The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) seeks to find the most innovative startups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The UNWTO Awards acknowledge the contribution of institutions to competitive and sustainable tourism development. Tourism startups should contribute to one of six goals: Local community involvement; Green and blue economies; Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation; Tourism Tech for Good; Tourism Education; Women Empowerment. There is no cash award. The winners will receive a trophy and a certificate. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2022. Link to UNWTO
Day: May 1, 2022
U.S. Department of State — Inclusive Action for Climate Change
The U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out the “Inclusive Action for Climate Change” program to promote gender equity in climate policymaking and programs in South Asia. The project will assist women-led organizations to advocate for and achieve gender equity and equality in climate change adaptation efforts, including in emergency preparedness and recovery from climate-related disasters. Awards may range to a maximum of US$1.48 million. Eligible applicants are U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society organizations, and educational institutions. Applications are due no later than 30 June 2022. Inclusive Action for Climate Change
Mitsubishi Corporation — Decarbonize
Mitsubishi Corporation and NYK Line seek startups for a startup bootcamp with focus on the clean energy transition and sustainability through decarbonization. The program aims to scout and support promising startups with disruptive technologies and business ideas to solve problems in the energy and resource sectors. During the 3-month accelerator program, selected startups receive hands-on mentorship, seed funding and access to a global network of investors with the ultimate goal of scaling their businesses. The application deadline is 10 July 2022. Decarbonize
World Ocean Initiative — Ocean Changemakers Challenge
The Ocean Changemakers Challenge seeks business solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. The challenge is aimed at early-career researchers and professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators with solutions to ocean challenges, e.g. marine pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of marine resources, unsustainable aquaculture, or destruction of ocean habitats. Three finalists will receive guidance from renowned ocean leaders as part of a 12-month mentorship program and present their business idea for a blue economy at the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit in Canada (October 2022). Entries close on 19 August 2022. Next steps
The Gorilla Organization — Ymke Warren Memorial Conservation Award
The Gorilla Organization is a UK-registered charity whose mission is to secure the survival of the world’s last remaining gorillas in the wild. The annual Ymke Warren Memorial Conservation Award of £750 is made to African researchers for fieldwork that contributes to the understanding of and/or conservation of wild gorillas and other great apes. Eligibility extends to early-career researchers from gorilla range state countries (Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea, Gabon, Congo, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda). The deadline for applications is 31 August 2022. Further details
TRACE and Alfred Friendly — Investigative Reporting Fellowship
TRACE and Alfred Friendly provide fellowships to strengthen investigative journalism (including reporting on environmental crimes, climate change and others). The program provides training seminars at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia (USA). The fellowship covers all costs of program-related international and domestic travel, health insurance and provides a monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses. Candidates must be between 25-35 years old and have at least three years of experience as a journalist at a print, online or broadcast media outlet. The fellowship is open to early-career journalists from developing countries. Complete applications must be submitted by 31 August 2022. Details
Entrepreneurship Campus — Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition
The Entrepreneurship Campus invites innovative ideas for the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition to create a culture for entrepreneurship and implement one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants are invited to submit their innovative ideas and projects with a societal impact. Entries will be posted on the competition website and are subject to online commenting and public voting. Winners receive a virtual badge and a certificate. Participants from 13 to 29 years who are operating a business, a non-profit organization or an informal program are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted until 15 September 2022. Know more
United States Agency for International Development — Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships
The Ecuador New Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships Initiative is designed to increase seascape conservation, combat illegal fishing, reduce ocean plastic pollution, achieve sustainable forests management, and support forest carbon sequestration and economic reactivation. USAID/Ecuador seeks implementing partners from the private sector and civil society. This includes private businesses, foundations, non-profit NGOs, and private educational institutions. USAID/Ecuador is prepared to make 4-6 individual awards of up to US$10 million each. The closing date for applications is 20 October 2022. Details here