The FAO-EU FLEGT Programme accepts direct assistance requests from governments and private sector organizations that contribute to the reduction of illegal logging and strengthen the trade of legal forest products. Projects receive grants of up to US$55 thousand. Eligible countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America are listed in the announcement. Projects are accepted on a rolling basis.
Direct Assistance can be used as a flexible financing tool to respond to immediate, specific requests connected with VPA and non-VPA national strategy and needs, such as provision of training and technical assistance. Direct Assistance are available to governments and private sector organizations, and are accepted by the Programme on a rolling basis, for support up to EUR 50,000. Requests exceeding EUR 50 000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and presented to the Steering Committee for a “no-objection”.
The Direct Assistance mechanism largely follows the same process in both VPA countries and countries not engaged in VPA:
Information phase. The PMU releases short guidelines and briefing material on how to structure and submit Direct Assistance requests.This information is available on the Programme website. The PMU also disseminates this information directly to government institutions through the FAO Representations, EU Delegations, and UN Permanent Representations and during field missions, as well as through private sector organizations and channels.
Project identification. Direct Assistance requests are developed through a collaborative dialogue between FAO (PMU and local FAO Representation), the national Ministry responsible for forests, the European Union representatives and the beneficiaries (if other than government organization). The PMU staff will be responsible for final approval and oversight of Direct Assistance requests.
Submission of Direct Assistance proposals. After the identification phase, interested proponents shall submit a short proposal to the PMU. It should be noted that although a Government institutions and private sector organizations are the only eligible entities to submit a proposal, the implementation of activities can be delegated to another institution, including civil society organizations.
Here you can find the latest Guidelines for Direct Assistance Requests and Budget form.
