CFPs: Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Change Adaptation Programme

Deadline: 30-Jun-25

The European Commission (EC) is seeking proposals for the Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Change Adaptation Programme to empowering Coastal Communities for Blue Growth: Enhancing Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Sustainable Tourism in coastal Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Objective

The global objective of this call for proposals is: “to establish sustainable and resilient marine and coastal ecosystems that are effectively adapted to climate change impacts, offering green job opportunities, sustainable livelihoods, and improved living conditions that equally benefit men and women”.
This call for proposals is divided in 2 lots:
- Lot 1: Improved fisheries and marine aquaculture governance
  - The specific objectives for lot 1 are:
    - To strengthen governance and regulation of fisheries and marine aquaculture, with particular attention to enhancing coordination and enforcement among local authorities, beach management units, fisheries organisations, private stakeholders and to combat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
    - To enhance the sustainability, efficiency/productivity and contribution of fisheries and science-based marine aquaculture to sustainable green growth.
- Lot 2: Sustainable Tourism and Job Creation
  - The specific objectives for lot 2 are:
    - To develop sustainable and inclusive tourism attractions and services, that enhance local communities’ participation and opportunities, while preserving the environment;
    - To strengthen the capacities and skills of local communities, associations and institutions to match the tourism sector workforce demand, promote innovative MSMEs and make the industry more sustainable.

Priorities

The priorities of this call for proposals are:
- Green and nature-based solutions in infrastructure and services: Actions should prioritise sustainable, green infrastructure and climate-resilient solutions in the development and upgrading of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism facilities and infrastructures. There should be a focus on the utilisation of sustainable materials and design solutions that enhance environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change, promoting eco-friendly practices within the Blue Economy sectors.
- Participatory, inclusive, gender-sensitive and community-driven approaches: Actions should engage local leaders and stakeholders in the design and implementation of interventions. This includes involving local authorities, beach management units, Shehia leaders, but also fisheries, aquaculture and tourism organisations, and community members in decision-making processes to ensure the sustainability and local relevance of the projects. Prioritise community-led and labour-intensive actions to generate sustainable job creation and ensure local ownership and engagement in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Additionally, actions should actively promote the participation and empowerment of women in the fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism value chains to ensure that both men and women equally benefit from the programme.
- Multi-stakeholder approaches: Foster collaboration with local authorities, public and private sector operators, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable approaches to developing the fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism sectors.
- More efficient, safe, secure and sustainable fisheries & marine aquaculture value-chains: Actions should focus on modernising and developing landing platforms and infrastructure, upgrading facilities, and implementing efficient supply chain practices through a holistic approach that integrates circular economy principles, climate change adaptation measures, and sustainable practices. This includes enhancing conditions for transformation, transport, and conservation (e.g. cold chain logistics, auction systems, and storage facilities), while fostering community ownership and inclusive decision-making to prioritise safety and ergonomic needs for both male and female fisherfolk. Additionally, efforts should align with and promote international standards on sustainable fisheries management, aiming to eradicate destructive fishing practices and prevent the over-exploitation of specific fisheries. Encouraging the adoption of best practices and compliance with global sustainability benchmarks is crucial.
- Coherent planning and impactful interventions: actions should have a tangible and measurable impact on identified coastal and marine areas, showcasing and promoting good planning and management practices in alignment with national and local development plans. This includes complementarity with ongoing and planned projects, ensuring interventions are well-integrated and synergistic.
- Strengthening capacity building: Actions should provide necessary training and technical support to local communities and authorities to enable them to perform their roles effectively in the execution, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure and services. This capacity-building effort should actively support local governance processes and empower stakeholders to sustain and expand the benefits of the interventions.

Funding Information

The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is EUR 8 600 000.
- Lot 1: EUR 4 600 000
- Lot 2: EUR 4 000 000
Size of grants
- Lot 1:
  - Minimum: EUR 4 000 000
  - Maximum: EUR 4 600 000
- Lot 2:
  - Minimum: EUR 1 000 000
  - Maximum: EUR 4 000 000

Duration

The initial planned duration of an action may not be lower than 36 months nor exceed 48 months.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for a grant, the lead applicant must:
- be a legal person and;
- be non-profit-making and;
- be a specific type of organisation such as: a non-governmental organisation, or a civil society organisation (CSOs), or a public sector operator, or a research institute or an economic operator (e.g. MSMEs), or a local authority, or an international (inter-governmental) organisation as defined by Article 159(1) of the EU Financial Regulation and;
- be effectively established in either;
  - a Member State of the European Union or
  - the United Republic of Tanzania or;
  - in another country which is a eligible under the NDICI – Global Europe.
- be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the co-applicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary.
Lots 1 and 2
- If the lead applicant is Tanzanian, it may act individually or with up to a maximum of three co-applicant(s) of any nationality eligible under this call for proposals;
- If the lead applicant is not Tanzanian, it must act with one or more eligible co-applicant(s) up to a maximum of three co-applicants, of which at least one co-applicant must be Tanzanian.

For more information, visit EC.