Deadline: 01-Aug-2025
The BC+ Program, launched by Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy, is a global effort to address the challenges limiting the growth of business models that protect blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes. The program seeks to promote environmental sustainability while also boosting local economies.
By offering technical support, grant funding, and access to private finance, BC+ helps build scalable and regenerative business models. These models aim to blend conservation and production goals, creating lasting ecological and economic benefits.
This year, the program is offering up to $1.25 million USD in total funding and technical assistance. Additional support may be available later. Benefits for selected applicants include funding to grow their solutions, access to expert mentorship, networking with investors, and recognition as a change-maker in coastal ecosystem conservation.
Organizations eligible to apply include local businesses, NGOs, community cooperatives, and similar groups. Priority will be given to those operating close to project sites, as local presence contributes to more sustainable and context-specific outcomes.
Applicants must be from countries with substantial mangrove cover and enabling conditions. These include Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Belize, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.
To qualify, proposals must demonstrate tangible environmental, social, or economic benefits, such as increased carbon storage, biodiversity, or income for local communities. Solutions that engage Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LCs), emphasize fair benefit-sharing, and support local decision-making are highly encouraged.
Applicants should also show a clear plan for financial sustainability and scaling their model. A strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement is expected as part of the BC+ partner network.
Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria: the organization’s technical and contextual capacity, stakeholder engagement, alignment with BC+ goals, geographic relevance, benefits to communities and climate, and potential for market adoption and scale.
For more information, visit The Nature Conservancy.