Organisations in Montserrat that use coastal and marine ecosystems to help communities adapt to climate change can apply for a grant from US$400,000 up to $3 million.
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), through its Ecosystem-based Adaptation Facility, has opened up this year’s round of applications and the deadline is 17 December.
Since launching the facility in 2016, the CBF has awarded 34 grants in 11 countries and territories across the region valued at $45.4 million – and this year $15.5 million is up for grabs.
Eligible projects include those that restore mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and sand dunes to protect against coastal flooding, erosion, and storm surges.
According to a press release from the CBF, so far more than 22,000 people have benefited directly from the grants.
About 5,000 livelihood opportunities have been created, and over 30,000 hectares of ecosystem have been improved or protected, it added.
Dr Ulrike Krauss, CBF climate change programme manager, said the facility has been successful in identifying projects that positively impact climate change adaptation efforts.
“Our hope is that this fifth call for proposals will continue this trend and further the resolve and effect of those projects dedicated to ensure our future is bright,” he said.
Organisations in Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Montserrat are eligible to apply.
Application details are available on the CBD website here.
The German Federal Government’s International Climate Initiative has contributed €60 million to a sinking fund for the grants.
