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RFPs: Support for the Management of Marine Protected Areas in Gabon

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The European Commission is funding a EUR 2,000,000 programme to support a sustainable ocean and blue economy in Central Africa. The initiative targets marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and regional governance while promoting innovation, inclusivity, and resilience in coastal and marine resource management. Experienced non-profit organizations can apply to lead large-scale projects benefiting communities, biodiversity, and the regional blue economy.

Programme Overview

The Sustainable Ocean and Blue Economy programme in Central Africa is the first major regional initiative to enhance the preservation, sustainable use, and management of marine and coastal resources. It addresses gaps in regional blue economy development, limited inter-state coordination, and heterogeneous marine biodiversity conservation systems.

Key Priorities

The programme is structured around three complementary priorities:

  1. Strengthening Ocean Governance

    • Enhance international, regional, and national governance frameworks

    • Improve inter-state coordination and monitoring of multilateral environmental agreements

    • Reinforce regional research capacity and develop human capital through specialized training

  2. Promoting the Blue Economy

    • Develop national blue economy strategies and investment plans

    • Establish a fund for innovative projects led by civil society, local communities, and the private sector

    • Focus on initiatives benefiting women, girls, and youth, supporting their professionalization

  3. Preserving Marine and Coastal Natural Capital

    • Protect biodiversity and manage ecosystems through resilient coastal zone management

    • Conduct strategic regional spatial planning to identify and safeguard zones at risk

Why This Programme Matters

Central Africa faces challenges such as weakly structured blue economy sectors, limited regional exchanges, and evolving conservation systems. This programme:

  • Strengthens governance and scientific capacity for effective marine policy

  • Supports sustainable fisheries and combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing

  • Promotes innovation and inclusivity in the regional blue economy

  • Enhances conservation of critical marine ecosystems in countries like São Tomé and Príncipe and Cameroon

Funding Details

  • Indicative budget: EUR 2,000,000

  • Eligible applicants: Experienced non-profit organizations capable of leading large-scale regional initiatives in marine conservation and sustainable resource management

  • Supported actions include:

    • Regional governance strengthening and coordination

    • Development of the Blue Economy Facility

    • Updates to the regional strategy for marine protected areas and biodiversity (with IUCN)

    • Management of marine protected areas in São Tomé and Príncipe and Cameroon

    • Regional initiatives promoting fisheries sustainability and supply chain consolidation

How to Apply

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization is a non-profit with experience in large-scale regional projects.

  2. Define Project Scope: Focus on ocean governance, blue economy innovation, or marine biodiversity conservation.

  3. Prepare Proposal: Include a detailed work plan, budget, and expected regional or local impact.

  4. Identify Stakeholders: Include partnerships with civil society, local communities, or the private sector, emphasizing inclusion of women, girls, and youth.

  5. Submit Application: Follow the European Commission submission guidelines and deadlines.

  6. Review and Award: Proposals are evaluated on experience, feasibility, impact, and alignment with programme priorities.

Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid small-scale or purely local initiatives; the programme targets regional-level projects

  • Ensure projects align with one or more programme priorities

  • Include a clear sustainability plan for lasting impact beyond the funding period

  • Highlight partnerships and community involvement for credibility

  • Avoid proposals that focus solely on individual benefits rather than ecosystem or regional outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this programme?
Experienced non-profit organizations capable of leading large-scale regional actions in marine and coastal resource management.

2. What is the total funding available?
The programme has an indicative budget of EUR 2,000,000.

3. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects focusing on ocean governance, blue economy development, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity, and coastal ecosystem management.

4. Are there specific geographic priorities?
Yes, projects must benefit Central African countries, with particular attention to São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, and the wider regional context.

5. Does the programme support innovation?
Yes, a dedicated fund supports innovative initiatives led by civil society, local communities, and the private sector.

6. Are youth, women, or girls prioritized?
Yes, projects that include or benefit women, girls, and young people are encouraged, particularly in professionalization and economic inclusion.

7. Can fisheries sustainability projects be funded?
Yes, including combating illegal fishing, joint management of shared stocks, and improving fisheries supply chains.

Conclusion

This initiative represents a first large-scale regional effort to strengthen marine governance, conserve biodiversity, and develop the blue economy in Central Africa. By funding strategic, inclusive, and sustainable projects, the European Commission aims to create a resilient coastal ecosystem, promote regional cooperation, and foster long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits.

For more information, visit EC.