The Commonwealth Secretariat has announced the first call for proposals under the newly established Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator.

New technical support and funding is being made available to governments to support projects that promote ocean protection and marine development, while tackling climate change.

This includes small grants worth between £5000 and £50,000 targeting a range of activities that support ocean policy and project development, such as training, capacity-building, knowledge exchanges and rapid climate risk or vulnerability assessments, ideally carried out in collaboration with a non-government partner.

One-stop shop

To apply, countries must be a member of at least one of the 10 Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups or indicate their commitment to join. The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement by all 56 Commonwealth nations to work actively together to address some of the world’s most pressing ocean challenges.

Blue Charter implemented through ten country-led action groups focusing on key thematic areas: coral reef restoration, mangrove ecosystems and livelihoods, marine plastic pollution, marine protected areas, ocean acidification, ocean climate action, ocean observation, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable blue economy and sustainable coastal fisheries.

For further information and to apply for the fund, click here.