RFAs: Supporting Marine Conservation and Blue Economy Growth

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) invites applications for the Caribbean BluEFin First Call for Proposals to support innovative Blue Economy projects across the Caribbean. Grants of USD 200,000–250,000 fund initiatives that strengthen marine and coastal livelihoods, enhance biodiversity and climate resilience, and implement sustainable financing mechanisms. Projects may focus on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine pollution reduction, blue carbon solutions, and innovative financing approaches.

The Caribbean BluEFin First Call for Proposals, under the Caribbean Blue Economy Financing initiative, offers funding to projects that create measurable environmental, social, and economic impacts in Caribbean marine and coastal ecosystems.

The programme focuses on promoting sustainable development in the blue economy while ensuring ecosystem conservation, climate resilience, and socio-economic benefits for local communities.

Programme Objectives

The Caribbean BluEFin initiative aims to:

• Promote sustainable blue economy development by supporting economic activities linked to marine and coastal resources

• Deliver measurable marine and coastal conservation outcomes through demonstrable improvements in ecosystem protection and management

• Establish or strengthen innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term blue economy activities

• Mobilise additional public and private sector investment to increase overall funding for sustainable blue economy solutions

• Support initiatives with potential for financial sustainability, replication, or scaling across the Caribbean

Thematic Focus Areas

The programme supports projects in the following thematic areas:

• Sustainable Blue Carbon and Nature-Based Solutions – Conservation initiatives that enhance carbon sequestration and ecosystem resilience

• Marine and Coastal Private Sector Engagement – Value chain development in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism

• Circular Economy Approaches – Reducing marine pollution and promoting resource efficiency

• Innovative Blue Finance Mechanisms – Blue carbon credits, biodiversity credits, blended finance, revolving funds, and performance-based incentives

Funding Details

• Grant amount: USD 200,000–250,000 per project

• Co-financing is encouraged to leverage additional investment

• Funding supports the implementation of sustainable blue economy projects in eligible Caribbean countries

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Legally registered NGOs, civil society, and community-based organisations

• Conservation trust funds

• Academic and research institutions

• Private sector entities, cooperatives, and social enterprises

• Consortia or partnerships with one lead entity assuming legal and fiduciary responsibility

Eligible Locations

• Dominican Republic

• Grenada

• Saint Lucia

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• The Bahamas

Multi-country projects are welcome as long as activities and funding are allocated to the eligible countries listed above.

Expected Project Outcomes

Projects funded under this call are expected to deliver:

• Biodiversity Benefits – Enhanced conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems

• Climate Resilience – Nature-based approaches that strengthen adaptation and reduce environmental risks

• Socio-Economic Benefits – Improved livelihoods, food security, gender equality, and community resilience

• Innovative Financing – Mechanisms that attract additional investment and ensure long-term sustainability

• Replication Potential – Scalable solutions that can be applied in other Caribbean locations or sectors

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Proposal

• Clearly define project objectives aligned with programme goals

• Specify measurable biodiversity, climate, and socio-economic impacts

• Include a budget and co-financing plan if applicable

• Identify the lead entity responsible for legal and fiduciary management

Step 2: Align with Thematic Focus Areas

• Demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable blue economy development

• Highlight innovation in financing, private sector engagement, or nature-based solutions

Step 3: Submission

• Submit the proposal following Caribbean BluEFin application guidelines

• Ensure the project is implemented in eligible countries

• Confirm legal registration and operational capacity of lead entity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting projects outside the blue economy focus areas

2. Lack of measurable environmental, climate, or socio-economic outcomes

3. Failing to demonstrate co-financing or sustainability plans

4. Ineligible geographic focus or implementation outside Caribbean BluEFin countries

5. Submitting proposals without a clearly designated lead entity for fiduciary responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Legally registered NGOs, CSOs, conservation trust funds, academic institutions, private sector entities, cooperatives, social enterprises, or consortia with a lead entity responsible for legal and fiduciary obligations.

2. What is the grant amount?

USD 200,000–250,000 per project, with co-financing encouraged.

3. Which countries are eligible?

Dominican Republic, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and The Bahamas. Multi-country projects covering these countries are allowed.

4. What activities are eligible?

Sustainable blue carbon initiatives, fisheries and aquaculture development, coastal tourism, marine pollution reduction, and innovative blue finance mechanisms.

5. Is co-financing required?

Not mandatory, but strongly encouraged to increase total investment and leverage additional funding.

6. Can private sector organisations apply?

Yes, private sector entities, cooperatives, and social enterprises are eligible, either individually or as part of a consortium.

7. What are expected project outcomes?

Measurable biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, socio-economic benefits, innovative financing approaches, and potential for scaling or replication.

Conclusion

The Caribbean BluEFin First Call for Proposals provides substantial funding to support innovative and sustainable blue economy projects across the Caribbean.

By combining conservation, climate resilience, and socio-economic benefits with innovative financing and private sector engagement, the initiative aims to strengthen marine and coastal ecosystems while promoting livelihoods, food security, and long-term sustainability.

For more information, visit CBF.