Call for proposals to protect nature under threat

The IUCN NL Land Acquisition Fund invites local conservation organisations and civil society organisations (CSOs) to submit their proposal for land acquisition to protect nature. The fund contributes to initiatives acquiring natural areas, creating reserves and connecting the habitat of endangered species. For 25 years, the Land Acquisition Fund has been enabling the protection of important ecosystems around the globe through land purchase, long-term land leasing and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs).

Header photo: conservationist in Kyrgyzstan © Ilbirs

Main criteria for proposals

The general objective of the proposed project must be in line with the objective of the Land Acquisition Fund: providing funds to local NGOs and CSOs to acquire threatened nature, create reserves and connect habitats for endangered species.

Furthermore, potentially successful proposals from NGOs or CSOs have:

• experience and capacity concerning the effective management of a conservation area, and
• experience and capacity in the field of project management and financial management and control.

The Land Acquisition Fund cannot grant financial assistance to:

• individuals,
• commercial (for profit) organisations,
• governmental institutions, and
• projects/ organisations with a primary focus on sustainable agricultural systems or to education, rescue, or rehabilitation centres.

Proposal deadline: Thursday, 1 May 2025

Guidelines for privately protected areas

Together with American Bird Conservancy, the Land Acquisition Fund has published a manual with practical guidelines for people managing privately protected areas. This manual is based on lessons learnt from managers and other experts, and includes pragmatic steps guiding readers from the creation phase to the development of management tools.

Applicants are advised to read the manual:

• Download the manual in English
• Descarge el manual en español
• Descarregue o manual em português

About the Land Acquisition Fund

For 25 years, the IUCN NL Land Acquisition Fund has been enabling the protection of the habitat of endangered and vulnerable species. Through the work of the local conservation NGOs, safeguarding important ecosystems creates a win-win for biodiversity, the climate and human well-being. The Land Acquisition Fund is supported by a growing number of private donors.