Call for Letters of Inquiry: Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Large Grants

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) offers large grants of US$50,000–US$180,000 to support biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot. The program funds NGOs, universities, community groups, and eligible private entities working in Mediterranean countries to protect ecosystems and strengthen conservation efforts. Projects must follow strict environmental and social safeguards, including protections for Indigenous Peoples and cultural heritage sites.

Program Overview: Mediterranean Biodiversity Conservation Funding

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) supports conservation projects in the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world’s richest and most threatened ecological regions.

This funding initiative strengthens long-term biodiversity protection through targeted investments, scientific research, and community-based conservation action.

Key Objectives of the Program

Protect and restore biodiversity in the Mediterranean Basin
Strengthen ecosystem resilience across Mediterranean-climate countries
Support sustainable conservation strategies
Promote community-led environmental protection
Improve ecological management and governance
Align conservation with updated 2024 investment priorities

Geographic Coverage (Eligible Countries)

Funding is available in:

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jordan
Lebanon
Montenegro
Morocco
North Macedonia
Palestine
Tunisia

Funding Structure and Grant Size

Grant Amount

Minimum: US$50,000
Maximum: US$180,000

Funding Purpose

Grants support:

Biodiversity conservation projects
Ecosystem protection and restoration
Sustainable natural resource management
Community-based conservation initiatives
Environmental research and monitoring

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Community-based organizations
Universities and research institutions
Small private enterprises (environment-focused)

Legal Requirements

Applicants must:

Be legally registered entities
Have their own bank account
Be authorized under national law to receive funding
Comply with financial accountability standards

Ineligible Applicants

Individuals (cannot apply directly)
Entities without legal registration
Organizations unable to manage funds transparently

Special Eligibility Conditions

Government-Related Entities

Some government-owned institutions may be eligible only if they:

Have independent legal status
Can receive private funds legally
Do not hold sovereign immunity
Meet full accountability requirements

Collaboration Option

Individuals may participate only through:

Eligible NGOs
Universities
Civil society organizations

Funding Restrictions (What Cannot Be Funded)

The program excludes activities involving:

Land purchase
Involuntary resettlement
Damage to cultural or archaeological heritage
Harm to religious or historical sites
Negative impacts on ecological heritage
Projects affecting Indigenous Peoples without broad community support

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Call for Letters of Inquiry

Organizations submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) outlining project ideas.

Step 2: Eligibility Screening

Applications are reviewed for:

Legal eligibility
Geographic relevance
Conservation alignment

Step 3: Technical Review

Experts evaluate:

Biodiversity impact
Conservation strategy
Community involvement
Environmental safeguards

Step 4: Full Proposal Invitation

Selected applicants may be invited to submit detailed proposals.

Step 5: Funding Decision

Successful projects receive grants between US$50,000 and US$180,000.

Step 6: Implementation and Monitoring

Funded projects must:

Implement conservation activities
Follow safeguard policies
Report ecological outcomes

Importance of the Program (Why It Matters)

This funding initiative supports global biodiversity protection by:

Preserving one of the world’s most important ecosystems
Protecting endangered species and habitats
Strengthening conservation governance
Supporting local and community-led environmental action
Enhancing resilience to climate and environmental pressures
Aligning conservation with international biodiversity goals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying as an individual instead of an organization
Ignoring country eligibility rules
Proposing land purchase or restricted activities
Weak biodiversity impact justification
Missing legal registration or banking requirements
Failing to address Indigenous Peoples safeguards

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly demonstrate biodiversity impact
Align with Mediterranean hotspot priorities
Include strong community engagement
Show environmental risk mitigation strategies
Ensure legal and financial compliance
Highlight long-term conservation benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding range?

Grants range from US$50,000 to US$180,000.

2. Who can apply?

Legally registered NGOs, universities, community groups, and eligible private enterprises.

3. Can individuals apply directly?

No, individuals must partner with eligible organizations.

4. Where can projects be implemented?

In eligible Mediterranean Basin countries such as Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and others listed.

5. What types of projects are supported?

Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable environmental management.

6. Are land purchase projects allowed?

No, land acquisition is strictly excluded.

7. What safeguards are required?

Protection of cultural heritage sites and Indigenous Peoples’ rights is mandatory.

Conclusion

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) Mediterranean Basin grant program is a major conservation funding initiative aimed at protecting one of the world’s most ecologically valuable regions. By supporting NGOs and research institutions across multiple countries, it strengthens biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable environmental governance.