ICIMOD Invites Expressions of Interest for PROAACT Climate Adaptation Project in South Asia

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is inviting Expressions of Interest from NGOs and CBOs to implement the PROAACT project in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. The initiative supports community-led climate adaptation and Nature-based Solutions in climate hotspot regions. Applications close 25 January 2026.

ICIMOD Launches Call for Expressions of Interest for PROAACT Project in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has announced a significant opportunity for local organisations working in climate resilience and community development. Through a newly issued call for Expressions of Interest (EoI), ICIMOD is inviting established Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to partner in implementing the Promoting Anticipatory Actions to Address Climate and Environment Risks for Community Transformation (PROAACT) project across Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.

This initiative seeks to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable mountain and river basin communities facing escalating climate and environmental risks. With targeted funding, technical guidance, and international collaboration, the PROAACT project aims to enable locally led adaptation actions rooted in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and inclusive community engagement.

The submission deadline for Expressions of Interest is 25 January 2026 at 5:00 PM Nepal Standard Time (UTC +05:45).

About ICIMOD and the PROAACT Initiative

ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre dedicated to the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. It works to support sustainable development through research, innovation, and partnerships that improve livelihoods and protect fragile ecosystems.

The PROAACT project is part of a broader partnership established in 2017 between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Union (EU). This partnership focuses on strengthening the ability of countries and institutions to identify climate- and environment-related risks, and to develop effective anticipatory responses to reduce vulnerability and instability.

Under this framework, UNEP designated ICIMOD as the regional lead for South Asia, entrusting the organisation with implementing PROAACT under its Strategic Group for Resilient Economies and Landscapes. The project recognises that climate shocks, environmental degradation, and resource stress increasingly threaten social cohesion, livelihoods, and long-term stability across South Asia.

Project Focus Areas and Objectives

The PROAACT initiative concentrates on some of the most climate-vulnerable landscapes in the region, including:

The Ganges River Basin in Bangladesh
The high-altitude Ganges River Basin in Nepal
The high-altitude Indus River Basin in Pakistan

Within these regions, the project targets communities at high risk from floods, droughts, landslides, glacial melt, and ecosystem degradation.

The core objectives of PROAACT include:

Enhancing community resilience to climate and environmental risks.
Supporting locally led adaptation actions, ensuring solutions are designed and owned by communities.
Promoting Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to strengthen socio-ecological systems.
Improving social cohesion and stability in climate-stressed regions.
Encouraging cross-border knowledge exchange through regional networks and communities of practice.

Through these interventions, ICIMOD and its partners aim to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge, policy frameworks, and practical community action.

Funding Structure and Project Coverage

The PROAACT project will be implemented across eight climate hotspot locations, each managed by a selected local organisation. Each participating organisation will receive a grant of USD 164,000, amounting to a total project investment of USD 1.3 million.

The funding will cover:

Community-level adaptation activities
Implementation of Nature-based Solutions
Capacity-building initiatives
Participatory planning and engagement
Knowledge-sharing and monitoring activities
Operational and human resource costs

A key requirement is that the majority of project funds must be spent directly at the community level to ensure meaningful local impact.

Who Can Apply

The call for Expressions of Interest is open to registered NGOs, CBOs, or non-profit institutions operating in Bangladesh, Nepal, or Pakistan. Eligible organisations should demonstrate:

Proven experience in climate change adaptation or natural resource management
Knowledge of locally led adaptation planning
Experience working in Ganges or Indus River Basin regions, or similar environments
Expertise in Nature-based Solutions
Strong community engagement and participatory development experience
A qualified team of thematic experts
Experience working with international development partners

Organisations must also have audited financial accounts for at least the past three years and be compliant with national tax regulations.

EoI Submission Requirements

Interested organisations are required to submit an Expression of Interest along with a signed cover letter on institutional letterhead. The EoI must follow ICIMOD’s specified format and include detailed responses to the following components:

1. Understanding of the Terms of Reference and Project Location
Applicants must present their understanding of project objectives, target locations, and the socio-ecological challenges caused by climate and environmental risks.

2. Proposed Methodology
Organisations must outline a clear implementation methodology, including participatory approaches, adaptation planning, and Nature-based Solution strategies.

3. Organisational Suitability
Applicants must demonstrate why their organisation is qualified, highlighting past experience in climate adaptation, NbS projects, and collaboration with international partners.

4. Timeline and Operational Plan
A detailed implementation schedule and management plan must be presented.

5. Team Composition
Applicants must provide details of proposed team members, demonstrating relevant expertise and balanced team structure. CVs of key members must be attached or linked.

6. Budget Breakdown
A clear cost structure showing allocation of the USD 164,000 grant across project activities, human resources, and community implementation must be provided.

Declaration
Organisations must include a signed declaration confirming legal registration, financial compliance, and accuracy of submitted information.

Submission Details

Expressions of Interest must be submitted via email to:
[email protected]

The email subject line must read:
EoI for PROAACT Project _[Project area]

Late submissions will not be considered.

Any clarification questions may be directed to the same email address.

Why This Opportunity Matters

South Asia faces increasing climate uncertainty, with mountain and river basin communities among the most vulnerable. Floods, landslides, water insecurity, and ecosystem decline continue to threaten livelihoods and regional stability. Through PROAACT, ICIMOD and its partners seek to shift from reactive disaster response to anticipatory, community-driven climate action.

For local NGOs and CBOs, this call offers not only funding support but also the opportunity to work within an international partnership framework, contribute to knowledge exchange networks, and scale proven adaptation practices.

Selected organisations will become part of a broader regional initiative shaping how climate resilience is built at the grassroots level across South Asia.

Closing Date Reminder

All Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 25 January 2026 (5:00 PM Nepal Standard Time).

Organisations with the relevant expertise, community presence, and commitment to climate resilience are encouraged to prepare their submissions carefully and respond within the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The ICIMOD PROAACT call for Expressions of Interest represents a strategic opportunity for qualified NGOs and CBOs to lead impactful climate adaptation work in some of South Asia’s most vulnerable regions. With strong backing from UNEP and the European Union, the initiative aims to deliver long-term socio-ecological resilience through locally driven action and Nature-based Solutions.

For organisations ready to expand their climate adaptation footprint and contribute to sustainable community transformation, this call offers a meaningful pathway to partnership and impact.