Concept proposals must address at least one of the following conservation priorities: Community-Based Marine Conservation and Management Grants – development and implementation of community-driven conservation initiatives, participatory zoning and management planning, capacity building for local communities and NGOs in marine resource management, conditions assessments of existing MPAs, and community engagement and awareness campaigns; Climate-Smart Management Planning and Implementation Grants – preparation and revision of climate-smart management and zoning plans, capacity development for agencies and NGOs in climate adaptation and resilience planning, monitoring and reporting on management plan implementation, and technical assessments for MPAs; National Mangroves Management Plan Grants – research and ground truthing, habitat monitoring and data collection, zoning of mangrove plans; Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project Grants – mangrove planting initiatives and removal of causeways; Blue Economy and Sustainable Use of Marine Resources Grants – capacity development for NGOs and local communities in blue economy ventures, innovative livelihood programs supporting conservation goals, conditions assessments for sustainable management, and community-based enterprise development; Capacity Development and Technical Assistance Grants for NGOs and Communities – training programs on climate-smart management, zoning, and monitoring, technical assessments and data collection, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement; Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Sharing Grants – development of community-based monitoring systems, data collection and ecological assessments, knowledge exchange platforms, and reporting aligned with national and international commitments.

The maximum funding available per project is USD 50,000, with additional consideration for special strategic projects. Eligible applicants include legally incorporated NGOs or CBOs registered for at least one year prior to August 2025, local academic institutions, research organizations, and government agencies. Projects must align with the priorities of the Bahamas Debt Conversion Project for Marine Conservation and demonstrate clear objectives, realistic budgets, organisational capacity, and a sound monitoring and evaluation framework.

Applications must be submitted through the BPAF online portal by the deadline, and only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in Phase II. Successful projects will be required to provide periodic progress reports and a final report detailing accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned, and audited financials.

For more information, visit Bahamas Protected Areas Fund.

https://bahamasprotected.com/cfp-debt-conversion-marine-conservation-program/#application-process