Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), in partnership with the IUCN, is offering up to €150,000 per project to support research on seagrass ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. The grant targets applied and policy-relevant studies that advance conservation, restoration, governance, and sustainable blue economy initiatives, with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building for early career researchers.
What is the WIOMSA-IUCN Seagrass Research Grant?
The WIOMSA-IUCN Seagrass Research Grant funds scientific research to improve understanding and management of seagrass ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The program supports projects that:
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Advance seagrass conservation and restoration
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Strengthen ecosystem governance
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Contribute to biodiversity protection, climate action, and sustainable blue economy initiatives
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Generate evidence to inform policy, management, and restoration practices
The grant emphasizes interdisciplinary research, combining ecology, socio-economics, governance, and policy studies, and encourages engagement with non-academic partners such as government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
Why This Grant Matters
Seagrass ecosystems are critical for:
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Biodiversity conservation: They provide habitat for numerous marine species.
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Climate action: Seagrasses act as significant carbon sinks.
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Sustainable livelihoods: Healthy seagrass ecosystems support fisheries and tourism in the WIO.
Supporting research that links science to policy helps ensure effective conservation planning, restoration practices, and sustainable use of coastal resources.
Funding Details
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Total Funding Available: €300,000
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Number of Projects Supported: Up to 2
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Maximum Funding per Project: €150,000
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Project Duration: 12 months
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Budget Coverage: Personnel, research and fieldwork, travel, data analysis, stakeholder engagement
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Indirect Costs: Not to exceed 5% of total project budget
Who is Eligible?
Eligible proposals must meet the following criteria:
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Submitted by consortia of institutions from at least two WIOCOR countries: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, or Tanzania
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One lead institution must appoint a Principal Investigator with at least a master’s degree and proven research leadership
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Participating institutions from other WIO countries may collaborate but cannot receive direct funding and must support participation through co-funding or in-kind contributions
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Proposals should demonstrate capacity for research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder engagement
How the Grant Works
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Form a Consortium: Include institutions from at least two eligible WIOCOR countries.
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Appoint a Principal Investigator: Must hold at least a master’s degree and lead project implementation.
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Develop a Research Proposal: Focus on applied, policy-relevant research addressing seagrass conservation, restoration, or governance.
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Plan Budget and Activities: Include personnel, fieldwork, data analysis, travel, and community/stakeholder engagement. Ensure indirect costs do not exceed 5%.
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Submit Proposal: Follow WIOMSA submission guidelines, highlighting interdisciplinarity, impact, and early career researcher involvement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals from single institutions without a consortium
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Failing to include a qualified Principal Investigator from an eligible country
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Proposing research that does not link to policy, conservation, or restoration
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Exceeding the 5% cap on indirect costs
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Neglecting early career researcher participation or stakeholder engagement
FAQs
1. Which countries are eligible for lead institutions?
Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, or Tanzania.
2. Can institutions from other WIO countries receive funding?
No, they may participate as collaborators but must provide co-funding or in-kind support.
3. What is the maximum funding per project?
€150,000 over 12 months.
4. Are indirect costs allowed?
Yes, up to 5% of the total project budget.
5. What types of research are prioritized?
Applied and policy-relevant research in seagrass conservation, restoration, governance, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
6. Is collaboration with non-academic partners required?
Yes, meaningful engagement with government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, or private sector actors is strongly encouraged.
7. Are early career researchers and students supported?
Yes, projects must include capacity building, leadership development, and skills enhancement for early career researchers.
Conclusion
The WIOMSA-IUCN Seagrass Research Grant supports interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research to conserve and restore seagrass ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. With up to €150,000 per project, the program fosters collaboration, strengthens early career researcher capacity, and generates evidence to inform conservation, management, and blue economy initiatives.
For more information, visit WIOMSA.