Request for Proposals: OPCFHK Conservation Funding Program

The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Conservation Funding cycle, offering financial support for research and conservation projects focused on threatened wildlife and habitats across Asia. Grants are available for both short-term (1–2 years) and long-term (3–5 years) studies, covering scientific research, habitat protection, community education and climate-related conservation work. Eligible applicants include qualified conservationists and institutions with a Principal Investigator and a clear, measurable project plan.

Overview

The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) runs an annual Conservation Funding Programme supporting scientific research, wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation across Asia. The 2026–2027 cycle prioritises threatened species, vulnerable ecosystems and conservation strategies that produce measurable, real-world outcomes.

Focus Areas

Priority Species and Ecosystems

• Giant pandas

• Chinese white dolphins

• Endangered and vulnerable terrestrial species

• Freshwater and marine wildlife

• Threatened habitats across Asia

Eligible Conservation Themes

• Population and habitat research

• Threat assessments and ecological studies

• Community-based conservation and social-science programmes

• Public education and awareness campaigns

• Habitat restoration

• Climate-change impacts on wildlife and ecosystems

• Marine habitat protection

• Technology-enabled conservation solutions (AI, monitoring tools, sensors, remote imaging)

Grant Types and Funding Amounts

Regular Projects

• Duration: 1–2 years

• Typical support: HK$250,000–HK$300,000 per year

Long-term Projects

• Duration: 3–5 years

• Total support: Up to HK$1,000,000

Who Is Eligible?

• Conservation researchers, scientists and practitioners

• Universities, research institutes and conservation organisations

• Teams with a qualified Principal Investigator (PI) affiliated with a recognised institution

• Applicants proposing practical, evidence-based, measurable conservation projects

Not Eligible

• Individuals without institutional affiliation

• Projects lacking scientific basis or conservation relevance

Why It Matters

• Supports urgent conservation for Asia’s most threatened species

• Strengthens regional biodiversity protection and ecosystem resilience

• Facilitates long-term monitoring and scientific knowledge generation

• Promotes integration of community engagement and science-based strategies

• Enables innovation through advanced technology in conservation

How to Apply

1. Develop a project concept aligned with OPCFHK priority areas and species.

2. Secure a Principal Investigator with recognised institutional affiliation.

3. Prepare a detailed proposal including:

• Objectives and conservation targets

• Methodology and work plan

• Clear timeline and milestones

• Detailed, realistic budget

• Expected measurable outcomes

4. Determine the project type (Regular vs. Long-term) based on duration and impact needs.

5. Submit the application according to OPCFHK’s official guidelines and deadlines.

6. Await evaluation, which considers scientific merit, feasibility, conservation relevance and long-term impact.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips

• Emphasise measurable conservation outcomes.

• Demonstrate strong institutional support and capacity.

• Provide robust baseline data when available.

• Show how the project addresses real threats and produces tangible benefits.

Common Mistakes

• Vague objectives with no measurable milestones

• Budgets lacking detail or justification

• Poor alignment with OPCFHK priority species or habitats

• Weak scientific methodology

FAQ

1. What types of projects does OPCFHK fund?
Scientific research, habitat conservation, community-education programmes, restoration projects and technology-driven conservation initiatives.
2. Does the project need to focus on a specific species?
Yes, priority is given to threatened Asian wildlife, especially giant pandas, Chinese white dolphins and other endangered species.
3. Can individuals apply without an institutional affiliation?
No. A qualified Principal Investigator from a recognised institution is required.
4. What is the difference between Regular and Long-term projects?
Regular projects run 1–2 years with annual funding; Long-term projects run 3–5 years with larger total budgets.
5. Does OPCFHK fund social-science conservation initiatives?
Yes, including community education, behaviour-change work and capacity-building programmes.
6. Are climate-related conservation projects eligible?
Yes. Projects addressing ecosystem and species vulnerabilities linked to climate change are encouraged.
7. Is technology-based conservation work eligible?
Yes. Use of drones, AI monitoring, sensor systems and other advanced tools is welcomed.

Conclusion

The OPCFHK 2026–2027 Conservation Funding Programme provides critical support for science-based, measurable conservation efforts across Asia. By funding both short- and long-term initiatives, the programme empowers researchers and organisations to protect threatened species, restore habitats and build long-lasting conservation impact. This opportunity is ideal for teams committed to advancing biodiversity protection and generating meaningful ecological outcomes.