The GEF is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and supporting land and ocean health
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZF) announces a new partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to launch the Global Field Grants, part of the Fonseca Leadership Program.
The initiative, supported by a USD1.5 million commitment over three years, aims to empower young conservationists worldwide by providing essential financial support for both current and future researchers and practitioners in the field.
What is the Global Environment Facility?
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The GEF is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and supporting land and ocean health.
Its financing enables developing countries to tackle complex environmental challenges and work towards international goals.
Who is Gustavo Fonseca?
In 2023, the GEF initiated the Gustavo Fonseca Youth Leadership Program to commemorate the late GEF Director of Programs, Gustavo Fonseca.
The Fonseca Leadership Program aims to cultivate a pipeline of young professionals in GEF countries, offering conservation fellowships, grants for biodiversity fieldwork, awards for international conservation events, and a recurring global conservation symposium.
What are the Global Field Grants?
As part of the Fonseca Leadership Program, the Global Field Grants will channel USD500,000 annually through the MBZF’s online application and review system to support young conservationists in developing nations.
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The MBZF will focus on enabling field conservation projects globally, ensuring impactful support for emerging conservationists.
Why MBZF?
The MBZF, operational in over 170 countries and with a track record of supporting more than 2,800 conservation projects since its inception, is an ideal partner for this initiative.
Nicolas Heard, Acting Director General of the MBZF, emphasised the Fund’s commitment to supporting early-career conservationists, noting that 63 per cent of their recipients are first-time grantees.
What is the goal of this partnership?
“This partnership aims to empower young people from developing countries, amplifying their voices and enhancing their participation in environmental research and policy,” says said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF.
“The GEF is dedicated to investing in the next generation, who will play pivotal roles in environmental governance and stewardship.”
For more information or to apply for a Global Field Grant supported by the Fonseca Leadership Program, visit Species Conservation
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