UN Environment and Think Beyond Plastic are sponsoring a worldwide innovation challenge for university students to fight the increasing problem of plastic in oceans. The winners in each of four categories of the competition will attend the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference in California (March 2018), and will receive free mentorship to help them develop their ideas. The competition is open to university students worldwide. The deadline for entries is 06 October 2017. Learn about the challenge
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National Geographic Society — Long-Distance Animal Migration
The National Geographic Society requests proposals from around the world to test innovative approaches that will improve the viability of migratory species. Projects may be focused around conservation, education, research, storytelling, or technology. Preference will be given to proposals that include feasible plans to measure baselines or demonstrate change in key indicators. Applicants may request from US$10 thousand to US$150 thousand to be used over one or two years. The application deadline is 01 October 2017. Link
World Meteorological Organization — International Prize for Model Development 2017
The World Climate Research Programme and the Global Climate Observing System invite nominations for the WCRP/WWRP International Prize for Model Development. The prize is awarded annually to an early- to mid-career researcher for outstanding contributions to model development related to weather and climate. Candidates should be within the first ten years of their career, as measured by receipt of a PhD or equivalent highest qualification. The prize encompasses a certificate, as well as funding for the recipient to present at a major conference or meeting of her/his choice. The deadline for nominations is 01 October 2017. Nominate your candidate here
Elephant Family — Conservation Grants for Asian Elephants
Elephant Family makes grants for projects that have direct benefits for wild Asian elephants. There is no maximum or minimum grant, but grants above £100 thousand per year are unlikely to be funded. Elephant Family will fund projects which can demonstrate clear measurable benefits within a defined time period of normally 2 to 5 years. The application deadline is 02 October 2017. More information here
British Council — Research Workshops on Biodiversity, UK and Latin America
The UK’s Newton Fund helps fund regional workshops that bring together early-career researchers from the UK and partner countries to allow them to make international connections. The current call will support workshops on research related to biodiversity and connected topics of climate change, bio-economy, and sustainability. The partner countries are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Applications are invited from the institutions of early-career researchers in the UK and these partner countries. The application deadline is 13 October 2017. More information
HDH Wills Charitable Trust — Conservation of Wildlife and Environment
The HDH Wills Charitable Trust makes grants to UK-registered charities active in the conservation of wildlife and the environment. Past grants include many for conservation programs and projects in developing countries. Grants will range from £2 thousand to £25 thousand, and in some cases could be up to £50 thousand. The application period concludes in October 2017. Link
RUFORUM — Community Action Research Programme
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is partnering with the MasterCard Foundation to implement the programme “Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s growth and development (TAGDev).” TAGDev’s Community Action Research Programme aims to extend university activities to work more closely with rural communities. The programme focuses on crops and livestock value chains of strategic importance in Kenya, Uganda, and other African countries. Window 1 invites proposals from Egerton University and Gulu University. Window 2 is open to all other RUFORUM universities. The application deadline is 31 October 2017. More Information
Stockholm Treaty Lab — Investing in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
The Stockholm Treaty Lab Prize will be awarded to a team that drafts the most forward-looking, innovative, and workable Model Treaty to encourage foreign investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The contest is open to anyone worldwide, with emphasis on multidisciplinary teams – e.g., including lawyers, economists, scientists, and climate change experts. The Model Treaty needs to be compatible with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.The winning entry will be offered global exposure and an opportunity to engage on a global level. Teams must register their intent to participate no later than 31 October 2017. Link
Israeli Agency for International Development Cooperation — Professional Courses in Israel 2017
MASHAV funds professional courses organized and hosted by Israeli institutions in subject areas that include agriculture, energy, natural resources, health, education, and social development. The remainder of the 2017 calendar in English-language courses includes one on water management and modern irrigation (October-November 2017), with an application deadline on 18 August 2017; meteorological warnings (November 2017), with an application deadline on 25 August 2017; and agriculture and environment in a changing climate (November-December 2017), with an application deadline on 01 October 2017. MASHOV offers additional courses in Spanish, French, and Russian. Applications are submitted through Israel’s diplomatic missions. For most courses, MASHAV covers course fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and other expenses in Israel (but not international airfare). Link
European Commission — Improved Agriculture in the Gambia
The EC invites proposals to strengthen Gambia’s smallholder agriculture as a strategy for poverty reduction. Grants will be made in three lots (focus areas): agro-ecology and ecological restoration; market access and value chains in agriculture; and access to quality food. Eligibility for funding extends to nonprofit organizations in the EU and The Gambia. Grants will range from €250 thousand to €750 thousand, varying with cost shares. Reference EuropeAid/156210/DD/ACT/GM. The deadline for applications is 04 October 2017. Link