Small Grants Programme OP7, India

Small Grants Programme OP7, India GEF UNDP-The Small Grants Programme (SGP)- Operational Stage 7 (OP-7)

27/04/2026

Communities in Udalguri continue to rely on traditional, quick, and sustainable methods to guard their fields from animals - a wind-activated tin device that works in harmony with nature.

This knowledge reflects a deep understanding of nature, coexistence, and respect for wildlife, where communities choose harmony over harm.

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute Kalong-Kapili UNDP in India

Strengthening Sustainable Forest Livelihoods through Community SupportUnder the UNDP–Small Grants Programme (SGP), Gram ...
23/04/2026

Strengthening Sustainable Forest Livelihoods through Community Support

Under the UNDP–Small Grants Programme (SGP), Gram Sudhar Samiti continues to promote sustainable natural resource management and improved livelihoods in rural communities.

As part of this initiative, 55 farmers from 9 villages in Bijawar Block, Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, have been provided with green nets to support the safe collection, drying, and storage of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) such as Mahua, Char, Tendu leaves, Amla, and Harra-Baheda.

This intervention will help improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance income opportunities for forest-dependent families. It also strengthens community participation in sustainable forest management and responsible use of natural resources.

Community members like Ramkali from Jharkuwa and Ramdas from Patori shared that the green nets have made collection and storage easier, helping them protect their produce and expect better market value.

Through collaborative efforts with local institutions and community groups, this initiative is contributing to resilient livelihoods, environmental conservation, and long-term sustainability in the region.

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute UNDP in IndiaMinistry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Gram Sudhar Samiti

21/04/2026

We don't fight back, We plant again.

Even after elephants damaged parts of the Cogon grass plantation, MMES remains persistent, with plans to replant in the next planting season.

Because coexistence lies in persistence.

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute Tomal Gogoi Yang UNDP in India Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Manas Maozigendri Eco-tourism Society

Backed by the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), Anubhav Pratishthan Trust supported the villagers of Swayamdev in bringi...
20/04/2026

Backed by the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), Anubhav Pratishthan Trust supported the villagers of Swayamdev in bringing water to their doorsteps through gravity. In the Daspati region of Chiplun taluka, Swayamdev village under Nandivase Gram Panchayat, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, addressed its water problem under the project “Preventing Land Degradation through Integrated Watershed Management and Agricultural Management.”

Villagers proposed bringing water from the Khapar spring, located 2.5 km away on the mountain in the Tivad village area, down to the village tank using gravity. With the cooperation of Swayamdev, Tivad, and the Gram Panchayat, joint planning and implementation were undertaken.

A road was constructed through forested terrain, followed by excavation and the laying of a 2-inch pipeline. A 60,000-litre tank was built at the source, and water was brought down to the Gram Panchayat tank.

The work was completed through the participation, voluntary labour, and cooperation of villagers, along with support from the organization’s engineers and team.

This effort has addressed the drinking water problem of the village, with additional water available for agriculture.

UNDP in India Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute

Pariyavaran ki Baat, SGP ke Saath - Episode 19 | Human-Elephant Coexistence and Livelihood in UdalguriFeaturing: Aaranya...
17/04/2026

Pariyavaran ki Baat, SGP ke Saath - Episode 19 | Human-Elephant Coexistence and Livelihood in Udalguri

Featuring: Aaranyak, Assam

In Udalguri district, particularly in the dry Bhabar belt, communities face water scarcity and human-elephant conflict. The serenity of the villages in Udalguri has been upended by constant invasions of elephants, destruction of farms, unemployment, and forced migration.

“Elephants regularly enter our farmlands and damage our crops, causing us financial damage, leaving no food on our plates, sometimes even for a day." Buddhiman Tamang, a community member.

Although the community has been sinking into despair, it still has hope. With SGP’s support, Aaranyak has been working with communities, not with promises but with tools. For all the efforts, Aaranyak received the SGP “Best Innovation Award” and stands as a model for human - nature coexistence.

“We are grateful to Aaranyak, for it has been a saviour for us in this time of gloom. They have taught us to be self-dependent." - Ram Bahadur Tamang, a cow herder.

“At Aaranyak, we aim to train our partners to be independent. We don’t see them as beneficiaries but rather as our partners in the mission of sustainability so that they can continue even when we withdraw.” – Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Senior Manager at Aaranyak

Watch the video to learn more..

Link to video: https://youtu.be/bLChoAQq0Lo

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TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute Aaranyak



Under the GEF Small Grants Programme, implemented by UNDP India and coordinated by TERI, Aparajita Mahila Sangh in Mandw...
15/04/2026

Under the GEF Small Grants Programme, implemented by UNDP India and coordinated by TERI, Aparajita Mahila Sangh in Mandwada village (Thikri block, Barwani district) is leading a transformative shift towards clean energy.

