CALL FOR PROPOSAL: I-CAN Synergy on Multidisciplinary Collaborative Study (I-CAN Sync)

CALL FOR PROPOSAL: I-CAN Synergy on Multidisciplinary Collaborative Study (I-CAN Sync)

May 27, 2025

Are you an IPB Faculty Member passionate about environmental sustainability and community empowerment? Do you envision innovative solutions for Indonesia's vital peatland and mangrove ecosystems? 

The IPB Centre for Applied Research in Nature-based Solutions (I-CAN), in partnership with the "Flood Impacts, Carbon Pricing, and Ecosystem Sustainability (FINCAPES)" project, is thrilled to announce its second call for proposals for collaborative study projects! 

This is a unique opportunity to secure funding for collaborative study projects that explores how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can bolster Indonesia's commitment to socio-economically and environmentally sustainable Multipurpose Forestry Business (Multi Usaha Kehutanan) and Social Forestry (Perhutanan Sosial), particularly within these critical ecosystems. The FINCAPES project is supported by Global Affairs Canada, with technical assistance from the University of Waterloo.

What We're Looking For: Innovative, Collaborative, and Impactful Studies 

We invite IPB Faculty Members to submit full proposals for groundbreaking collaborative study projects. Your proposal must demonstrate collaboration with diverse and multidisciplinary partners, including university faculty members, research institutions, NGOs, government agencies, or the private sector.

The studies should align with the overall theme of "Strengthening Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Multipurpose Forestry Business and Community-Based Management of Peatland and Mangrove Ecosystems". Cross-cutting considerations for all proposed studies include Climate Change, Gender Equality and Social-Economic Inclusivity (GESEI). GESEI considerations must be integrated into problem definition, methodology, analytical tools, and knowledge mobilization.

We are particularly interested in proposals focusing on these four key sub-theme areas:

  • NbS – Biophysical Ecosystem Restoration, Conservation and Monitoring: This includes innovative technologies for conserving or restoring critical peatland and mangrove areas, and technology-based monitoring and evaluation systems (e.g., AI, remote sensing, drones, sensors).
  • NbS – Technology and Product Development (“NatureTech”): Explore approaches to enhance economic value, such as bioprospecting for bioactive products, biomaterials, and bioenergy, alongside the development of local products and appropriate technologies that support both conservation and community livelihoods.
  • NbS – Health and Socio-Economics: Focus on sustainable community business models like blue carbon initiatives, ecotourism, and agroforestry, as well as socio-economic and health impact analysis of NbS initiatives, including links to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and community resilience.
  • NbS – Law, Governance, and Climate Justice: Research on customary law, land tenure, climate justice, protection of local community rights, evidence-based policy evaluation, stakeholder roles, and advocacy are encouraged.

Who Should Apply: Eligibility and Team Composition 

This call is open to IPB Faculty Members, including lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, or professors, who will serve as the Study Lead.

Your study team should consist of 3-5 members (1 Study Lead and 2 to 4 team members). Collaboration with various entities or stakeholders is mandatory. This may include researchers from universities or research institutions, master’s or doctoral students, environmental NGOs, community-based organizations, government agencies, or industries in Indonesia. Teams are strongly encouraged to achieve gender balance, with at least one female member.

International Collaboration: The involvement of lecturers or researchers from the University of Waterloo/Canada as team members or collaborators is both allowed and encouraged. Furthermore, proposals including one or more team members from Timor Leste, Vietnam, Cambodia, The Philippines, Laos, India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh will receive additional points during evaluation.

Funding Details

For 2025/2026, I-CAN Sync provides funding of up to $15,000 CAD for each selected proposal. Projects are expected to have a duration of up to 12 months (1 year). We anticipate funding up to 7 proposals.

Important Dates to Remember:

  • Call for Proposals: May 27, 2025 
  • Full Proposal SUBMISSION Deadline: June 23, 2025 
  • Selection Process: June 24 – July 30, 2025 
  • Full Proposal Decision Announcement: July 31, 2025 
  • Presentation of the Selected Proposal: August 21, 2025 
  • Final Report Due for All Funded Projects: September 21, 2026 

Reference Documents for Proposal Development and Submission:

  1. Terms of Reference
  2. GESEI Guidance Note
  3. Financial Management SOP

How to Submit Your Proposal:

  1. Prepare your collaborative study proposal following the detailed Proposal Writing Guidelines.
  2. Develop your budget in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Financial Management SOP and Budget Template.
  3. Combine your proposal and budget documents into a single PDF file.
  4. Fill out the registration e-form to upload your combined PDF file.

Inquiries and Clarifications:

For any inquiries or detailed submission information, please contact the FINCAPES Project Communication team at fincapes@uwaterloo.ca. When sending your email, please use the subject line: “I-CAN Sync QNA”.

We eagerly await your innovative and impactful proposals that will contribute significantly to a sustainable and resilient future for Indonesia!