{"id":265915,"date":"2025-03-26T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?p=265915"},"modified":"2025-03-26T11:33:25","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T10:33:25","slug":"bestlife2030-call-for-proposals-empowering-conservation-action-in-the-caribbean-part-of-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/geen-categorie\/bestlife2030-call-for-proposals-empowering-conservation-action-in-the-caribbean-part-of-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands\/","title":{"rendered":"BESTLIFE2030 Call for Proposals: Empowering conservation action in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We are pleased to announce the second Call for Proposals under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme. This is more than just a funding opportunity\u2014it\u2019s a call to action for initiatives that will deliver tangible conservation results in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten<\/strong>.\u00a0Initiatives that directly address local biodiversity challenges can submit their proposal until 30 May 2025.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Headerphoto: A diver and research submarine in the Caribbean Sea \u00a9 Queen Conch hatchery <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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The Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands harbours a rich biodiversity including coral reefs, wet and dry tropical forest and scrublands, salt panes, mangroves and sea grass. The region\u2019s biodiversity is phasing multiple threats including soil erosion, excess nutrients due to poor waste water management, climate change impacts and a variety of invasive alien plant and animal species, including feral cats, goats and donkeys. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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So far, the EU funded BESTLIFE2030 Programme disbursed 551.163 euros to six nature conservation projects<\/a> in Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Cura\u00e7ao and Bonaire. The initiatives granted range from supporting the reintroduction of the endangered queen conch \u2013 a keystone species which controls algae growth on coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems \u2013, to strengthening law enforcement to safeguard the unique nature of Klein Bonaire. And from introducing syntropic farming methods on Sint Eustatius offering a sustainable alternative for unsustainable livestock practices, to combating soil erosion and increasing the protection of sharks and rays around Sint Maarten.\u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Building on the momentum of efforts like this, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme seeks to fund additional local initiatives that provide practical, scalable solutions benefiting both ecosystems and communities.\u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Nature conservation in the European Union\u2019s overseas countries and territories <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The BESTLIFE2030programme provides funding for nature conservation and restoration initiatives in the European Union\u2019s overseas countries and territories, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. Many of the overseas territories are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are exposed to numerous environmental pressures. In these areas Bestlife2030 aims to contribute to the goals of the EU\u2019s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 by helping to stop and reverse the loss of biodiversity. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Europe\u2019s Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories hold over 80% of Europe\u2019s biodiversity. These unique and fragile ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change, invasive alien species, habitat loss, and overexploitation. The Global Biodiversity Framework\u2019s Target 3 calls for the protection of 30% of the world\u2019s land, inland waters, and marine areas by 2030. By supporting community-driven conservation efforts, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme plays a pivotal role in helping EU countries meet this commitment and drive impactful, lasting change.\u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Queen Conch adults on the seabed of Curacao \u00a9 Michiel van Nierop \/ Queen Conch hatchery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Why should you apply?\u202f <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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