Deadline: 29-Aug-2025
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and its Regional Implementation Team (RIT) have announced a call for Letters of Inquiry (LoIs) for biodiversity conservation projects that also address the impacts of climate change in the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.
In Mauritius, eligible projects under Investment Priority 1.1 should implement ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) actions such as agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, eradication of invasive alien species (IAS), and restoration of degraded ecosystems including wetlands, mangroves, reefs, and seagrass beds. Projects must aim to improve livelihoods, with targets like increasing the income of 16,500 women and 16,500 men through ecosystem-based activities and restoring at least 1,000 hectares of small island ecosystems affected by IAS.
In Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius, projects can also address Investment Priority 2.3 (disaster risk reduction through civil society engagement) and Investment Priority 3.3 (developing new conservation professionals and organizations through small grants, training, and exchange visits).
Grants will be capped at US$50,000. Selected projects will begin on January 1, 2026, and must be completed by December 31, 2026, allowing for a maximum duration of 12 months.
Priority will be given to proposals that clearly demonstrate climate vulnerability, adopt ecosystem and community resilience strategies, align with national climate policies, and show positive gender impact, efficient use of funds, and financial sustainability.
CEPF will not fund activities involving child or forced labor, major dam construction, payments to government security forces, or any work involving weapons, hazardous chemicals, certain pesticides, resettlement, land purchases, or the introduction of invasive species. Projects must avoid harming critical habitats or cultural heritage.
Government-owned institutions may apply only if they can prove legal and financial independence from government agencies, the ability to receive private funds, and no claim to sovereign immunity.
For more information, visit CEPF.
