About Organisation
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) is a leader in advancing science, policy, and action for transformational stewardship and long-term development of the Western Indian Ocean coastal and marine environment. The organization’s mission promotes educational, scientific, and technological development across all aspects of marine science in the region. WIOMSA envisions a thriving, sustainable, and equitable Western Indian Ocean region supported by scientific knowledge, effective policies, and strong institutions. Through collaborative initiatives and strategic partnerships, WIOMSA addresses critical marine conservation challenges while building regional capacity for effective coastal and marine resource management and protection.
About the Grant
The Hifadhi Blu Programme, a collaborative initiative by WIOMSA, Advanced Conservation Strategies, WIOMPAN, and Minderoo Foundation, offers funding to enhance marine conservation management and improve Marine Conservation Area effectiveness in the Western Indian Ocean region. Each grant provides up to two hundred thousand US dollars over two years (2026-2028), disbursed in two tranches based on Year 1 performance. Eight sites will be selected for this cohort-based implementation period. Projects must strengthen site-level management effectiveness, addressing critical gaps in enforcement, governance, ecological monitoring, and stakeholder conflict resolution. Priority given to realistic, focused interventions demonstrating long-term sustainability, institutional ownership, community legitimacy, and Free Prior Informed Consent.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must demonstrate clear management responsibility for the project intervention site through either formal mandate (legal/administrative recognition as managing authority, including government agencies, parastatals, gazetted entities, or private operators with conservation mandates) or de facto community mandate (customary, traditional, or community-based authority locally recognized for managing marine and coastal resources). Eligible entities include legally recognized management authorities, community-based organizations, fishers’ associations, local committees with established governance structures, and co-managed sites with shared decision-making between communities, government, NGOs, or private actors. Projects must directly link to existing management plans, IMET baselines, or equivalent diagnostics, demonstrating prior or planned community consultations and commitment to FPIC where relevant.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit concise motivation letters (2-3 pages) in English, French, or Portuguese via WIOMSA Proposal Central by November 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time. Letters should outline proposed sites, key management challenges, priority interventions, expected outcomes, and partnering roles without detailed budgets. First-time applicants must create Proposal Central profiles before submission. Registration and application access available through WIOMSA’s online portal.
Application Deadline
The submission deadline is November 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time. Motivation letters must be submitted through WIOMSA Proposal Central by this date and time for consideration.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
