CEPF and IUCN Oceania, as the regional implementation team (RIT) for the East Melanesian Islands Hotspot, are accepting letters of inquiry (LOIs) from nongovernment organizations, community groups, indigenous people’s organizations, women’s groups, private companies and other civil society organizations.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation.

The East Melanesian Islands Biodiversity Hotspot covers the terrestrial portions of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the northern and western island region of Papua New Guinea. CEPF’s niche for investment in the region was formulated through a participatory process that engaged civil society, donors and government stakeholders throughout the region.

Funding Information

Grant Size: US$20,000 to US$200,000

Duration

Projects are expected to start approximately three to six months from the release of this call for LOIs. Work on KBAs must be completed no later than 30 June 2022. Work on impact assessment and network promotion must be completed by 31 December 2021.

Eligible Countries: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants based outside of eligible countries may submit an LOI as long as the project deliverables are focused on the conservation need within an eligible country/countries.
• International organizations are encouraged to involve local organizations or communities as project partners, or explain how local stakeholders will be engaged as part of project implementation.
• Applicants are advised to read the investment strategy chapter of the ecosystem profile to ensure full understanding of the strategic directions and investment priorities.
• Project proposals should be built on biodiversity conservation as a fundamental component and should demonstrate positive impacts on the conservation status of biodiversity.
• Where relevant, applicants are encouraged to submit LOIs that harmonize with existing national or regional initiatives. Synergies with other organizations are also eligible, with one lead organization submitting the application alongside subgrantee project partners.

For more information, visit CEPF.