Apply Now: Marine Conservation Finance Research Call – WIOMSA MARG 2026

Are you an early-career researcher or graduate student working on marine science, conservation, or ocean finance? The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance (BNA), has issued a thematic research call under its Marine Research Grant (MARG) Programme to strengthen how marine conservation finance is understood and practiced across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.

This call — focused on marine conservation finance — invites applied, field-based research proposals that explore ways to make long-term financing systems more sustainable, resilient, and equitable. With marine conservation ambitions expanding across the region, including commitments to Global Biodiversity Framework targets and 30×30 objectives, there is a pressing need for robust evidence and innovative financial strategies to support protected areas, coastal communities, and blue economy initiatives.

What This  Call Is About

Traditional funding models for marine conservation often rely on short-term or project-based contributions that leave critical programs exposed to economic and geopolitical risks. Fragmented revenue, fluctuating budgets, and narrow funding streams can undermine long-term planning for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs), and other essential conservation frameworks.

To help address these challenges, WIOMSA and the Blue Nature Alliance are seeking research that builds a strong evidence base on financing systems for marine conservation in the Western Indian Ocean. The aim is to generate practical insights that can inform national, regional, and policy frameworks for durable and diversified conservation finance.

Applicants are encouraged to explore topics including, but not limited to:

• Quantifying financing needs and identifying gaps in current funding frameworks
• Assessing potential revenue diversification strategies and financial resilience
• Evaluating governance and institutional structures that support effective finance systems
• Linking financial stability to measurable conservation outcomes and performance metrics
• Analysing the implications of economic shocks on marine conservation financing

Why This Research Matters

Marine conservation in the Western Indian Ocean — a region that includes countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Madagascar — is integral to both ecological resilience and the wellbeing of coastal communities. Healthy marine ecosystems underpin fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, and cultural heritage. However, even well-designed conservation programs can falter without reliable, coordinated financial systems.

Thematic research supported under this call will help bridge the gap between conservation planning and financial sustainability. By producing evidence on financing gaps, governance structures, and revenue diversification strategies, researchers contribute to a more predictable, equitable, and impact-oriented conservation finance landscape in the WIO. This work can influence policy decisions, investment priorities, and long-term sustainability strategies for marine ecosystems across the region.

For early career and postgraduate researchers, this call offers not only funding but also the chance to be part of a growing community focused on ocean sustainability and finance innovation — a field increasingly recognised as critical to achieving global biodiversity and climate goals.

Eligibility and Who Should Apply

This call is specifically targeted at:

• Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs)
• Ongoing Master’s and PhD students currently enrolled at recognised institutions within the WIO region
• Individuals whose research aligns with strengthening marine conservation finance dynamics in the region

Proposals should be field-based and designed to generate data and insights that inform actionable strategies for improving financing systems.

Grant Support and Structure

Successful proposals will receive support for field-based research activities, with grants covering expenses directly related to:

• Data collection and fieldwork
• Research materials and logistics
• Stakeholder engagement efforts tied to the project

Selected research proposals will receive financial support to carry out field-based research related to marine conservation finance, including costs for fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and data collection

Timeline & How to Apply

 Deadline for proposals: 30 March 2026

Applicants should complete the online submission form provided by WIOMSA. Learn more and apply on the official page.

Interested researchers are encouraged to read the full call for proposals carefully to understand priority themes, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements.

Looking for more opportunities? Explore the latest global calls on the Opportunities for Youth website.