Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The Nature-Based Solutions for Infrastructure Acceleration Initiative supports countries and project consortia in designing and implementing integrated nature-based solutions within existing and future infrastructure systems to improve resilience and long-term sustainability.
The initiative focuses on Nature-Based Solutions integration, resilient infrastructure development, vegetation and soil-based interventions, wetlands and water body restoration, grey infrastructure resilience, port and logistics infrastructure, ecosystems and biodiversity co-benefits, climate mitigation outcomes, sustainable infrastructure innovation, operational and financial viability, pilot interventions, and long-term investment readiness across infrastructure sectors in Africa and Central Asia.
The Nature-Based Solutions for Infrastructure Acceleration Initiative operates as a grant facility supporting competitive proposals from consortia capable of demonstrating innovation, impact, and implementation feasibility. In addition to grant support, selected consortia will be connected with potential capital providers and investors to strengthen long-term sustainability and accelerate implementation of innovative infrastructure solutions.
Under Phase I of the initiative, eligible countries in Central Asia include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Eligible African countries include Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Eligible proposals must integrate nature-based solutions such as vegetation, soils, wetlands, and water bodies with existing or future grey infrastructure including roads, railways, buildings, ports, and logistics infrastructure. Proposals are expected to demonstrate how these interventions can improve the resilience of grey infrastructure while also generating ecosystem, biodiversity, and climate-related co-benefits.
Standalone nature-based solution projects that are not linked to grey infrastructure are not eligible under the initiative. Similarly, pure research projects and activities focused only on advocacy or capacity building without direct on-the-ground intervention design and piloting are not eligible for support.
Applications must be submitted by a consortium that includes at least a private sector partner, a local partner, and an international partner. Consortia may also include public or private organisations, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, and research institutes. One entity may fulfil multiple partnership categories, and one organisation must be designated as the consortium lead. The initiative encourages strong local participation, clearly defined governance structures, and formal partnership arrangements supported through letters or memoranda of understanding.
The proposal evaluation period for the initiative will take place from 1 July 2026 to 31 October 2026.
For more information, visit UNEP.
