Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions – Building Community Resilience via Adaptive Capacity (EDA) Project
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust is now accepting applications for its 2024/2025 Climate Adaptation Third Party Investments for the implementation of Component One (1), “Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions” of the project Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation, (2024-2027) financed by the Adaptation Fund. This project is to enable the implementation of outputs that include, strategies, assessments, policy updates, product development, marketing, infrastructure design, construction and communication and community mobilization activities that directly contribute to the strengthening resilience in communities across Belize in targeted areas. This component focuses on improving the ecological integrity of watersheds by addressing issues related to the deterioration of water quality linked to the characteristic use and climate change impacts within the Mopan and Macal Rivers which form the main upstream tributaries of the Belize River Watershed. Projects should help to reinforce adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerability, in line with Belize’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Background:
The PACT was formally established as a Statutory Board in January 1996 after the passing of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, No. 15 of 1995; with legislative amendments being made in 2003 and 2015. The PACT is managed by a Board of Directors that is comprised of Government agencies, non-government organizations and individual experts. The general function of the Trust, according to the 2015 amendment, is to contribute to the sustainable management and development of Belize’s natural and cultural assets for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community, both now and for future generations.
Description:
The PACT Climate Change Adaptation Third Party Investment modality aims to maximize the reach of the intended objectives of PACT’s Conservation Investment Strategy 2023 – 2026 by supporting and creating enabling conditions identified under the strategy for climate change adaptation and mitigation. This investment supports Climate adaptation initiatives that improve Belize’s long-term capacity to protect communities from climate threats posed by drought, unpredictable water availability, floods and improper wildfire management as well as promote conservation, enhancement and protection of Belize’s natural resources while contributing to the sustainable development of Belize.
For the 2024 – 2025 fiscal year, PACT shall make available under this funding window a total of BZD $520,000.00 for Target Investments (from a total of BZE $2,200,000 implemented over a 5-year period). Alternatively, a full proposal for the total available funds can be submitted to be implemented over the specified timeframe. This call for proposals will close on April 3rd, 2024. An investment ceiling shall not be fixed for these target investments. However, an investment shall be guided by its own merits and recommended based on its contribution to Building Community Resilience to climate change. Applications are received and screened by the PACT Project Management Unit and the Project Implementation Agency Group. Completed and eligible applications are submitted to the PACT Executive Director within 6 to 8 weeks from the date of submission.
Specific Eligibility for Investments are as follows:
- Compliance with Environmental and Social safeguards as outlined in PACT’s Environmental and Social Management Framework and associated policies.
- Potential recipients include Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, International Organizations (active office in Belize), Academia, national stakeholders in good standing registered under the NPO Act 2023, the NGO Act 2000 and Government Agencies involved in climate adaptation with proven track record in development services for adaptation actions needed to improve water quality, monitor and protect forest and water resources through data driven decision making. These organizations can apply for adaptation funding through proposals that are linked to Component one (1) of the project and the associated priority subprojects.
- The main beneficiaries of this component will be the community-based organizations, NGOs, grassroots organizations, associations, village leaders and other local organizations buffering the Mopan and Macal Rivers Watershed that can benefit from these interventions. These activities will target women groups (organized or ad hoc), indigenous groups and youth groups. The information generated under this Component will build the capacity and knowledge of the stakeholder communities of the benefits of a healthy watershed, including the buffering riparian forest.
Activities to be considered for funding include:
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- Assessing water quality of the selected river tributaries of the Mopan and Macal Rivers.
- Assessing the impact of land use change on micro and macro invertebrates’ populations within selected rivers.
- Development and implementation of water quality restoration strategies.
- Development and implementation of a riparian forest restoration program.
- Institute nature-based solutions for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
- Assess water quality in the Macal and Mopan River watersheds and implement water quality restoration strategies.
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Third Party Investment Applications are completely or partially excluded from funding should any of the following ineligible activities be identified.
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- Funding for private organizations which are organized for profit.
- Core Costs for government agencies.
- Investment requests for areas/initiatives that do not fulfil the objectives of the project (Adaptation Fund outcomes) and of Component One of the project.
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Climate Change Adaptation Third Party Investment Applications will be completed online using PACT’s Information Management System. Prior to developing a proposal, a brief description of the project scope (concept note) should be submitted, via email, to the project manager at edapm@pactbelize.org. The scope should outline the linkage to activities considered for funding, main objectives, and indicative budget etc. Once received, the scope will be reviewed and if it is determined to be in-line with PACT’s activities for funding or priorities, PACT will invite the entity to submit a full proposal via its online system where the application form, activities, budget breakdown, and required documentation are to be completed and submitted. For reference, a word version of the application is available online at pactbelize.org.
At minimum, the applicant will be required to submit the following documents when submitting a full proposal:
- Completed Environmental and Social Risk Screening Procedure (Screening Tool will be provided separately and should be uploaded to the online platform once completed.)
- Copy of NGO registration, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association (1st time applicants)
- Letter of endorsement from a regulatory Agency (For investments to be implemented in legally declared sites)
- Any other documentation as deemed required by PACT.
- Note: Other Terms and Conditions may apply.
For further information on PACT eligibility details, application process, and screening procedures or more general financing information contact PACT’S Project Manager at email edapm@pactbelize.org.
