Natural ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves help protect shorelines from storms and sea level rise. Healthy seas support fisheries, unique species and habitats that attract visitors – key to a tourism industry that is often the main driver of the local economy. Sustainable development that preserves this natural capital is vital for these overseas entities.

The BEST 2.0 Programme, coordinated by IUCN and supported by the European Commission Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) as part of the EU Biodiversity for Life (B4Life) initiative is offering much needed, accessible and targeted funding for on-the-ground conservation action and sustainable development. The 2015 calls already funded 8 Small grant projects and 8 Medium grant projects.

On the dedicated BEST 2.0 Programme’s portal, interested parties can find the guidelines to apply for a small grant and a medium grant, criteria, answers to frequently asked questions, lessons learnt from the former call. Eligible applicants can submit a full proposal for a small grant until the 23^rd of May 2016 and the deadline to submit full proposals for a Medium Grant is the 25th of July 2016.

Further information can be found on this website, including the BEST initiative history, fact sheets on previously funded projects and updates on the work of the regional partners. 

Read BEST Newsletters    for the latest updates on these projects and subscribe to stay informed.

Find out more about Europe Overseas entities, their natural wonders, as well as IUCN and its partners’ efforts to conserve them.

For more information, please contact: 
Carole Martinez, BEST 2.0 Consortium Manager Carole.martinez@iucn.org
Daniel Mitchell, BEST 2.0 Project Officer Daniel.mitchell@iucn.org