Deadline: 30-Aug-21
The U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State has launched an open competition for organizations to submit grant applications to hold a series of events that strengthen efforts to combat wildlife trafficking (CWT) online in the Mekong region, engaging civil society and other responsible stakeholders to be responsive to community concerns surrounding CWT efforts and by relaying the findings to improve transparency and accountability promoting good governance.
This project will have a particular focus on Cambodia, a known transit hub for wildlife trafficking that often serves as an intermediary between African countries and onward regional destinations.A central component of each proposal should include grassroots efforts that encourage host country communities to work with local governments to combat wildlife trafficking, and to improve good governance on the issue.
Such events should include a conference or workshop in Phnom Penh that includes participants from all five Mekong countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), including representatives from government and law enforcement, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society, industry and businesses, and others as appropriate.
Proposals should aim to build awareness, promote responsible practices, improve coordination, and build a community of practice among tech industry, including eCommerce, social media, and other tech companies, and relevant government agencies.
They encourage proposals to target the local and regional private sector, but also to leverage global efforts, such as the Global Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online. Strong proposals will also include community outreach and/or public awareness campaigns that encourage key stakeholders in the region to increase action and cooperation on countering the illegal wildlife trade.
Working closely with U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, the Recipient of this grant shall develop a series of events to support CWT efforts in the Mekong region engaging civil society and other responsible stakeholders to be responsive to community concerns surrounding CWT efforts and by relaying the findings to improve transparency and accountability promoting good governance. The Recipient will coordinate the format and distribution of the project’s outcome with the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Project Objectives
- The U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh invites proposals for local or international NGOs to host a series of CWT-focused events, including a working-level conference or workshop in Phnom Penh, community engagement activities, and other public outreach activities, as appropriate.f
- The successful proposal would contribute to transboundary and regional cooperation (government, NGO, and private sector), educate audiences on the proliferation of online wildlife trafficking in the Mekong region, and equip stakeholders with tools to effectively combat wildlife trafficking across boundaries to improve local governance and responsiveness to local communities.
Funding Information
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $31,600.
- Total available funding: $31,600.
Target Audiences
- This funding opportunity is available to organizations who are interested and have experience hosting conferences or workshops with subject-matter experts, conducting community engagement activities, and producing substantive, high-quality reports.
- The conference or workshop should target an international audience of foreign governments (including the Cambodian and other Mekong region governments), tech industry officials, non-government organizations including CWT NGOs, academic experts focused on CWT in Southeast Asia, and media covering issues in Cambodia or Southeast Asia.
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh welcomes applications from U.S.-based, Cambodia-based, and foreign non-profit organizations / non-government organizations (NGO); and U.S., Cambodia, and foreign private, public, or state institutions of higher education. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong linkages with a Cambodia-based partner organization.
For more information, visit https://kh.usembassy.gov/counter-wildlife-trafficking-nofo/