Call for proposals: Keeping nature at the heart of post-COVID recovery

MAVA is seeking innovative ideas to better promote nature in the (post)-COVID-19 world that is currently being shaped. 

This call for proposals is open to public or private stakeholders that meet the criteria. The proposals should have an emphasis on the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. The geographical scope of the propositions can either be global or target more specifically one or more of the MAVA regions, namely: the Mediterranean, Coastal West Africa, Switzerland, and the EU countries.

The deadline for submitting a proposal is 23 October 2020. More information on how to apply can be found here.

Purpose

This call for proposals seeks to support activities that strengthen nature conservation in the immediate recovery phase and the mid-term (re)construction phase of the COVID crisis.

MAVA is seeking innovative ideas to better promote nature in the (post)-COVID-19 world that is currently being shaped. As economic and financial systems are rebooted, they are aiming for ideas for actions in a broad range of areas and sectors that can translate into tangible impacts for nature and biodiversity conservation.

With this call for proposals, MAVA Foundation will provide funding to successful applicants, for:

• Supporting / influencing the formulation of recovery plans or other initiatives to:
  • Increase recovery spending for nature conservation (immediate recovery);
  • Ensure that nature and environmental sustainability are solidly embedded in the economic rebuild and associated future spending (beyond immediate recovery);
  • Use current stimulus spending for structural reform in economic or financial systems for more nature;
  • Ensure that the conditions attached to receiving funding from recovery plans are met and include nature.
• Promoting / negotiating debt-for-nature swaps in MAVA regions.
• Other ideas for greening the post-COVID recovery dynamics in line with MAVA’s mission and vision.

Eligibility

The geographical scope of the propositions can either be global or target more specifically one or more of MAVA regions, namely: the Mediterranean, Coastal West Africa, Switzerland, and the EU countries.

The proposals should have an emphasis on the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. Proposals targeting only climate change mitigation are excluded.

Selection criteria

The main criteria for selecting proposals are as follows:

• Extent of expected positive impact for nature, measurable by July 2022
• Proven track record
• Capacity for quick start up (appropriate staff in place for a starting date no later than January 2021) 
• Strong organization, including a sufficient capacity to upscale activities
• Team profile and network

If you have questions or need further information, please contact benjamin.landreau@fondationmava.org.