Applications for the European Outdoor Conservation Association’s (EOCA) Grant Programme, which funds biodiversity conservation initiatives in wild environments across the globe (except North America), are now being accepted.
Initiatives that conserve, maintain, enhance, restore, and reconnect important habitats and ecosystems can receive funds from EOCA up to a maximum of €30,000. Projects that mitigate the effects of climate change by safeguarding carbon-sequestering habitats, cutting emissions, facilitating climate adaptation, and halting additional biodiversity loss are given priority.
Successful projects must directly help the local populations that surround the project sites, promoting environmental stewardship, reducing poverty, and sustaining ecosystem services. Projects should also improve the outdoor recreation experience for those who cherish and enjoy these untamed areas.
Key Focus Areas:
- Preserving Ecosystems, Habitats, and Threatened Species
Projects must protect non-urban, natural landscapes such as moorlands, mountains, beaches, rivers, forests, grasslands, and marine areas, as well as endangered keystone species, indicator species, habitats, or larger ecosystems. Novel approaches to enduring problems are welcomed.
- Improving Access to Outdoor Activities
Projects should safeguard species that outdoor enthusiasts may come across, maintain trails and leisure places, and offer instructional materials to guard against harm to sensitive environments in addition to conservation purposes.
Project Requirements:
- Three measurable outcomes related to conservation impact, community engagement, education/communications, and climate change mitigation.
- Practical, hands-on conservation work (e.g. planting, invasive species removal, anti-poaching).
- Full involvement of local communities for long-term sustainability.
- Education for locals and visitors on responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.
- Clear milestones, indicators and timeframes for measuring impact (up to 24 months).
- A plan for ensuring long-term legacy and continued management after the project ends.
Nonprofits working on conservation programmes around the world are eligible, except in the US and Canada, where the Conservation Alliance serves these organisations.
The EOCA team and advisers review the applications, and EOCA members and the public vote to choose the finalists. This procedure aids in bringing the projects’ global visibility.
Please read the complete guidelines for the EOCA Grant Programme before applying for more information. June 30, 2024, is the deadline for applications.
