Applications Open for Pro Natura Fund Overseas Grant Programme: Inviting Researchers from around the World!

Deadline: 15 July 2016

The Pro Natura Foundation Japan (PNFJ), is currently inviting applications for its 27th Pro Natura Fund Overseas Grant Programme. The programme is focused on the scientific research and enlightening activities concerning the conservation of biodiversity and the relationship between human and the environment.

This overseas grant program supports investigation and research aiming at conservation of ecosystem, and enlightenment activities aiming at the improvement of conservation awareness, in areas other than Japan.

Programme Structure

Projects that are qualified to be granted by the Pro Natura Fund includes:

1. Research projects such as;
   • Biological, ecological, geomorphological, hydrological, or meteorological study focusing on local nature conservation.
   • Environmental study for the purpose of conservation on land area such as forest, and aquatic area such as tidal flat, seaweed bed and estuary.
   • Investigation on endangered animal and plant species.
   • Investigation on introduced or invasive species.
   • A study which aims to solve nature conservation issues occurring today.
   • The development of research method which contributes to solve nature conservation issues.
2. Activity projects such as;
   • The protection of wild animal and plant species, ecosystem, geological features or hydrological environment.
   • The promotion of conservational and environmental education, and the enlightenment of nature conservation thought.
   • The publication/production of booklets,  books  and  image  contents  which  appeal  to  the  public about nature conservation.
   • The holding of  symposium,  seminar or events  which appeal  to  the  public  about nature conservation.
3. The combination of 1st and 2nd.

Funding Available

The maximum limit of fund per project is 1,000,000 YEN.

Eligibility Criteria

The  grant  is  applicable  for  groups  as  well  as  individuals  on  conditions  that  meet  the following criteria:

• Applicants should be an individual or a group and must be recommended by a scientist or a member of environmental groupsin Japan.
• Applicants should  have an excellent  achievement  in  the  field of  nature  conservation  and/or environmental education.

Eligible Projects:

• All projects to be granted must satisfy the following requirements:
• The research should contribute to the conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
• Outcome of the project should be published effectively in the countries concerned and should not bring any benefit or disadvantage to specific political parties, religions, races, tribes, social hierarchy, etc.
• Project results should not be used to secure profits for commercial purposes.
• Accounting procedures must be properly carried out and accurately reported to the secretariat of PNFJ.
• The grantee must respond quickly when PNFJ asked about the status of project implementation.
• Project proposals should not be made simultaneously to any other organizations in Japan.

How to Apply

• Applicants must submit the downloadable application form and the recommendation form available on the given website, along with other required documents.
• Applicants must complete the application form in English. If the applicant is proficient in Japanese, he/she can write in Japanese. The completed application form should be sent to respective recommender.
• All application documents must be submitted via postal mail or an email.

For more information, please visit Pro Natura Fund.