Grievance Mechanism

Grievance Mechanism

What is a grievance mechanism?

A grievance mechanism is a formal and accessible process that allows individuals, communities, and stakeholders to raise concerns, complaints, feedback, or suggestions regarding our activities, projects, or operations.

We understand that even well-planned projects can sometimes have unintended impacts on people, livelihoods, or the environment. This mechanism provides a safe and structured way for anyone affected by our work to communicate their concerns and seek resolution.

It is an essential tool that helps us remain accountable, responsive, and respectful to the communities and ecosystems we work with.

Why is it important?

At Biodiversity for Everybody, we are committed to implementing our work in a responsible, inclusive, and transparent way.

A grievance mechanism is important because it:

• Creates a space where concerns can be raised without fear 
• Helps identify and resolve problems early, before they escalate 
• Strengthens trust between our organization and local communities 
• Improves the quality and impact of our projects 
• Ensures accountability to our partners, donors, and stakeholders 

By actively listening and responding to feedback, we can continuously improve our work and ensure that it benefits both people and nature.

Who can submit a grievance?

This mechanism is open to anyone who is directly or indirectly affected by our activities, including:

• Members of local communities 
• Project participants and beneficiaries 
• Civil society organizations and partners 
• Local authorities or institutions 
• Any individual or group with a concern related to our work 

You do not need formal proof or legal knowledge to submit a grievance. Everyone has the right to be heard.

What types of issues can be reported?

You can raise concerns related to:

• Environmental impacts of project activities 
• Social impacts on communities or individuals 
• Misconduct, unethical behavior, or misuse of resources 
• Lack of transparency or unfair decision-making 
• Any activity that you believe is harmful, inappropriate, or inconsistent with our values 

How the process works

For example, during a habitat restoration activity, a local community member notices that a pathway used for livestock has been partially blocked. They share their concern with the team through email or directly during a field visit. Within a few days, the team acknowledges the complaint and reviews the situation by visiting the site and speaking with the community to understand what happened.

After assessing the issue, the team explains the situation and proposes a solution, such as reopening the pathway and adjusting future activities to prevent similar impacts. The solution is implemented, and follow-up is done to ensure the issue is resolved and the community is satisfied. If the concern is not resolved or the person is not satisfied with the outcome, the complaint can also be submitted directly to the CEPF Regional Implementation Team or the CEPF Secretariat (via the Ethics Hotline) for independent review.

How to submit a grievance

We aim to make this process as simple and accessible as possible. You can submit your grievance through any of the following channels:

• 📧 Email:  

Biodiversity4everybody team: biodiversity4everybody@gmail.com 

CEPF Regional Implementation Team: CEPF-Med-RIT@birdlife.org 

CEPF global: cepf@cepf.net

• 📞 Phone: +38971906616
• 📍 In person: Through our staff during field activities.
• Website form : Grievance submission form

When submitting a grievance, it is helpful (but not mandatory) to include:

• Your name and contact details (optional) 
• A clear description of the issue 
• Date and location of the incident (if relevant) 
• Any supporting documents or evidence 

We accept submissions in local languages whenever possible.

Complaints can also be submitted anonymously, if preferred.

The grievance may be submitted to the grantee, who should respond in writing within 15 calendar days of receipt. If the claimant is not satisfied, the grievance may be submitted to the CEPF Secretariat via the CI Ethics Hotline, by telephone (+1-866-294-8674) or secure web portal.



Grievance submission form