Abu Dhabi Fund launches young conservationist grants scheme

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) has announced the launch of Global Field Grants, a $1.5 million commitment over three years to empower young conservationists worldwide.

As part of the Fonseca Leadership Programme, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), it will provide essential financial support for both current and future researchers and practitioners in the field.

The GEF is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution and supporting land and ocean health. Its financing enables developing countries to address complex challenges and work towards international environmental goals.

In 2023, GEF initiated the Gustavo Fonseca Youth Leadership Programme to commemorate the late GEF Director of Programmes, Gustavo Fonseca.

The Fonseca Leadership Programme aims to cultivate a pipeline of young professionals in GEF countries by offering conservation fellowships, grants for biodiversity fieldwork, awards for participation in international conservation events, and a recurring global conservation symposium that unites young environmental leaders.

As part of the programme, the Global Field Grants partnership with the MBZ Fund will channel $500,000 annually through the Fund's online application and review system to support young conservationists in developing nations. The MBZ Fund will focus on enabling field conservation projects globally, ensuring impactful support for emerging conservationists.

"Recognising that people drive these conservation efforts, our commitment goes beyond funding. We focus on supporting early-career or budding conservationists at the start of their journey. Over the past 15 years, we have supported 63 per cent first-time recipients, representing the next generation of conservationists," said Nicolas Heard, Acting Director-General of the MBZ Fund.

The MBZ Fund is operational in over 170 countries with a track record of supporting more than 2,800 conservation projects globally since its inception.