Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
The CEPF Madagascar and Indian Ocean biodiversity hotspot grants is a conservation funding initiative focused on protecting threatened tree species and biodiversity-rich ecosystems across Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands. It is implemented under the global framework of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, a multi-donor initiative supporting civil society-led conservation worldwide.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme aims to conserve globally threatened tree species, strengthen biodiversity protection across diverse habitats, and enhance civil society participation in conservation. It also focuses on capacity building, collaboration among grantees, and ensuring long-term sustainability of conservation efforts within the hotspot region.
Geographic Focus
The initiative is focused on Madagascar and surrounding islands within the Indian Ocean Biodiversity Hotspot. These regions are recognized for high levels of endemism and biodiversity vulnerability, making them a global priority for conservation investment.
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports biodiversity conservation projects targeting threatened tree species, habitat protection, and ecosystem restoration. It also emphasizes civil society engagement, institutional strengthening, knowledge sharing among grantees, and collaborative conservation approaches across the region.
Funding Details
Grants under this call range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $200,000. The total funding envelope for the programme is approximately $1,000,000. Funding is intended to support targeted conservation projects with measurable biodiversity outcomes.
Eligible Activities
Eligible activities include conservation of threatened tree species, habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, capacity building for local organizations, and collaborative biodiversity initiatives. The programme also supports knowledge exchange and coordination among conservation actors in the region.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, associations, universities, research institutes, private companies, and other civil society organizations. Individuals may only apply in partnership with eligible organizations and cannot apply independently.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant organizations must have legal registration, their own bank accounts, and authorization to receive international funding. They must also demonstrate capacity to manage conservation projects and comply with donor requirements.
Ineligible Applicants and Restrictions
Public institutions and companies are eligible only if they have independent legal status from government bodies and can receive private funds without sovereign immunity claims. Individual applications without organizational partnerships are not eligible.
Funding Restrictions
Grant funds cannot be used for land acquisition, forced displacement, or activities harming Indigenous Peoples or local communities. Projects involving destruction or alteration of cultural, historical, archaeological, or natural heritage sites are also not allowed.
Programme Partners and Donors
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is supported by multiple global partners, including the Franklinia Foundation, European Union, Global Environment Facility, and the World Bank. These partners contribute to strengthening global biodiversity conservation efforts.
Capacity Building and Collaboration
Selected grantees benefit from capacity-building programmes, technical support, and collaboration opportunities with other conservation actors. The initiative encourages knowledge sharing and collective learning to improve conservation outcomes across the hotspot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common issues include weak alignment with threatened tree conservation priorities, incomplete legal eligibility, lack of clear biodiversity impact, or proposals outside the Madagascar and Indian Ocean region. Applications without strong organizational capacity are less competitive.
Success Factors
Successful proposals demonstrate strong biodiversity impact, clear conservation strategies, and measurable outcomes for threatened tree species. Collaboration with local stakeholders and strong institutional capacity also improve competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The CEPF Madagascar and Indian Ocean biodiversity hotspot grants supports conservation of threatened tree species in partnership with the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.
- Grants range from $50,000 to $200,000 per project.
- The total programme budget is approximately $1,000,000.
- The focus is on Madagascar and Indian Ocean biodiversity hotspots.
- Eligible applicants include NGOs, universities, and civil society organizations.
- Individuals must apply in partnership with organizations.
- Projects must focus on biodiversity conservation and threatened species protection.
Conclusion
The CEPF Madagascar and Indian Ocean biodiversity hotspot grants strengthens global biodiversity protection by funding civil society-led conservation of threatened tree species. Through support from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and partners like the Franklinia Foundation, the programme enhances ecosystem resilience, institutional capacity, and long-term conservation impact in one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
For more information, visit Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.