In a world where economic opportunities often seem elusive, the European Commission (EC) is taking proactive steps to support the creation of sustainable livelihoods in Bolivia. This initiative aims to provide alternatives to coca cultivation while promoting economic, social, and environmental well-being. In this blog post, we'll delve into the program's objectives, priorities, eligible activities, and more.
Program Objectives
The EC's call for proposals in Bolivia has specific objectives that focus on sustainable economic development:
1. Improved Agricultural Practices: Enhance alternative agricultural and agroecological practices among small-scale producers in or around coca leaf production areas.
2. Strengthening Value Chains: Improve the economic, social, environmental, and equity aspects of alternative value chains related to coca leaf production.
3. Enhanced Income Opportunities: Elevate the quality of income-generating activities that serve as alternatives to coca leaf production in these areas.
Thematic Priorities
To achieve these objectives effectively, the program has outlined thematic priorities:
1. Partnerships and Coordination: Encourage complementarity and synergies with national and international programs. Effective coordination with related institutions, producer organizations, and civil society representatives is crucial.
2. Innovation and Cross-cutting Themes: Promote innovative proposals that address at least two of the following cross-cutting themes: gender equality, youth engagement, digitalization, environmental sustainability, and circular economy principles.
3. Agroecology: Integrate the principles of food systems and agroecology into proposed projects.
Geographical Focus
The program's geographical priorities are divided into two lots:
1. Lot 1: Sustainable and resilient alternative systems to climate change in the Yungas and North Peace regions.
2. Lot 2: Alternative sustainable and resilient systems to climate change in the tropics of Cochabamba.
Funding Information
The program allocates a total indicative budget of EUR 4,000,000 for this call for proposals. However, the EC reserves the right not to award all available funds. The grant amounts range from a minimum of EUR 500,000 to a maximum of EUR 1,000,000 for both Lot 1 and Lot 2.
Duration
Proposed actions should have an initial duration of no less than 36 months and no more than 48 months.
Eligible Activities
The program encourages various activities that contribute to sustainable livelihoods and agricultural practices:
1. Promote Agricultural Innovations: Encourage the adoption of biological solutions to improve agricultural productivity and resilience.
2. Soil Management: Support the use of integrated soil management, organic fertilizers, and bioactivators produced by small and medium-sized enterprises.
3. Mechanization: Invest in small-scale mechanization to enhance labor productivity in agriculture.
4. Digital Solutions: Develop digital tools for knowledge sharing and advisory services for farmers.
5. Biodiversity: Increase agrobiodiversity through the provision of diverse seeds and animal breeds.
6. Value Chain Development: Support sustainable and climate-resilient value chain activities, including post-harvest processing, cold chains, and marketing, based on circular economy principles.
7. Diversification: Encourage micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to explore alternative activities to coca leaf production.
8. Policy Advocacy: Improve knowledge of public policies related to coca production to strengthen civil society's influence on policy decisions.
Location
All actions funded under this program will be executed in the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
Eligibility Criteria
The program welcomes applications from eligible entities:
- The main applicant must be a legal person without a profit motive, such as a non-governmental organization or foundation. They should be established in an eligible country, including Bolivia, and be directly responsible for action preparation and management.
- At least one co-applicant is required, and they must meet similar eligibility criteria as the main applicant. Co-applicants actively participate in action design and implementation.
- Affiliated entities may also be involved but must have a structural link with the main applicant or co-applicants, such as control over financial statements or membership in the same network or association.
The European Commission's initiative in Bolivia offers an invaluable opportunity to address economic challenges and promote sustainable livelihoods. By supporting innovative projects that align with thematic priorities and engage in partnerships, this program aims to create a positive impact on agriculture and the overall well-being of communities in Bolivia.
For detailed information and application procedures, visit the https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home. Join hands with the EC in building a more sustainable future for Bolivian communities.
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