In a world where biodiversity conservation is paramount, the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) emerges as a beacon of hope. Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in collaboration with KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau), this program places tiger conservation at its heart while also acknowledging the vital role of local communities. As we embark on Phase IV, a new call for concept notes has been announced, igniting a fresh wave of commitment towards the protection of these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
The ITHCP's Integrated Approach
The ITHCP adopts an integrated approach, seamlessly weaving together species and habitat conservation with the socio-economic development of the communities that coexist with these majestic creatures. This comprehensive strategy aims to bolster tiger conservation by enhancing management and monitoring of protected areas, strengthening the prey base, fortifying protection measures, addressing human-wildlife conflicts, and bolstering the sustainable management of resources. Ultimately, these endeavors contribute significantly to the Global Tiger Recovery Programme (GTRP) and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Expanding the Scope: Tigers, Leopards, and Clouded Leopards
One notable aspect of this call is its expanded focus. While continuing the legacy of tiger conservation from the previous phases, this call goes a step further by also supporting two other charismatic big cat species: the common leopard (Panthera pardus) and the clouded leopards, including both the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi). These species share similar habitat requirements with tigers and often find themselves entangled in human-wildlife conflicts. By including them in our conservation efforts, we pave the way for broader habitat restoration and prepare the ground for tiger recovery through a holistic approach to habitat and conflict management.
Eligibility Expansion: Welcoming Cambodia and Thailand
In addition to the six Tiger Range Countries previously funded under ITHCP, namely India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Indonesia, this call extends its reach to Cambodia and Thailand. This expansion underscores the program's commitment to transboundary collaboration in the pursuit of ecological connectivity and tiger conservation.
Funding Information
A total of €10.7 million is earmarked for this call, offering substantial resources to empower innovative conservation projects. Project grants may vary, ranging from a minimum of €0.5 million to a maximum of €2 million. It is important to note that each project should secure a minimum of 20% in match funding.
Project Duration
The proposed projects should span a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of 30 months. The start date will be determined upon the signing of the grant agreement.
Eligible Activities
To be considered for funding, projects within eligible Discretionary Protected Areas (DPAs) must:
1. Contribute to Conservation: Projects should aim to safeguard target species populations, protect their habitats, and uplift the livelihoods of local communities.
2. Focus on Tiger Conservation: While broadening the scope to include other big cat species, projects should emphasize how actions taken directly or indirectly contribute to tiger conservation.
3. Habitat Protection and Restoration: Projects should adopt a landscape approach involving multiple stakeholders, connecting and expanding functional corridors for habitat protection and restoration.
4. Transboundary Collaboration: Promote strategic transboundary conservation collaboration to ensure habitat connectivity, fostering joint conservation actions, monitoring, and protection across borders.
5. Effective Law Enforcement: Establish efficient law enforcement and monitoring, integrate communities into site protection strategies, and ensure inclusive protection.
6. Engaging Communities: Activities involving indigenous peoples or local communities in anti-poaching or addressing illegal wildlife trade should outline a clear "theory of change" leading to a reduction in poaching or illegal trade.
7. Wildlife Law Enforcement Training: Activities involving wildlife law enforcement personnel should include social safeguards training to ensure comprehensive application of safeguards throughout the project.
8. Scientific Habitat Management: Habitat management activities should follow validated scientific approaches that positively impact the target species while avoiding adverse effects on other species.
9. Sustainable Livelihood Activities: Initiatives aimed at reducing pressure on target species and their habitats, as well as improving the well-being of local communities, should demonstrate sustainability and ongoing community engagement.
10. Alignment with Environmental Policies: Projects should align with local, regional, and national government environmental policies.
11. Long-term Sustainability: Ensure the long-term sustainability of activities and results achieved.
12. Community Involvement: Engage local communities in the project's development and implementation to enhance conservation stewardship.
Eligible Species
Projects should target one or more of the following species: tigers (Panthera tigris), leopards (Panthera pardus), and clouded leopards, encompassing both mainland clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) and Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi). All projects should clearly indicate how their activities contribute to tiger conservation, directly or indirectly.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Be a local or international non-governmental organization (NGO), or a local or national civil society organization (CSO), or a local or national government authority directly responsible for project preparation and implementation.
2. Possess a bank account in the organization's name, preferably in EUR.
3. Be authorized under relevant national laws to receive charitable contributions, including from sources outside their respective countries.
4. International NGOs must work closely with national stakeholders, local communities, and obtain the necessary government consents and authorizations.
5. Demonstrate the engagement of local staff if the applicant is not a national/local organization.
6. Provide a Certificate of Registration or a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government, showing the authority to operate in the relevant project site.
This call for concept notes offers a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on the conservation of these incredible big cat species and their habitats. For more information and to submit your concept note, please visit the IUCN website.
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