Blue Action Fund
Date:
Source:
Blue Action Fund https://www.blueactionfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210222_Call4Proposals_AfricaAtlanticCoast.pdf

The present call for proposals is part of a continuing series of such calls by Blue Action Fund, providing individual grants to selected conservation projects in the global South with the following dual focus: a) Newly established, expanded or better managed marine protected areas (MPAs) or networks of MPAs that result in conservation of biodiversity; and b) Enhanced livelihood conditions and food security.

Africa’s Atlantic marine region is characterised by a number of globally significant biodiversity features. Among others, it comprises some of the most productive and biologically diverse large marine ecosystems in the world, the largest breeding monk seals colony left on Earth and high concentrations of migratory birds, as well as mangrove forests, seagrass beds, seamounts and canyons. It is also an area were substantial parts of the population rely on healthy marine resources. Yet, the marine ecosystem and coastal communities face numerous challenges, ranging from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to pollution, coastal development, and population growth. Climate change exacerbates these challenges. Through this call, it is Blue Action’s ambition to make a significant contribution towards achieving the SDG 14.5’s 10% target for coastal and marine protected areas and Aichi Target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Blue Action Fund is looking forward to receiving proposals for projects that:

  • Are situated in one of the following countries (or in case of transboundary MPAs several of the countries): Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, The Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa (Atlantic Coast);
  • Ask for a contribution by Blue Action Fund of EUR 1-3 million, in well justified cases up to EUR 4 million; and
  • Can be completed within up to 5 years.

Eligible applicants are NGOs with proven experience in coastal and marine conservation and sustainable livelihood development in the area. NGOs must provide match funding of at least 25% of the total project costs (in exceptional cases more than 10%).

Application deadline: 16 July 2021

For more information, visit https://www.blueactionfund.org.