The Darwin Initiative

Darwin Initiative call for funding applications: round 17

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 CBD commitments.

Since its launch in 1992, the Darwin Initiative has committed more than £73 million in funding for 529 main projects and post projects (consolidating the results of already successful projects). In addition, 23 Darwin Fellowships have been awarded and over 130 small grants have allowed UK applicants to travel to meet and develop applications in collaboration with host country partners.

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.

Defra is now inviting applications from UK institutions and organisations in the UK Overseas Territories for support for Main projects and Post Projects to commence from April 2010. 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 at LTS International. 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 Tuesday 18 August 2009. Please send the completed form by email to Darwin-applications@ltsi.co.uk - ensuring that the proposed project title is in the subject line.

Stage 1 applicants will be notified by early October and successful applicants will be asked to submit full applications for Stage 2 by midnight on Monday 30 November 2009. Defra plans to announce the successful Round 17 applications at the end of January 2010.

The closing date for Post Project applications will be Monday 30 November 2009. We are keen to ensure an adequate balance of funding between Main Round and Post Project applications so we are requesting anyone considering a Post Project application to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by Friday 11 September 2009. Details are now available on the website. You should be aware that we will not be able to accept applications from any project that has not submitted an EOI.

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

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	Wed Jan 18 13:03 | Fossils collected by #Darwin discovered in cabinet at HQ of the British Geological Survey http://t.co/GAe0n921
	Thu Jan 12 12:00 | Remember - there is a subtle difference in the eligibility requirements this year. Read the guidance materials closely. http://t.co/ltEQ77oI
	Thu Jan 12 11:57 | Working in biodiversity and development? 18 days til the deadline for applications to the Scoping, Fellowship and Challenge Fund.
	Thu Jan 12 09:20 | The Darwin Initiative @Darwin_Defra assists poor countries that are rich in #biodiversity. Research by @UniofExeter http://t.co/SC0OQuwJ
	Fri Jan 06 09:06 | Birdlife new documentary highlights importance of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) for people in Nepal http://t.co/35avTjgN
	Wed Jan 04 13:33 | We're looking for articles for the next #Darwin newsletter from all Darwin project past and present. Deadline January 23rd!
	Thu Dec 22 15:58 | Merry Christmas from all at the Darwin Initiative. We hope to announce the results of the recent funding call in the New Year.

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