Deadline: 09-Jun-2026
The BirdLife International Regional Re-granting Programme, supported by Rio Tinto, is a biodiversity conservation funding initiative focused on strengthening ecosystem protection and restoration in Guinea and Sierra Leone. The program prioritizes locally driven conservation projects that deliver measurable ecological benefits for species, habitats, and communities.
Programme Objectives and Focus Areas
The program aims to reduce biodiversity loss and strengthen ecosystem resilience through targeted conservation actions. Key focus areas include:
- Protection of globally threatened species and their habitats
- Strengthening management of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
- Improving Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)
- Restoring degraded ecosystems and improving habitat quality
- Reducing habitat loss and fragmentation
- Enhancing climate resilience using nature-based solutions
- Supporting regenerative agriculture, aquaculture, and agroforestry with biodiversity benefits
- Improving landscape connectivity between KBAs, Protected Areas, and OECMs
Funding Structure and Scale
- Total number of projects funded: up to 20
- Grant amount per project: up to USD 50,000
- Geographic allocation:
- Guinea: at least 15 projects
- Sierra Leone: up to 5 projects
Funding is designed to support practical, community-level conservation interventions that contribute directly to biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include civil society organisations based in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Applications may be submitted in English or French.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Applicant must be a registered civil society organisation in Guinea or Sierra Leone
- Organisations may submit more than one proposal
- Only one grant can be awarded per organisation under this call
- National and local organisations are eligible, with strong encouragement for women-led organisations
- Applicants must use the official application template provided in the program guidelines
Expected Project Outcomes
Projects funded under this program are expected to:
- Improve conservation outcomes for threatened species
- Restore and enhance degraded ecosystems
- Strengthen local conservation capacity and participation
- Improve sustainable land-use practices
- Increase resilience of ecosystems and local communities
- Enhance connectivity between critical biodiversity landscapes
Why This Programme Matters
This funding initiative supports grassroots biodiversity conservation in two ecologically significant West African countries. It helps address habitat loss, species decline, and climate-related ecosystem pressures while promoting sustainable livelihoods. The program also strengthens local ownership of conservation efforts by prioritizing civil society and community-led interventions.
How the Programme Works
- BirdLife International issues a competitive call for proposals
- Civil society organisations in Guinea and Sierra Leone prepare project proposals using the official template
- Applications are submitted in English or French
- Proposals are evaluated based on conservation impact, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities
- Up to 20 projects are selected for funding
- Selected organisations implement conservation activities with financial support up to USD 50,000
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals outside Guinea or Sierra Leone
- Failing to use the official application template
- Weak alignment with biodiversity conservation priorities
- Lack of clear ecological or habitat restoration outcomes
- Submitting multiple proposals without understanding that only one grant can be awarded per organisation
- Insufficient focus on threatened species or Key Biodiversity Areas
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define biodiversity threats being addressed
- Focus on measurable conservation outcomes
- Demonstrate strong community involvement
- Highlight benefits for Key Biodiversity Areas or Protected Areas
- Include climate resilience or nature-based solutions where possible
- Show clear sustainability beyond the funding period
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the BirdLife International Regional Re-granting Programme?
- It is a biodiversity conservation funding program supporting projects in Guinea and Sierra Leone
- It focuses on protecting species, restoring habitats, and strengthening ecosystem resilience
- Who can apply for this funding?
- Civil society organisations based in Guinea and Sierra Leone
- National and local NGOs are eligible
- Women-led organisations are strongly encouraged to apply
- What is the funding amount?
- Up to USD 50,000 per project
- Up to 20 total projects will be funded
- How many projects will be funded in each country?
- Guinea: at least 15 projects
- Sierra Leone: up to 5 projects
- What types of projects are supported?
- Species conservation initiatives
- Habitat restoration and ecosystem protection
- Climate resilience and nature-based solutions
- Sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and agroforestry
- Landscape connectivity projects
- Can an organisation submit more than one proposal?
- Yes, multiple proposals are allowed
- However, only one grant can be awarded per organisation
Conclusion
The BirdLife International Regional Re-granting Programme provides targeted funding for biodiversity conservation in Guinea and Sierra Leone. It strengthens local environmental action by supporting community-based projects that protect ecosystems, restore habitats, and enhance long-term ecological resilience.
For more information, visit BirdLife International.