Today: 1 June 2025
11 November 2022
2 mins read

New Commonwealth grants for ocean projects

To apply, countries must be a member of at least one of the 10 Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups or indicate their commitment to join…reports Asian Lite News

The Commonwealth Secretariat has announced the first call for proposals under the newly-established Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator.

New technical support and funding is being made available to governments to support projects that promote ocean protection and marine development, while tackling climate change.

This includes small grants worth between 5,000 and 50,000 pounds targeting a range of activities that support ocean policy and project development, such as training, capacity-building, knowledge exchanges and rapid climate risk or vulnerability assessments, ideally carried out in collaboration with a non-government partner.

Speaking at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, urged all member countries to apply.

“With 49 out of 56 member countries bordering the ocean, including 25 small island developing states, the Commonwealth accounts for more than one-third of the ocean under national jurisdiction. The Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator is a critical step forward in supporting these countries in the delivery of their ocean commitments, including those under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 as well as their Nationally Determined Contributions.

“I strongly encourage member governments to take advantage of this call for applications and submit robust proposals that support the development of sustainable blue economies, while addressing one of the greatest global challenges of our time — climate change.”

Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Head of Oceans and Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat, added: “The Blue Charter Project Incubator provides a vehicle for all Commonwealth governments to pilot innovative solutions addressing their most urgent national priorities for ocean sustainability and resilience, learn from each other’s experiences and build capacity for implementation.

“With ocean action and marine conservation (SDG14) being the least funded among all the Sustainable Development Goals, this is an important contribution that recognises the role of our ocean as the world’s largest carbon sink and a home to the majority of Earth’s living species.”

To apply, countries must be a member of at least one of the 10 Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups or indicate their commitment to join.

The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement by all 56 Commonwealth nations to work actively together to address some of the world’s most pressing ocean challenges. It is implemented through 10 country-led action groups focusing on key thematic areas: coral reef restoration, mangrove ecosystems and livelihoods, marine plastic pollution, marine protected areas, ocean acidification, ocean climate action, ocean observation, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable blue economy and sustainable coastal fisheries.

ALSO READ-Commonwealth Faces Existential Crisis

Previous Story

Dubai Gurudwara Celebrates 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji

Next Story

Modi to attend G20 summit in Indonesia

Latest from -Top News

UAE aid for Gaza in global focus

Titled Hope Remains, the documentary brings to light the UAE’s leading role in providing vital aid and support to the people of Gaza. The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a

Syria, Israel begin quiet talks

The announcement came just hours after Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out new airstrikes in Syria’s coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, hitting a range of military targets. Syria has confirmed the commencement

Gaza truce deal hits new snag

US says Hamas’ reply to the ceasefire plan was “totally unacceptable” and accused the Palestinian group of dragging the negotiations backward. The latest attempt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza has hit

IAEA flags Iran enrichment spike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in two separate but related reports, said Iran has boosted its uranium stockpile enriched up to 60% purity by nearly 50% since February. Iran has vehemently

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Is Commonwealth still relevant for India?

It may be more useful for India to not severe

Neeraj Chopra to lead 37-member athletics team in Commonwealth Games

“Shot Puttter Tajinderpal Singh Toor will have to perform well