Deadline: 29-Nov-2025
The Hifadhi Blu Programme invites marine conservation authorities and community organizations across the Western Indian Ocean to apply for funding to strengthen Marine Conservation Area (MCA) management. Grants of up to USD 200,000 over two years (2026–2028) will support initiatives improving governance, ecological monitoring, enforcement, and community engagement, with an emphasis on site-level impact and regional conservation outcomes.
About the Hifadhi Blu Programme
The Hifadhi Blu Programme is a regional initiative designed to strengthen the management of Marine Conservation Areas (MCAs) across the Western Indian Ocean. The programme focuses on measurable improvements at the site level that also contribute to broader regional conservation goals. It provides financial support, technical mentorship, and opportunities for regional collaboration to organizations demonstrating evidence-based, locally led marine conservation initiatives.
Funding Objectives
The programme seeks proposals that strengthen site-level management effectiveness, align with existing management plans or diagnostics (e.g., IMET baseline assessments), address documented gaps in governance, ecological monitoring, enforcement, or community engagement, and deliver measurable, sustainable conservation outcomes.
Thematic Focus Areas
Projects should target interventions that:
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Improve governance structures for MCAs
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Enhance ecological monitoring and reporting
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Strengthen enforcement of conservation regulations
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Promote meaningful community engagement
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Support inclusive participation of women, youth, and under-represented groups
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include formally recognized marine protected area authorities, community-based management organizations, and co-managed conservation sites. Applicants must hold a legal, customary, or community mandate to manage the site. Preference is given to initiatives demonstrating local ownership, long-term sustainability, and inclusive conservation approaches.
Grant Details
Funding amount: Up to USD 200,000 per site
Duration: Two years (2026–2028)
Number of sites funded: Eight across Western Indian Ocean countries
Selected applicants will participate in workshops on proposal development, interviews with programme mentors, and submission of a full project proposal.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process:
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Prepare a concise motivation letter highlighting how the project improves MCA management, alignment with the site’s management plan or diagnostic tools, and expected outcomes with measurable impact.
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Demonstrate community engagement and inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
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Submit your letter through the official Hifadhi Blu application portal before the deadline.
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Shortlisting: Selected candidates will be invited to workshops and interviews.
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Full Proposal Development: Only shortlisted candidates will submit a detailed project proposal.
Tips for Success: Use site-specific data and diagnostics to justify interventions, focus on actions that produce measurable results, and show clear alignment with regional conservation priorities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting proposals not aligned with existing management plans or IMET baselines, overly broad or unfocused project objectives, lack of inclusion of local communities, women, or youth, and ignoring measurable indicators for ecological or governance improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What types of projects are funded? Projects that strengthen site-level management, governance, monitoring, enforcement, or community engagement in MCAs.
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Who can apply? Formally recognized marine protected area authorities, community-based management organizations, and co-managed conservation sites with legal or customary mandates.
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How much funding is available? Grants of up to USD 200,000 per site over a two-year period (2026–2028).
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How many sites will be funded? Eight sites across Western Indian Ocean countries.
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Do I need to include women and youth in my project? Yes. Inclusive approaches are prioritized, and projects must show meaningful engagement of women, youth, and under-represented groups.
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What is the application process? Submit a concise motivation letter, attend workshops and interviews if shortlisted, and then develop a full project proposal.
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What happens if my project is not aligned with existing management plans? Projects not aligned with management plans or evidence-based diagnostics are unlikely to be funded. Alignment is crucial for selection.
Why This Matters
Investing in effective MCA management strengthens regional marine biodiversity, improves sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, and ensures long-term conservation outcomes. By focusing on measurable, site-level interventions, the Hifadhi Blu Programme maximizes impact across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Conclusion
The Hifadhi Blu Programme provides a unique opportunity for marine conservation authorities and community organizations to access funding, mentorship, and regional collaboration. By submitting targeted, evidence-based proposals that improve site-level management, applicants can contribute to sustainable marine conservation and foster resilient, inclusive communities in the Western Indian Ocean. Apply now to be part of this transformative regional initiative.
For more information, visit Minderoo Foundation.