Deadline: 09-Jun-2026
The BirdLife International Regional Re-granting Programme is designed to strengthen biodiversity conservation in West Africa. It supports community-led and civil society initiatives that protect ecosystems, restore habitats, and reduce threats to globally significant species.
The programme is implemented in Guinea and Sierra Leone with funding support from Rio Tinto.
Purpose and Objectives
The main objectives of the programme include:
- Reducing threats to globally threatened species
- Improving management of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
- Strengthening Protected Areas and OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures)
- Restoring degraded habitats and ecosystems
- Enhancing climate resilience for ecosystems and communities
- Supporting nature-based solutions for conservation
- Promoting sustainable land-use systems
- Increasing ecological connectivity between landscapes
The focus is on long-term biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration.
Geographic Scope and Funding Allocation
The programme operates in:
- Guinea
- Sierra Leone
Funding distribution includes:
- Up to 20 total projects supported
- At least 15 projects funded in Guinea
- Up to 5 projects funded in Sierra Leone
- Maximum grant per project: USD 50,000
Only civil society organizations based in these countries are eligible.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Civil society organizations
- Local and national NGOs
- Community-based organizations
- Women-led organizations (strongly encouraged)
Applicants must be based in Guinea or Sierra Leone and may submit applications in French or English.
Focus Areas of Funding
Projects may focus on:
- Protection of endangered and globally threatened species
- Conservation of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
- Management of Protected Areas and OECMs
- Habitat restoration and reforestation
- Climate resilience through nature-based solutions
- Regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and aquaculture
- Sustainable land-use and ecosystem restoration
- Landscape connectivity and ecological corridors
All projects must demonstrate clear biodiversity benefits.
Project Requirements
Funded projects are expected to:
- Reduce habitat loss and improve habitat quality
- Restore degraded ecosystems
- Strengthen local conservation capacity
- Support community participation in biodiversity protection
- Deliver measurable ecological outcomes
- Promote sustainable environmental practices
Projects should be locally driven and conservation-focused.
Application Rules
Applicants must follow specific guidelines:
- Use the official application template
- Submit proposals in English or French
- Organizations may submit more than one proposal
- Only one grant will be awarded per organization
- Proposals must align with programme objectives
Strong applications clearly demonstrate conservation impact and feasibility.
Programme Approach
The programme emphasizes:
- Community-led conservation action
- Strengthening local environmental governance
- Integrating livelihoods with biodiversity protection
- Supporting women-led conservation initiatives
- Building long-term ecological resilience
It prioritizes practical, on-the-ground environmental impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequent issues in applications include:
- Weak link to biodiversity conservation outcomes
- Lack of alignment with Key Biodiversity Areas or protected ecosystems
- Poorly defined ecological impact indicators
- Missing use of official application templates
- Insufficient community engagement strategy
- Overly general or non-localized project design
Strong proposals are specific, measurable, and ecosystem-focused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the BirdLife International Regional Re-granting Programme?
It is a biodiversity conservation funding programme for Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Q2. How much funding is available?
Up to USD 50,000 per project.
Q3. How many projects will be funded?
Up to 20 projects in total across both countries.
Q4. Who can apply?
Civil society organizations based in Guinea or Sierra Leone, including women-led groups.
Q5. What are the main focus areas?
Species protection, habitat restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable land use.
Q6. Can organizations submit multiple proposals?
Yes, but only one grant will be awarded per organization.
Q7. What languages are accepted?
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
Conclusion
The BirdLife International Regional Re-granting Programme supports grassroots biodiversity conservation efforts in Guinea and Sierra Leone. By funding locally led initiatives focused on habitat restoration, species protection, and sustainable land use, the programme strengthens ecosystem resilience and promotes long-term environmental sustainability in key biodiversity landscapes.
For more information, visit BirdLife International.