Improved and pellet-based smokeless cookstoves are reducing smoke exposure for women, ensuring safer kitchens, better health, and more efficient fuel use. This transition has also enabled faster cooking and reduced fuel costs, supporting both household well-being and local livelihoods.

Through IEC activities, women in the community are being actively sensitized about the benefits and use of biomass pellet-based cookstoves—encouraging wider adoption and sustainable practices.

From smoke-filled kitchens to clean energy solutions—empowering communities for a healthier and greener future.

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute UNDP in India Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India

# innovation # sustainability Grants Programme

13/04/2026

In the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, communities are rediscovering their strength with Indigenous Peoples' food systems. With support from SGP and NESFAS, practices that have always belonged to the region are being embraced, bringing life back to the soil.

Using bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers derived from traditional knowledge, the communities are not only nurturing the soil health but also building resilience for the future.

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute UNDP in India NESFAS




With support from the GEF Small Grants Programme, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has implemented initiatives through which c...
09/04/2026

With support from the GEF Small Grants Programme, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has implemented initiatives through which coastal communities are engaging in indigenous seaweed cultivation, creating pathways for income security and ecological sustainability.

In selected villages identified through research and community engagement, the team is introducing a structured financial incentive model. Participants receive daily payments on working days for planting, monitoring, and harvesting seaweed, helping ensure income stability from the outset. Cultivation infrastructure—including rafts, ropes, and seedlings—is also provided, giving communities a strong foundation for long-term ownership and profit.

Participants retain their earnings, harvest, and cultivation assets. After the first two cultivation cycles (approximately 20 days each), a portion of earnings is reinvested into a shared group fund. This collective approach strengthens financial resilience and supports expanded cultivation in the final cycles.

The project focuses on Gracilaria, an indigenous seaweed found along Tamil Nadu’s southern coast. Gracilaria supports fish habitats, does not harm coral reefs like invasive species, and can be transformed into value-added products such as pickles and soaps—already reaching markets through existing distribution networks.

This initiative reflects how community-led approaches can build resilient livelihoods while conserving marine ecosystems.

UNDP in India Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

08/04/2026

With support from APRINS, communities in Bilasipara, Dhubri, are now moving away from polluting diesel pumps to cost-effective solar pumps under SGP. Making irrigation easier and improving productivity, this green shift is helping the communities in truly living the idea of “more crop per drop.”

A great relief for farmers and a step forward for Mother Earth. Taking one thoughtful step towards a greener future with every initiative.

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute



Under the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), BAIF Development Research Foundation participated in the Krushi Mahotsav...
06/04/2026

Under the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), BAIF Development Research Foundation participated in the Krushi Mahotsav (Agro Festival) organized by the Department of Agriculture, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The event brought together farmers, students, and community members to share knowledge on sustainable agriculture and traditional practices.

In collaboration with Agricart Farmers Producer Company (FPC), a stall was set up to showcase traditional seeds and value-added agricultural products supported under the GEF SGP project. The display highlighted seed diversity from Kudal and Kankavli blocks and attracted strong interest from visitors, creating awareness about conserving indigenous crop varieties and strengthening local food systems.

An informative session by Mr. Sachin Chorge, District Programme Officer, BAIF, focused on agrobiodiversity for nutritional security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. The session was well received and encouraged discussion on sustainable farming practices.

The event served as a valuable platform for promoting traditional agricultural practices, strengthening farmer networks, and encouraging sustainable livelihoods.

TERI - The Energy and Resources InstituteUNDP in India Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India

02/04/2026

Under SGP, communities are rediscovering the importance of land restoration through the agroforestry model, planting banana and areca nut, restoring land, and turning it into a source of sustainable income.
Stepping into ecological recovery is slowly and steadily growing into a steady livelihood with even greater potential in the coming years.
Alongside bananas, communities are also cultivating black pepper, tulsi, and lemon, embracing practices that will nurture the environment and the communities.
More than farming, it's a journey of learning to coexist with nature while building a resilient future.

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute UNDP in India Fsd Trust

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) India organised a two-day Project Progress Review Meeting on 19–20 March 2026 in Bh...
31/03/2026

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) India organised a two-day Project Progress Review Meeting on 19–20 March 2026 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, bringing together 21 NGO partners from the Central Semi-Arid Region (CSAR) along with the SGP India team.

The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing project progress, sharing field experiences, and planning the next steps under SGP India-OP7. Senior Director Dr. Dipankar Saharia and National Coordinator, SGP-India, Mr. Manish Kumar Pandey, along with other team members, joined virtually.

Partner organisations presented their work across areas such as land restoration, climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, and livelihoods. The discussions highlighted how these initiatives are supporting communities and improving local environments.

The SGP India team emphasised timely implementation, proper documentation, and clearly showing results on the ground. The meeting also created space for partners to learn from each other and address common challenges.

Overall, the review reinforced SGP India’s continued focus on supporting community-led initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and environmental protection.

UNDP in India Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute

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