GULF AND CARIBBEAN FISHERIES INSTITUTE, UNEP-CARIBBEAN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM AND THE CARIBBEAN MPA MANAGEMENT NETWORK AND FORUM (CaMPAM)
2010 Grant Funding Availability- Request for Proposals - Closed
SMALL GRANT PROGRAM
For Exchange Visits to Promote Responsible/Sustainable Fishing Practices, Economic Alternatives for Fishers, and Effective Marine Managed Areas
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
- For application submission 5:00 pm EST January 15, 2010
- For completion of exchange visits and final report submissions: February 28, 2010.
As part of its continued support to the CaMPAM Network and Forum and the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI), the UNEP-Caribbean Environment Programme is pleased to announce the 2010 Edition of the Small Grant Fund for promoting sustainable marine resources management practices and alternative livelihoods for fishers. This program is part of the Specially Protected Area and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol of the Cartagena Convention program administered by the UNEP and its Caribbean Environment Programme, and focuses on building capacity to effectively manage both marine protected areas (MPAs) and fisheries resources, recognizing the critical contribution of MPAs in protecting and restoring fisheries and tourism resources, the two main environmental services of coral reef and associated habitats in the wider Caribbean. In 2010, the Buccoo Reef Trust became a partner in this program.
This particular fund provided by UN Environment Program and its Caribbean Environment Program is for a short notice opportunity to support an individual or group of individuals to visit one/several sites in order to acquire certain expertise to accomplish the Program objectives. This visit can be used for a short training or experience sharing that can be the follow-up previous exchanges, or for establishing a longer mentorship-apprentice relationship.
Program Priority will be given to build capacity of fishers, marine protected areas managers, tour operators, and local trainers from countries-Party of the SPAW Protocol of the Cartagena Convention to address the following issues:
- Generating revenue generation alternatives for fishermen displaced by resource depletion and/or zoning restrictions including training of tour guides and other related capabilities, production of fish products with added value (sustainably harvested), etc.;
- Development of areas of both no-take (marine reserves) and responsible fishing practices within marine protected areas;
- Educating local community, resource users and policy-makers on the needs of sustainably managing marine resources;
- Development of community-based fisheries management (exclusive fishing rights, concessions of fishing areas, etc.);
- Exchange of experiences and best practices among fishermen and/or marine protected area managers of different countries;
- Fostering fishing cooperatives.
- Assessment of marine resources to document environmental services
Applicants must complete and submit the application form by January 15, 2010, and only successful applicants will be contacted to submit additional information. The exchange visit and final report submission to GCFI must be completed by February 28. The maximum amount per grant is 9,000 USD.
Applications will be accepted by email, fax, or mail. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm EST on 15 January 2010. Applications received after that time will not be considered.
APPLICATIONS and QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
SGF
Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
c/o FWC/FWRI
2796 Overseas Highway, Ste. 119
Marathon, Florida USA 33050
Attn: Alejandro Acosta
305-289-2330; 305-289-2334 (fax)
Email: sgf@gcfi.org; Alejandro.Acosta@gcfi.org