Call for
Rapid Response Facility funding for Conservation Emergencies in UNESCO natural World Heritage sites
Application Deadline:
13 May 2025
About Organisation
The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) is a unique emergency funding mechanism established to safeguard natural World Heritage sites during times of unexpected crisis. It functions through a strong collaboration between the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Fauna & Flora International (FFI). With UNESCO’s global oversight and FFI’s field-level expertise and political insight, the RRF carries substantial credibility and operational efficiency. The RRF was developed to ensure that urgent conservation threats—such as sudden deforestation, illegal mining, or poaching surges—are met with fast and effective responses. Its main goal is to prevent irreversible damage to ecosystems that are globally recognized for their outstanding universal value. Through this strategic partnership, the RRF ensures that both the political and ecological aspects of heritage conservation are addressed, offering site-level action backed by international standards. The RRF plays a vital role in bridging the critical gap between the emergence of a threat and the arrival of longer-term funding or government intervention. Their quick and focused response mechanism reflects a proactive and impactful approach to biodiversity conservation, particularly in the most vulnerable and high-priority ecosystems worldwide.
About the Grant
The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) grant is specifically designed to offer immediate financial assistance to protect natural World Heritage sites during unforeseen emergencies. It targets threats that arise suddenly and require urgent on-ground action to prevent lasting or irreversible damage to biodiversity. These may include illegal activities, natural disasters, or unanticipated ecological threats. To be eligible, the site must be located in a country listed as eligible for official development assistance (ODA) according to the OECD. While priority is given to designated UNESCO natural World Heritage sites, in rare and exceptional cases, the RRF may consider applications from other internationally significant areas, including Man & Biosphere Reserves and Ramsar sites, provided they demonstrate global ecological importance. The RRF assesses emergencies based on criteria like recent emergence, unpredictability, urgency of response, and potential long-term impact. Grants are intended for rapid deployment, often within days or a couple of weeks, to ensure immediate conservation benefits. The fund does not cover ongoing issues or pre-planned conservation efforts. Instead, it focuses on sudden, high-impact situations where immediate intervention can prevent major biodiversity losses. Each grant request must justify how it meets these emergency criteria for consideration.
Who can Apply?
RRF grants are open to any organization with authorized access to work on a designated site under threat. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Eligible entities include government bodies involved in wildlife or park management, national or international NGOs, and private sector organizations—both local and multinational. The applicant must have the legal and operational capacity to manage funds through an official organizational bank account, capable of receiving payments in US Dollars directly from the UK. The site in question must be located in a country that qualifies for official development assistance (ODA) as defined by the OECD. Eligible sites must be UNESCO-recognized natural World Heritage sites. In rare cases, sites on the tentative list under the natural or mixed category may also be considered. Additionally, areas like Ramsar sites or UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves may qualify if they demonstrate a direct link to the Outstanding Universal Values (OUV) of a nearby World Heritage site. To qualify, the threat must be sudden, unpredictable, and time-sensitive, with potential long-term impacts on biodiversity. Organizations applying must clearly demonstrate that the threat emerged recently and that the proposed actions will produce immediate conservation benefits.
How to Apply?
To apply for an RRF grant, complete the official application form and email it to rrf@fauna-flora.org. All submissions must include two independent referees. NGOs and private entities must also attach a support letter from the site management authority. The form is available for download on the RRF platform. Ensure all supporting documentation is complete for your application to be considered.
Application Deadline
There is no fixed deadline for applications. The RRF accepts proposals on a rolling basis to ensure rapid response to emergencies as and when they arise.
Last Date to Apply
Since RRF grants address emergencies, applications are reviewed continuously. Interested organizations should apply as soon as possible once an eligible threat arises to maximize their chances.
Grant Amount
The grant amount varies depending on the nature and urgency of the threat, with funding aimed at supporting immediate conservation actions. Typically, these grants cover short-term emergency interventions.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
