Apply for PTES Conservation Insight Grant Programme

The PTES Conservation Insight Grant Programme funds research and conservation projects that generate scientific evidence to protect endangered species and their habitats. It supports practical, field-based conservation work that tests interventions, improves monitoring methods, and informs policy change. Grants range from £3,000 to £10,000 per year, with a maximum of £20,000 over two years, and are targeted at eligible researchers in low- and middle-income countries.

Overview

The PTES Conservation Insight Grant Programme supports applied conservation research that produces actionable scientific evidence for protecting endangered species. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world conservation outcomes.

It prioritizes projects that:

• Address urgent threats to biodiversity
• Test and evaluate conservation interventions
• Improve species monitoring techniques
• Influence conservation policy at multiple levels
• Deliver long-term, practical conservation impact

The core focus is on evidence-based conservation that directly benefits endangered species and their habitats.

Key Objectives of the Programme

The grant supports projects that contribute to conservation science and practice in the following ways:

1. Generating Scientific Evidence for Conservation

Projects should produce data and insights that:

• Improve understanding of endangered species
• Identify threats and ecological challenges
• Support evidence-based conservation decisions

2. Testing Conservation Interventions

Funded work may include:

• Field trials of conservation methods
• Evaluation of threat mitigation strategies
• Assessment of habitat restoration techniques

3. Addressing Conservation Knowledge Gaps

Projects should aim to answer:

• Key ecological or behavioral questions
• Species survival and habitat requirements
• Effectiveness of conservation actions

4. Policy Influence and Advocacy

Research may be used to:

• Support local or national conservation policies
• Inform international biodiversity frameworks
• Strengthen environmental governance

5. Developing Monitoring Methodologies

Eligible work includes:

• Innovative species monitoring tools
• New field data collection approaches
• Improved biodiversity assessment methods

6. Public Awareness and Outreach

Projects may also:

• Promote conservation awareness
• Engage local communities
• Strengthen long-term conservation support

Funding Details

• Funding range: £3,000 to £10,000 per year
• Maximum total funding: £20,000 per project
• Project duration: Up to 2 years
• Funding model: Can cover full costs or be co-funded with other sources

Applicants may combine PTES funding with additional grants, provided all co-funding is secured.

Who is Eligible?

The programme is designed for conservation professionals working in eligible regions and institutions.

Eligible Applicants:

• Scientific researchers
• Conservation practitioners
• NGOs and conservation organizations
• University research departments

Geographic Requirement:

• Applicants must be based in low- and middle-income countries (World Bank classification)
• Applicants are encouraged to work within their own country

Species Focus:

Projects must focus on:

• Endangered species (IUCN Endangered or Critically Endangered)
• Extinct in the Wild species (where relevant)
• Vulnerable or Near Threatened species (in some cases)
• Species-specific habitat conservation

Project Requirements and Priorities

Successful proposals should demonstrate:

• Strong experience with the target species or region
• Clear conservation relevance and urgency
• Practical, field-based implementation
• Measurable conservation outcomes
• Long-term sustainability and impact

What is NOT Eligible?

The programme excludes or deprioritizes the following:

• Projects with limited national or global conservation impact
• General biodiversity survey-only studies without applied outcomes
• Land acquisition or real estate-related costs
• Purely administrative or non-research expenses
• Government-led applications
• Student-only cost components (e.g., tuition fees)
• Certain Western-based NGO-led projects
• Projects focused solely on bird species (restricted in some cases depending on guidelines)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify a target endangered species or habitat aligned with IUCN priorities
2. Define a clear conservation problem or knowledge gap
3. Design a research-based conservation intervention or study
4. Ensure institutional affiliation (NGO or university required)
5. Confirm eligibility based on geographic and organizational rules
6. Prepare a proposal with:
   • Objectives and research questions
   • Methodology and fieldwork plan
   • Expected conservation outcomes
   • Budget and timeline (up to 2 years)
7. Submit application through PTES Conservation Insight Grant channels

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting general ecological surveys without conservation action
• Lack of clear, measurable conservation outcomes
• Weak linkage to endangered species priorities
• Applying as an individual instead of through an organization
• Ignoring eligibility rules for country or institution type
• Over-budgeting beyond allowed funding limits
• Failing to demonstrate practical field impact

Why This Grant Matters

The PTES Conservation Insight Grant plays a critical role in global biodiversity protection by funding small-to-medium scale but high-impact conservation science. It helps researchers:

• Generate actionable conservation evidence
• Improve survival prospects of endangered species
• Strengthen conservation strategies in biodiversity hotspots
• Translate research into real-world conservation action
• Support underfunded but high-need regions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of the PTES Conservation Insight Grant?

The main goal is to fund applied research that generates scientific evidence for the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.

2. How much funding can I receive?

Grants range from £3,000 to £10,000 per year, with a maximum total of £20,000 over two years.

3. Who can apply for this grant?

Researchers and conservation practitioners working in NGOs or universities, based in low- and middle-income countries.

4. Can individuals apply directly?

No, applicants must apply through an organization such as an NGO or university.

5. What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects that test conservation interventions, generate actionable data, or influence policy and deliver real conservation impact.

6. Are student projects eligible?

Projects primarily focused on student expenses or academic coursework are not eligible.

7. Can the funding be combined with other grants?

Yes, PTES funding can be combined with other funding sources if the total project budget is secured.

Conclusion

The PTES Conservation Insight Grant Programme supports practical, science-driven conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species worldwide. By funding targeted research in low- and middle-income countries, it enables real-world conservation impact, strengthens biodiversity protection strategies, and helps translate scientific knowledge into meaningful action for species survival.