The Mediterranean Basin, home to some of the world’s most unique ecosystems and endangered species, is getting a much-needed boost for biodiversity conservation. Civil society organizations across 13 countries are being invited to apply for small grants that support efforts to protect the region’s rich natural heritage.
BirdLife International and DOPPS, serving as the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), have announced the launch of a Small Grants Call aimed at empowering local organizations to safeguard biodiversity hotspots and engage communities in conservation work.
A Vital Opportunity for Mediterranean Conservation
With a total of USD 600,000 available, these grants offer funding between USD 15,000 and USD 40,000 to support projects that make a tangible difference on the ground. Eligible countries include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Palestine, and Tunisia.
“Local and national NGOs are the backbone of conservation efforts in this region,” said a spokesperson from BirdLife International. “This funding recognizes the essential role these organizations play in protecting biodiversity and building sustainable partnerships with communities.”
Conservation with a Clear Focus
To qualify for funding, projects must align with one of two key priorities identified in the CEPF Investment Strategy for the Mediterranean Basin:
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Coastal Biodiversity Conservation: Projects supporting local partnerships to protect globally important coastal biodiversity, including Marine Protected Areas and coastal wetlands.
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Threatened Plant Conservation: Initiatives that strengthen civil society’s role in conserving threatened plants and plant communities.
These priorities reflect urgent needs in the region, where coastal areas and plant biodiversity face increasing pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable development.
Key Dates and Application Process
The Call for Letters of Inquiry (LOI) opens on Monday, 30 June 2025, and closes on Friday, 1 August 2025, at 23:59 GMT. Successful applicants will be expected to implement their projects over a minimum period of 12 months, with all projects starting by 1 November 2025 and concluding no later than 31 August 2027.
Interested organizations can review the full Call for Letters of Inquiry to check eligibility criteria, excluded activities, and application procedures. The LOI form is available for download and must be submitted to CEPF-MED-RIT@birdlife.org by the deadline.
Building a Sustainable Future
From the olive groves of Lebanon to the wetlands of Morocco, the Mediterranean Basin holds countless stories of resilience — both ecological and human. Through these small grants, BirdLife International, DOPPS, and CEPF aim to ensure that these stories continue, supported by strong local action and global collaboration.
Focus Areas
Proposals must align with one of two Strategic Directions from the CEPF Investment Strategy for the Mediterranean Basin:
- Coastal Biodiversity Conservation: Supporting local partnerships for globally important coastal biodiversity, including Marine Protected Areas and coastal wetlands.
- Threatened Plant Conservation: Strengthening civil society engagement to conserve threatened plants and plant communities.
Local and national NGOs will be prioritized.
Apply Now
Review the full Call for Letters of Inquiry for detailed eligibility criteria, excluded activities, and application instructions. Download the LOI form and submit it to CEPF-MED-RIT@birdlife.org by the deadline.
