The Initiative was set up to provide UK grants and expertise to projects in countries rich in biodiversity but poor in conservation resources. The projects enable countries to fulfil their obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity signed by 180 countries at the Rio summit.
Grants are awarded for up to three years and typically offer £35,000 a year. Half of all the 270 projects funded so far have been in Africa and Asia. Projects include land snails surveys in Sri Lanka; biomapping of bird species in Colombia; biodiversity training workshops in Vietnam; sustainable coffee plantations in El Salvador and vulture conservation in India.
Up to 30 new projects a year are awarded grants. To apply for a grant visit the
Department of Environment’s website.