In the tropical Atlantic’s largest small-island archipelago, a new partnership has successfully launched a transformative capacity-building initiative for local non-profit organizations (NPOs) engaged in environmental conservation. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), which is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), joined forces with the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) in late 2023 to launch a project entitled “Capacity Building Training for Local NPOs in Environmental Conservation”.
A year later, 95 leaders representing 54 civil society organizations from six Bahamian islands had received essential training in leadership, financial management, strategic planning, fundraising, and advocacy thanks to this initiative. The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) Bahamas received an SGP grant under this new partnership and was responsible for delivering the monthly training modules.
The project provided participants with practical tools, including financial management templates, strategic planning resources, and grant-writing guidance, enabling them to enhance their organizational efficiency and environmental impact. Additionally, it fostered collaboration among organizations, promoting a more coordinated approach to conservation and sustainable development.
By equipping community leaders with the necessary skills and resources, this collaboration has strengthened their ability to secure funding, implement sustainable practices, and drive long-term positive change in biodiversity conservation and community well-being. With a commitment to sustainability and continuous capacity development, SGP and BPAF remain dedicated to supporting local organizations in tackling environmental challenges for a more resilient future.
About the BPAF and SGP
BPAF is a corporate body that aims to “ensure sustainable financing into perpetuity” for scientific and policy research, education, conservation and management of protected areas, including national parks. To achieve this goal, it extends grants to ensure that Bahamian protected areas have dedicated, sustainable sources of revenues to implement management plans, galvanize local community support, and monitor ecosystem health. BPAF is also mandated to support areas established for biodiversity conservation generally, the protection of carbon sinks, water resources, wetlands and blue holes, degraded or threatened ecosystems as well as areas established for adapting to and mitigating against, climate change. For more information, visit https://bahamasprotected.com.
SGP is a corporate programme of the GEF implemented by UNDP. Established in 1992, SGP is currently active in 127 countries and promotes community-based innovation, capacity development, and empowerment through projects led by local civil society and community-based organizations, with special consideration for Indigenous Peoples, women, youth and persons with disabilities. SGP has supported over 28,000 community-based projects on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable land management, conservation of international waters, and chemicals and waste management, while generating sustainable livelihoods.