Large grants available to protect critical ecosystems in Libya and Algeria

Mon, Feb 4, 2013

Greater Hoopoe-lark, common to critical ecosystems in Algeria and Libya. Photo: Brendan A Ryan; flickr

In its role as the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) in the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, BirdLife International invites Letters of Inquiry from NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities and other civil society organisations for large grants to conserve biodiversity in Algeria and Libya.

This is a special call for large grants (between US $20,000 and US $150,000) that will be awarded by CEPF for biodiversity conservation projects in Algeria and Libya only, with a focus on those that help build the capacity of conservation NGOs in these countries.

The deadline for submission is Thursday 28th February 2013

For more details, please download this pdf (394kb).

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a global programme designed to safeguard the Earth’s biologically richest and most threatened regions known as biodiversity hotspots. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. There are 35 CEPF recognised hotspots worldwide so far, the second largest being the Mediterranean Basin. Together BirdLife International, including its Middle East division and BirdLife Partners DOPPS (BirdLife in Slovenia) and LPO (BirdLife in France), serve as the RIT for the CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot.

Focus on capacity building in Algeria and Libya

CEPF funds focus on sustainability and creating new partnerships across borders. So by helping NGOs apply for funding and build relationships with other organisations, conservation work implemented during a project is more likely to continue on its own accord following CEPF funding. This is particularly important in countries where capacity for conservation is low. Projects that help build capacity for conservation in Algeria and Libya, for example by providing training for local civil society organisations and by raising public awareness of conservation issues there, will be well supported.

Location of projects

Project proposals are only eligible for CEPF funding if conservation work is for the priority Key Biodiversity Areas shown on the maps below:

Priority Key Biodiversity Areas for CEPF Investment – Oranie and Molouya

Priority Key Biodiversity Areas for CEPF Investment – Wetlands of Tunisia and Libya

Priority Key Biodiversity Areas for CEPF Investment – Mountains, Plateaus and Wetlands of Algerian Tell and Tunisia

Priority Key Biodiversity Areas for CEPF Investment – Cyrenaican Peninsula

For more details, please download this pdf (394kb).

All applicants must use this Letter of Inquiry template: http://cepf.net/Documents/cepf.loi.doc

Completed LOIs should be sent as an e-mail attachment to: cepfmed@conservation.org

Before applying, applicants are encouraged to discuss project ideas and eligibility with the RIT at:

Regional Implementation Team, Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, BirdLife International in the Middle East, Amman. Email: cepf-med-rit@birdlife.org

Awatef Abiadh, Programme Officer for North Africa. Email: CEPF-Med-NAfrica@birdlife.org

Additional information and guidance on how to apply are available on the CEPF website: www.cepf.net/grants/apply and the Mediterranean Basin RIT website: www.birdlife.org/community/cepf-mediterranean

The deadline for submission is Thursday 28th February 2013

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