HawkWatch International announces the launch of the first-ever Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant. The grant invests in projects led by citizens of developing countries with the aim of increasing diversity and inclusivity in conservation while building local capacity. Projects must be located in high-priority countries for raptor research and conservation (mainly Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, or Southeast Asia), focus on a single species of raptor, and be led by an applicant who is associated with a registered NGO and/or university in the country where the project will take place. Preference will be given to projects working in low-income countries. This grant supports projects addressing global raptor research and conservation priorities. The grant invests in projects led by citizens of developing countries with the aim of increasing diversity and inclusivity in conservation while building local capacity. In 2019, HawkWatch International led an effort to identify global raptor research and conservation priorities (Buechley et al., 2019). This research identified very stark discrepancies in raptor research efforts worldwide. Ten species (1.8% of all raptors) received nearly one‐third of all raptor research (32%) while over one‐fifth of all raptors (21%, 116 species) had zero research publications. Overall, these findings call for a shift in scientific and conservation resources towards developing countries. This grant aims to provide support and resources to these areas where it is needed most.
Benefits
- Applicants may apply for up to US$2,500; more than one applicant may be funded
- Projects that focus on filling knowledge gaps (i.e. research) or on applied conservation actions, or both, will be considered
- In addition to monetary support, HawkWatch will support successful applicants by providing scientific guidance, networking opportunities, and publicizing project results, as possible and as desired by the awardee.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a citizen of the country within which the project will take place. Funds will not be sent directly to the applicants’ personal account, the money must be received by a registered NGO or University in the country in which the project will take place, and this organization must specify that it is willing to do so in the Support Letter. No more than 10% of the total grant disbursement will be paid in overhead to the NGO or University and the application must be submitted in English
The application deadline is on 31 December 2020
