The United Kingdom (UK) government is inviting project proposals worldwide in its two initiatives namely Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund and Darwin Initiative aimed at protecting wildlife and benefitting biodiversity, respectively.
According to information on the UK government’s website, the IWT Challenge Fund, with around £9.8 million (about K9.8 billion) allocated to 34 projects, provides support to projects around the world that are tackling the illegal wildlife trade. Deadline for submitting applications is August 17 2016.
“The UK government is committed to tackling the illegal wildlife trade. The IWTrade Challenge Fund provides financial support to practical projects around the world which: develop sustainable livelihoods for communities affected by illegal wildlife trade, strengthen law enforcement and the role of the criminal justice system and reduce demand for the products of the illegal wildlife trade,” reads the information in part.
The website further said that the illegal wildlife trade is a criminal industry worth more than £6 billion (about K6 trillion) each year threatening both wildlife and people.
On the Darwin Initiative, the website said there is a two-stage application process for the main Darwin projects and they include a deadline for Stage One applications on August 12; expected outcome of Stage 1 and notification of applicants invited to Stage 2 in early November 2016; deadline for Stage 2 applications on December 5 2016; expected notification of successful projects by March 2017 and expected start date for successful projects on April 1 2017.
Reads information on the website: “There are no restrictions on the location or nationality of applicants, but projects must benefit biodiversity and local communities in developing countries.”
On level of funding, there is no specific minimum or maximum level for a main round project, but the funding pot is limited, according to the website.
“In previous rounds awards have ranged from £80 000 [about K80 million] to £310 000 [about K310 million] for a three year project. For Round 23, the minimum project length is one year and the maximum is four years,” reads part of the information. n
