UK opens application for multi-million coastal solution grants in PH

(UK Government logo courtesy of the UK Government Communication Service)

MANILA – The United Kingdom has opened the application for multi-million-peso grants on projects that advance sustainable fisheries and nature-based coastal solutions.

The UK Embassy in Manila said Wednesday that local organizations may apply for grants up to 500,000 pounds through the UK Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) Facility Philippines.

The submission of applications will run from Sept. 1 to 19.

"Through this initiative, local organizations are invited to apply for grants up to £500,000 to support innovative projects that advance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, innovative blue finance, and nature-based coastal solutions," the Embassy said.

The COAST Facility Philippines said project proposals must be "innovative, practical, and possible to scale or replicate in other coastal areas."

The projects should be designed for completion within two to three years and must focus on at least one of the COAST Facility Philippines' priority topics:

Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems;
Building resilient small-scale fisheries;
Expanding sustainable aquaculture;
Supporting new and diversified coastal livelihoods;
Driving coastal climate resilience; and
Promoting inclusive governance and leadership

Grant awardees may include non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, civil society groups, academic institutions, cooperatives, and social enterprises.

Funding available for the call is between 200,000 pounds and 500,000 pounds per project, with a maximum of 200,000 pounds in the first year.

The Innovation Grant Fund and the COAST Facility, a component of the UK's Blue Planet Fund, were first launched at a high-level forum on blue economy and blue carbon attended by UK Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis on Aug. 27.

On top of the announcement, Davis, during her visit last month, also committed to working with the Philippines during its 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship to champion multilateral and regional cooperation to protect nature. (PNA)

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