New Delhi: The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched an online database to help member states be aware of more than $ 170 million in international funding available for ocean-related projects.
Attached to this new web tool is a handbook containing valuable guidelines on how to navigate the database, as well as tailoring projects to the most suitable funders.
Both the website and the textbook are specifically designed to support the work of the Commonwealth Blue Charter, a historic commitment made in 2018 by all 54 member states of the Commonwealth to actively work together to address ocean challenges.
Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, welcomed the initiative, saying: “Despite the central role of the ocean in our natural ecosystems, climate systems, economies and cultures, the funding of ocean conservation accounts for less than one percent of the global philanthropy, and an equal smaller fraction of foreign aid.
The Commonwealth Blue Charter Ocean Funders Database is an important step forward for action at sea in the Commonwealth, aimed at supporting member states to navigate the funding currently available internationally, the objectives, criteria and application processes. for different prospective funders, and develop successful multilateral partnerships for greater action at sea. ”
Under the Blue Charter of the Commonwealth, countries work together through voluntary ‘action groups’ on ten important ocean issues: pollution of marine plastics, protection of coral reefs, restoration of mangroves, climate change, acidification of the ocean, observation of the ocean, protected areas at sea , sustainable aquaculture, sustainable coastal fisheries and the sustainable blue economy.
Over the past ten years, the ten action groups have set out priorities and shared action plans, taking into account regional and resource needs.
The new funding database will help them find resources and partners to implement joint projects in these areas of action, such as developing legal frameworks for progressive ocean policies, implementing prestigious capacity building programs and training courses, and supporting innovation.
Since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, the action groups made efforts to network and share solutions, through research, virtual dialogues and training, with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Source: Telangana Today