Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), together with the Blue Partnership Action Fund, is inviting project proposals to support coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration across Southeast Asia. Grants of up to USD 50,000 are available for projects focused on mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and public engagement, with applications due by 15 March 2026.
Overview
The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), in collaboration with the Blue Partnership Action Fund, has launched a competitive call for project proposals to strengthen coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration in Southeast Asia.
This funding opportunity is designed to support practical, science-based, and community-oriented initiatives that protect and restore critical coastal and marine ecosystems while linking conservation outcomes with sustainable livelihoods, education, and public engagement.
Selected projects will contribute to long-term marine biodiversity protection and improved resilience of coastal communities across the region.
Key Focus Areas and Priority Themes
Projects must focus on coastal and marine ecosystem conservation and restoration, with clear environmental and social benefits.
Priority thematic areas include:
-
Conservation and restoration of mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and associated coastal ecosystems
-
Marine biodiversity conservation, monitoring, and applied research
-
Sustainable livelihood approaches connected to healthy coastal ecosystems
-
Citizen science initiatives that support data collection, monitoring, and community participation
-
Public outreach, environmental education, and awareness-raising related to coastal and marine protection
Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and a strong link between ecosystem health, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The funding opportunity is open to a broad range of legally registered and operational organizations based in Southeast Asia.
Eligible applicants include:
-
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
-
Universities and academic institutions
-
Research institutes and think tanks
-
Volunteer-based and community organizations
Eligible countries and territories are:
Applicants must be legally registered in one of the eligible countries and demonstrate relevant experience in coastal, marine, environmental, or community-based initiatives.
Grant Size, Duration, and Financial Scope
The Blue Partnership Action Fund provides flexible funding designed to support meaningful and scalable initiatives.
Key funding details include:
-
Maximum grant amount: USD 50,000 per project
-
Project duration: Up to 24 months
-
Funding may support conservation activities, research, monitoring, education, outreach, and capacity-building
Budgets should be realistic, cost-effective, and clearly aligned with proposed activities and expected outcomes.
How the Funding Works
The fund supports projects that move beyond planning and directly contribute to on-the-ground impact or applied research.
Funded projects are expected to:
-
Address clearly defined conservation or restoration challenges
-
Use evidence-based or locally appropriate approaches
-
Engage communities, stakeholders, or the public where relevant
-
Produce measurable environmental, social, or knowledge-based outcomes
-
Align closely with WESTPAC and Blue Partnership Action Fund conservation and engagement objectives
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applicants should follow a structured and strategic approach when preparing their proposals.
Step 1: Review the fund’s priority themes and ensure strong alignment with coastal ecosystem conservation and public engagement goals.
Step 2: Define a clear project objective, target ecosystem or community, and expected outcomes.
Step 3: Develop a detailed project plan, including activities, timeline, and roles of partners or stakeholders.
Step 4: Prepare a realistic budget that directly supports proposed activities.
Step 5: Demonstrate organizational capacity, relevant experience, and sustainability of results beyond the project period.
Step 6: Submit the complete proposal by the application deadline of 15 March 2026.
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Coastal ecosystems in Southeast Asia are under increasing pressure from climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and coastal development.
This funding opportunity matters because it:
-
Supports the protection and restoration of critical blue carbon ecosystems
-
Strengthens marine biodiversity conservation and monitoring capacity
-
Encourages community participation and citizen science
-
Links environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods
-
Promotes regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing
By supporting locally driven solutions, the fund helps ensure long-term resilience of both ecosystems and coastal communities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should be mindful of common issues that may reduce competitiveness.
Avoid the following mistakes:
-
Submitting proposals that are not clearly focused on coastal or marine ecosystems
-
Weak alignment with conservation, restoration, or public engagement objectives
-
Overly broad project scopes without measurable outcomes
-
Budgets that are unrealistic or poorly justified
-
Limited evidence of organizational capacity or local relevance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
All project proposals must be submitted by 15 March 2026.
What is the maximum funding available per project?
Each selected project may receive up to USD 50,000.
How long can a project run?
Projects can have a maximum duration of 24 months.
Who can apply for this funding?
Legally registered NGOs, universities, research institutes, think tanks, and volunteer groups based in eligible Southeast Asian countries can apply.
What types of ecosystems are prioritized?
The fund prioritizes mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and associated coastal ecosystems.
Are education and citizen science activities eligible?
Yes. Citizen science initiatives, public outreach, and environmental education activities are strongly encouraged when linked to conservation outcomes.
Do projects need to involve local communities?
While not mandatory for all projects, strong community engagement and local relevance significantly strengthen proposals.
Conclusion
The IOC WESTPAC and Blue Partnership Action Fund call for proposals represents a significant opportunity for organizations across Southeast Asia to advance coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration.
With grants of up to USD 50,000 and a flexible 24-month implementation period, this funding supports impactful, science-based, and community-driven initiatives that protect marine biodiversity, strengthen livelihoods, and promote long-term sustainability of coastal environments.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to prepare well-aligned, results-oriented proposals and submit them by 15 March 2026 to contribute to healthier and more resilient coastal ecosystems across the region.
For more information, visit WESTPAC.
