Since the inception of its Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Facility in 2016, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) has granted 34 awards totaling USD 45.4 million across 11 nations in the Caribbean. This financial support is aimed at initiatives that enhance climate change resilience and safeguard the region’s ecosystems, thereby fostering robust and sustainable economies.
The upcoming application period (5th call for proposals) will commence on October 8, 2024, welcoming submissions from countries including Dominica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Grants available will range from USD 400,000 to USD 3 million.
The urgency for the projects funded by the CBF’s EbA Facility has reached new heights. The recent Hurricane Beryl has highlighted the Caribbean’s vulnerability to natural disasters and their severe repercussions on communities and livelihoods. The pressures from tourism and trade continue to challenge the delicate balance of our ecosystems and biodiversity. Nevertheless, the determination shown by the beneficiaries thus far is commendable, with clear evidence of significant advancements, innovative ideas transforming into effective solutions, and a palpable sense of hope.
Dr. Ulrike Krauss, the Climate Change Program Manager at CBF, stated, “The EbA Facility has proven successful in identifying projects that positively impact climate change adaptation efforts on the ground in a range of communities across the region. Our hope is that this 5th call for proposals will continue this trend and further the resolve and effect of those projects dedicated to ensure our future is bright”.
The deadline for submitting concept notes is Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria can apply through the CBF website. A live webinar took place on October 17, 2024, providing applicants with insights into the application process and guidance on crafting successful concept notes.
The EbA Facility is part of the CBF’s Climate Change Program, which is funded by a €60 million sinking fund from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, managed through KfW, the German Development Bank. This program enables the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund to allocate grants directly to local, national, and regional projects through competitive calls for proposals, promoting effective climate change adaptation strategies in the marine and coastal areas of the Caribbean islands.
To date, more than 22,000 individuals have reportedly directly gained from the initiatives of the program. Additionally, 5,000 job opportunities have been established, and more than 30,000 hectares of ecosystem have been enhanced or safeguarded through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures.
For more information on applying for this Call for Proposals or to check eligibility, please visit caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org.
Why is this published five days after the deadline is closed? What is the point of posting this as news now?