The CaMPAM Network and Forum was established in the mid-1990's as a broad partnership among stakeholders in marine resources in the wider Caribbean. The mission of the CaMPAM N & F is the Enhancement of marine and coastal area management in the Wider Caribbean Region through sharing and collaboration to strengthen our national and regional systems of existing and future marine and coastal protected areas. These grants are part of the core activities associated with the CaMPAM N & F. For more information, please visit the CaMPAM N & F home page.

With funding provided since 2005 by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the SPAW Programme of the UNEP CEP has made available a Small Grant Fund administered by GCFI for promoting sustainable fishing practices and alternative livelihoods for fishers. This fund forms part of the CEP/SPAW initiative to develop adequate management plans and programmes for priority species of regional concern including those of economic value.  Funds can be accessed for a maximum of US$15,000. The application form is available for download at the bottom of the page. The Small Grant Fund  is open for organizations or institutions (individual applications will not be considered). Only successful applicants will be contacted to submit additional information.

Priority topics include but are not limited to:

• Application of results of previous projects at a pilot or commercial level, in the locality
• Projects that allow for the increase or maintenance of fishing yields or the economic income of the fishers leading to regulation or reduction of fishing effort to promote the restoration of the fishing populations
• Description of fishing practices that serve as a basis for MPA zoning, and the elaboration or application of fishing regulations
• Application of economic alternatives for fishermen (displaced by zoning restrictions)
• Consultation processes with communities to identify and promote sustainable alternatives livelihoods for fishermen
• Raising awareness of local community, resource users or other stakeholders on the needs of sustainably managing fisheries resources
• Fostering fishing cooperatives
• Testing or application of a community approach on fisheries management (exclusive fishing rights, concessions of fishing areas, etc.)
• Exchange of experiences and best practices among fishermen of different countries; and
• Training of fishermen or other stakeholders on economic alternatives or sustainable fishing practices.