Biodiversity Conservation Project @Darwin Initiative

The Darwin Initiative has officially launched its Round 32 funding call, inviting organizations, conservation practitioners, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community-led groups to submit proposals aimed at protecting biodiversity while supporting sustainable economic development.

The internationally recognized funding programme seeks projects that help communities develop fair, scalable, and sustainable solutions to conserve and restore nature while reducing poverty and strengthening local economies. Since its establishment in 1993, the Darwin Initiative has become one of the world’s most influential biodiversity funding mechanisms, supporting hundreds of projects that generate measurable environmental and social impact.

With more than three decades of investment in conservation and sustainable development, the programme continues to support innovative approaches that address biodiversity loss while empowering local communities.

Over £289 Million Invested in Global Conservation Efforts

Since its launch, the Darwin Initiative has invested more than £289 million in over 1,370 projects across developing countries and biodiversity-rich regions.

The programme has contributed to:

• Conservation of critical ecosystems and endangered species.
• Sustainable management of millions of hectares of natural habitats.
• Strengthening local environmental governance systems.
• Supporting climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
• Improving livelihoods for vulnerable communities.

The initiative’s grants have enabled communities to better manage forests, wetlands, peatlands, marine ecosystems, and other ecologically important landscapes that provide essential environmental services and support biodiversity conservation.

In addition, Darwin-funded projects have helped more than 100,000 people improve their resilience to climate change and natural disasters, particularly in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Demonstrating Impact Through Community-Led Conservation

The programme highlighted a successful ongoing project in Indonesia as an example of the long-term impact achieved through Darwin Initiative funding.

The project is supporting large-scale conservation efforts across West Papua’s globally significant terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Through collaboration between local communities and government authorities, more than 1.3 million hectares of biodiverse forests and fisheries are now being managed more effectively.

The initiative also contributed to the establishment of a 12.6-million-hectare UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, helping elevate the international profile of Indonesia’s biodiversity while integrating conservation priorities into regional development planning.

This example reflects the Darwin Initiative’s emphasis on building sustainable systems that continue delivering benefits long after project funding concludes.

Key Changes Introduced for Round 32

The Darwin Initiative has announced several strategic updates for Round 32 aimed at increasing impact, improving coordination, and enhancing sustainability.

Greater Focus on Biodiversity Hotspots

One of the most significant changes is increased geographic prioritization.

Round 32 will focus on:

• 13 global biodiversity hotspots.
• 35 priority countries.
• Projects addressing major drivers of biodiversity loss.

By concentrating funding within priority landscapes, the programme aims to improve collaboration among grantees and generate stronger cumulative conservation outcomes.

Emphasis on Systems Change

The Darwin Initiative is encouraging applicants to move beyond direct service delivery and instead focus on strengthening systems that support long-term impact.

Projects are expected to address areas such as:

• Environmental governance.
• Institutional capacity.
• Sustainable markets.
• Community leadership.
• Policy and regulatory frameworks.

This approach seeks to create durable conservation outcomes that can be scaled and replicated beyond individual project sites.

Simplified Application Process

To reduce the administrative burden on applicants, significant changes have been made to the application process.

For both the Darwin Initiative Main and Darwin Initiative Extra schemes:

• Stage 1 applications will now consist of shorter concept notes.
• Applicants will provide summaries outlining project objectives and approaches.
• Only proposals demonstrating the highest potential impact will be invited to proceed to Stage 2.

The streamlined process is intended to make funding opportunities more accessible while allowing applicants to focus on developing high-quality project concepts.

Darwin Initiative Innovation Scheme Discontinued

The programme has also announced that the Darwin Initiative Innovation scheme will no longer accept new applications.

Future biodiversity research and development funding will instead be provided through the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC).

This change aims to:

• Avoid duplication between funding mechanisms.
• Increase resources available for existing Darwin schemes.
• Strengthen support for conservation implementation projects.

As a result, funding will be concentrated within three remaining schemes:

• Darwin Initiative Main.
• Darwin Initiative Extra.
• Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity.

Encouraging Local Leadership

Round 32 introduces new measures designed to strengthen local ownership and leadership of conservation projects.

Under the updated rules:

• Organizations may lead only one application per funding scheme.
• Organizations can participate as partners in an unlimited number of applications.
• Local affiliates of international networks are encouraged to take leadership roles.

The initiative hopes these changes will support fairer competition and enhance the localization of conservation leadership.

Funding Opportunities Available Under Round 32

Organizations can apply through the following funding streams:

Darwin Initiative Extra

• Stage 1 Deadline: July 1, 2026
• Stage 2 Deadline (Invitation Only): November 2, 2026

Darwin Initiative Main

• Stage 1 Deadline: July 20, 2026
• Stage 2 Deadline (Invitation Only): November 30, 2026

Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity

• Single-Stage Deadline: August 31, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to review the updated guidance documents carefully, as several significant changes have been introduced for this funding round.

Webinar to Support Applicants

To help prospective applicants understand the new changes, the Darwin Initiative hosted a funding update webinar outlining the key updates introduced in Round 32.

The session focused on:

• Programme priorities.
• Funding scheme updates.
• Geographic focus areas.
• Strategic objectives.
• Expected project outcomes.

Recordings and presentation materials will be made available through the programme’s online resources section for those unable to attend.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in securing Darwin Initiative funding should review the eligibility criteria, scheme guidance, and scoring requirements before submitting applications.

Applicants are also encouraged to explore previously funded projects to better understand successful approaches and project design strategies.

With a renewed focus on biodiversity hotspots, systems-level change, and locally led conservation, Round 32 presents an important opportunity for organizations working to protect nature while supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction worldwide.

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