to protect biodiversity.
- Strengthen the Roots: Supports small-scale initiatives in Bolivia, Ghana and Indonesia to strengthen local conservation.
Tompotika, Indonesia. AITo staff (c) Stephanie Broekarts/IUCN NL
These fund management initiatives build on our previous track record gained through programmes such as Shared Resources, Joint Solutions (SRJS), the Ecosystem Alliance Programme, The Ecosystem Grants Programme and the Tropical Rainforest Programme.
Our impact: results that put nature and people on the map
- Protection and restoration of millions of hectares of nature, such as the SRJS programme that has contributed to the improved governance of 2.7 million hectares of natural areas.
- Through the above-mentioned Land Acquisition Fund, we have contributed to over 135 projects in 39 countries and have protected 42,000 hectares of nature in doing so.
- Strengthening hundreds of civil society organisations, enhancing their ability to strengthen local sustainable policies.
- Policy changes at government and corporate level, such as the development of integrated water management for 510,000 hectares of catchment.
- Promoting inclusiveness and gender equality through active involvement of women and young people.
- Protection of environmental defenders, with security protocols and emergency funds for threatened activists.
More information?
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