Call for EOIs: Regional Implementation Team for East Melanesian Islands Biodiversity Hotspot

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites qualified organizations to serve as the Regional Implementation Team for a six-year biodiversity conservation grants program in the East Melanesian Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. The initiative will support civil society actors in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu through structured grants totaling approximately US$8 million. This program aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and local capacity across the region.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Overview

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a global initiative focused on safeguarding the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The East Melanesian Islands Biodiversity Hotspot program is part of CEPF’s mission to promote conservation and sustainable development through targeted grants and technical support.

This program will implement a six-year grants strategy designed to protect ecosystems, empower local organizations, and foster collaborative biodiversity efforts.

Program Focus and Objectives

The initiative aims to:

Promote biodiversity conservation in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu
Support civil society organizations, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and private actors in conservation efforts
Launch and manage structured grants aligned with the ecosystem profile
Strengthen local capacity in sustainable development and biodiversity management
Foster collaboration across regional conservation actors

Role of the Regional Implementation Team

The Regional Implementation Team (RIT) will serve as the operational hub for the program and will be responsible for:

Leading and coordinating the grants portfolio in alignment with the ecosystem profile
Managing an estimated 100 grants to civil society organizations and partners
Directly contracting and supervising grants up to US$50,000
Providing technical and strategic support for larger grants managed by the CEPF Secretariat
Ensuring compliance with financial, reporting, and operational standards

The RIT may consist of a single organization or a consortium with a designated lead organization overseeing coordination, financial management, reporting, and liaison with CEPF.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Nongovernmental and civil society organizations with experience in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and capacity building
Legally registered entities authorized to receive charitable funds and maintain independent bank accounts
Private and for-profit firms acting as members of civil society
Government-owned entities that meet legal independence and financial autonomy criteria
Organizations previously involved in the ecosystem profiling process (no disadvantage for prior involvement)

Why It Matters

This initiative is critical for:

Protecting globally significant biodiversity hotspots
Empowering local communities and organizations to lead conservation efforts
Strengthening regional capacity in ecosystem management and sustainable development
Promoting collaboration across governments, NGOs, and civil society for lasting conservation outcomes

How to Apply / How It Works

Prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) detailing organizational capacity, experience, and proposed approach
Define the organizational structure, including consortium members if applicable
Demonstrate experience in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and capacity building
Submit the EOI to the CEPF Secretariat before the specified deadline
Upon selection, the RIT will coordinate grant issuance, monitoring, and reporting under CEPF guidance
Participate in ongoing technical support and strategic planning activities throughout the six-year implementation period

Tips for a Successful Application

Clearly demonstrate prior experience in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development
Highlight capacity to manage multiple grants and partnerships simultaneously
Detail financial and operational management systems
Emphasize regional knowledge and relationships with local civil society actors
Outline strategies for capacity building and long-term sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete or unclear EOIs
Failing to demonstrate organizational or consortium capacity for grant management
Overlooking legal registration or financial independence requirements
Neglecting to provide evidence of prior conservation experience
Ignoring the strategic alignment with the East Melanesian Islands Biodiversity Hotspot profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to become the Regional Implementation Team?

Nongovernmental and civil society organizations, including private firms and eligible government entities, can apply individually or as part of a consortium.

What is the expected budget for the program?

The anticipated program budget is approximately US$8 million over six years, subject to approval of the ecosystem profile.

What is the duration of the grants program?

The program will run from July 2026 to June 2032.

How many grants will the Regional Implementation Team manage?

The RIT will oversee an estimated portfolio of around 100 grants, with individual grants up to US$50,000 directly managed by the team.

Can previous participants in the ecosystem profiling process apply?

Yes, prior involvement does not disadvantage applicants.

What types of organizations are eligible?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, civil society organizations, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and private firms that meet legal and financial requirements.

What responsibilities does the Regional Implementation Team have?

The RIT is responsible for grant management, coordination, financial oversight, reporting, technical support, and liaising with the CEPF Secretariat.

Conclusion

The CEPF East Melanesian Islands Biodiversity Hotspot program offers a critical opportunity for regional organizations to lead biodiversity conservation efforts. By serving as the Regional Implementation Team, organizations can guide grantmaking, strengthen local capacity, and foster sustainable development across Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, ensuring long-term environmental impact and regional collaboration.