Following the signing of the Convention on Biodiversity and Climate Change in 1992, Indonesia began developing initial projects under the Global Environmental Facility-Small Grants Program (GEF-SGP). Since 1997 the GEF SGP has been operating on a permanent basis by hosting an environment-based NGO called Yayasan Bina Usaha Lingkungan. In the process of providing grant facilities, GEF SGP also cooperates with UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

          SGP realizes the important role of communities both within the household and wider scope, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations, who understand the real situation so that they can provide support in conserving biodiversity, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and protecting international waters. These important roles are based on the idea that people have great power to take action for their environment, controlling the utilization of natural resources, having sufficient information and knowledge, and believing in increasing their social and economic welfare through sustainable natural resource management. In its scope of work, SGP tries to provide alternative activities that are expected to break the chain of environmental problems in the community. If the community directly receives SGP's financial support intervention, the sustainability of the project and long-term goals will increase.

          GEF SGP Indonesia is part of natural resource management communities and supports at least 200 Non-Governmental Organizations and Local Communities that fulfill the criteria. Currently, GEF SGP Indonesia oversees a range of activities with over 40 NGOs and Local Communities, both of which have received Planning Grants and Full Grants from SGP. Additionally, collaborations are maintained with indigenous peoples and humanitarian organizations, donors and other community organizations. Each partner will receive US$ 2,000-5,000 for a Planning Grant with a project duration of 3 - 6 Months or up to US$ 10,000-50,000 for a full grant with a project duration of 12 - 24 months.

          SGP Indonesia has strong experience in supporting community capacity building through Capacity Building activities. This support is one component of the project cycle, which consists of project planning; project cycle analysis and implementation; financial administration for local communities; and outreach strategies. SGP Indonesia is also recognized as a pioneer in strengthening local community institutions in an effort to obtain other sources to support local community struggles in facing ecological challenges and communicating their creative efforts to decision-makers at a higher level.

          GEF's work themes based on its criteria are a major strength for SGP Indonesia in strengthening community management of natural resources for forest, coastal, clean water and marine ecosystems, mountain ecosystems, agrobiodiversity, renewable energy and conservation, and energy efficiency.

          The support provided to local community initiatives through dialogue with local and/or provincial government, collaboration between communities and government in protecting their territories (as was the case in Bali, Southeast Sulawesi and South Sulawesi); clean water communities, ecosystem improvement and coastal and beach resources, management (in Bali, North Sulawesi, South and Southeast Sulawesi, Pulau Seribu) and other renewable energy development (in East Java and West Java).