Deadline Date: June 09, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme has invited proposals from eligible Indian organisations to strengthen the GI-tagged Bhotia Dann wool handloom heritage and support ecological restoration initiatives in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
The programme focuses on ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, wool handloom value chain development, women-led green enterprises, sustainable wool processing, market linkages, product diversification, participatory governance, community enterprise support, biodiversity finance mechanisms, cooperative formation, design innovation, Local Biodiversity Fund activation, artisan capacity building, and preservation of traditional Bhotia weaving heritage.
The project will support traditional Bhotia weaving communities across Bhatwari and Dunda blocks through livelihood enhancement and conservation-based enterprise development. Activities include value chain assessments, brand development, eco-friendly product design, GI-linked enterprise support, cooperative strengthening, and market access initiatives.
Selected organisations will conduct community workshops, support producer collectives, facilitate participation in exhibitions and craft fairs, and develop new wool-based product lines. The initiative also aims to improve sustainable wool processing practices and strengthen biodiversity conservation through community-led funding mechanisms.
The programme includes the preparation of sustainability plans for women-led weaver groups, development of replication frameworks for Himalayan handloom communities, and documentation of the revival of Bhotia Dann wool-based livelihoods through visual storytelling.
Eligible applicants must be legally registered organisations in India with at least five years of experience in design, craft development, livelihood enterprise, or creative industry services. Applicants should also have a minimum of three years of experience working with artisan, handloom, or indigenous communities and demonstrate expertise in sustainable product development and market linkage projects in mountainous or ecologically sensitive regions. Joint ventures and consortia are permitted, while proposals from individuals will not be accepted.
For more information, visit UNDP.
