My Daily Inquirer

DARWIN INITIATIVE CALL FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS: ROUND 18

The Darwin Initiative offers funds to encourage the sharing of UK biodiversity expertise with local partners in countries with a wealth of biodiversity, but who lack the means to protect these resources and to assist in meeting their international biodiversity commitments.

Since its launch in 1992, the Darwin Initiative has committed more than £80 million in funding for 555 main projects and post projects (consolidating the results of already successful projects). In addition, 27 Darwin Fellowships have been awarded, over 160 small grants have allowed UK applicants to travel to meet and develop applications in collaboration with host country partners, including the new Challenge Fund awards to support applications for main projects in the Overseas Territories.

Originally focusing on supporting projects to achieve their CBD commitments, the Darwin Initiative now also includes the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS or the Bonn Convention). There has also been a shift of focus to ensure that more projects adopt ecosystem-based approaches to conservation and to ensure that the needs of the UK’s Overseas Territories are adequately supported. Please note that applications from Overseas Territories need not have a metropolitan UK based partner in order to apply for Darwin funding.

It is important to note also that, for this and subsequent rounds, there will need to be measurable outputs/outcomes in terms of development of developing countries associated with projects. Successful projects will need to be able to define how their project will benefit these countries, describing how their project will impact on poverty reduction and/or welfare. Further details of this new requirement will emerge during the round, but it is important to stress that this will be a key factor in the success or otherwise of project proposals.

Defra is now inviting applications from UK institutions and organisations in the UK Overseas Territories for support for Main projects to commence from 1 April 2012 and for Post Projects to commence from 1 October 2011. There will be up to £9m available for this new round.

New guidance notes and application forms are available on the Darwin website at http://darwin.defra.gov.uk. If you have difficulty accessing the information and forms, please contact Darwin Applications on Darwin-applications@ltsi.co.uk or on 0131 440 5180. The documents can also be made available in large print on request.

Please note that the process for full projects will be carried out in two stages. Only those applicants successful at Stage 1 will be asked to continue to Stage 2. Please ensure that you read the guidance carefully and complete the forms accordingly – word counts and provision of supporting documentation will be strictly enforced.

The closing date for Stage 1 applications is midnight on Monday 20 June 2011.

Stage 1 applicants will be notified during the week commencing Monday 15 August 2011 and successful applicants will be asked to submit full applications for Stage 2 by midnight on Monday 24 October 2011. Defra hopes to announce the successful Round 18 applications by the end of the year.

The closing date for full Post Project applications will be Monday 13 June 2011.

Further information on the Darwin Initiative, including lists of projects funded in previous rounds, can be found on the website.

If you no longer wish to receive details about Darwin Initiative, or if this email was incorrectly addressed, please let us know and we will amend your listing.


Regards

Eilidh Young
Darwin Projects
DDI 0131 440 5181
http://darwin.defra.gov.uk

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