Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Grantees of CEPF are making a difference in protecting biodiversity hotspots around the world and helping communities thrive. You can learn all about it in the 2023 CEPF Impact Report. The publication shares results data and stories that celebrate our grantees’ amazing achievements over 22 years in some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. A few key figures from this year’s report: ▪ US$294 million in grants awarded. ▪ 2,735 grantees supported in 112 countries and territories. ▪ 55 million hectares of Key Biodiversity Areas with improved management. ▪ Over 1,200 species benefiting from conservation action. ▪ More than 5,700 communities benefiting from CEPF-funded projects. ▪ 1,727 projects focused on nature-based solutions to climate change. You can read more and find a link to the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eapgxU_h

During the 44th donor meeting of the @CriticalEcosystemsPartnershipFund in Dominican Republic 🇩🇴, I got the opportunity to participate and share ideas on investment that will empower local communities. Global Environment Facility has been an historical donor, and now CEPF is a GEF Small Grant Program implementing Agency. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the GEF works together reinforcing the impact of civil society actions in conserving Nature in Biodiversity Hotspots.

In Santo Domingo, CEPF grantees gathered with members of CEPF's Donor Council, the staff and regional implementation team to visit biodiversity conservation projects in the Dominican Republic! Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, European Commission, Global Environment Facility, Japan - The Government of Japan, Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, The World Bank

Last week, Elena Gento Molero and Laura Hijinos from the finance department of KfW in Frankfurt visited Conservation International to discuss with the CEPF Secretariat, Grants and Contracts Unit, and Finance team the work we are doing with KfW funding in Ecuador!

📣 CEPF has issued a new call for proposals for the update of the Ecosystem Profile for the Mountains of Central Asia Biodiversity Hotspot! ✅ Eligible Countries: Not restricted ✅ Opening Date: 27 January 2025 ✅ Closing Date: 3 March 2025 All the details can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/eEEQjFFZ

The wetlands of the Kayrakkum Reservoir in #Tajikistan represent one of the last remaining spots along the Syr Darya River that filters water, prevents land erosion and stores carbon, acts a wintering site for migratory waterfowl, a spawning spot for the fish of the river and reservoir, and is home to several rare and endangered local endemic species. However, this valuable habitat has been shrinking due to #climatechange, siltation of river channels, livestock overgrazing, poaching and other causes. Tajikistan organization PO "Youth Group on Protection of Environment" (YGPE) recognized the peril posed by the multitude of threats to the #wetlands, and developed and began implementation of a plan for restoration and sustainable management. Read more about their story here: https://lnkd.in/e8RW-SRe

CEPF is proud to support Conservation International in its new role as an implementing agency for Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program. The new SGP reinforces already strong bonds among Conservation International, CEPF and the GEF in our shared mission to bring together diverse civil society stakeholders—including Indigenous peoples and local communities—to address pressing environmental challenges. CEPF’s well-established grant-making model emphasizes transparency, inclusivity and efficiency, and will be one delivery mechanism of the GEF SGP. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCm3hiaH

The CEPF team is deeply saddened by news that our colleague Adriana Casas recently passed away after an illness. Adriana was a committed conservationist who made important contributions to CEPF’s work in the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot. We will miss her as a person and as a colleague, and we extend our deepest condolences to Adriana’s family and friends.   Adriana joined CEPF in July 2023 via the Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship program of Conservation International. As a policy advisor for CEPF, Adriana researched illegal gold mining in Bolivia and provided legal and policy advice to CEPF grantees in that country. Her work entailed analyzing the regulatory landscape, reviewing the scope and impact of international conventions related to mining, and consulting with stakeholders and experts far and wide. During the year she worked with CEPF, she developed in depth knowledge of gold mining and associated threats, including mercury contamination. She was passionate about her work and devoted to addressing destructive mining practices. Her efforts benefited the people and nature of Bolivia and the global community.

CEPF extends its deepest sympathies to the people of Mayotte in the wake of Cyclone Chido on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate the aftermath of this disaster. https://lnkd.in/eNrgsntQ

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, Vanuatu on December 17, 2024. CEPF extends its sincere condolences to the people of Vanuatu, and our thoughts are with all those who have been affected, injured or lost loved ones during this difficult time. https://lnkd.in/eUcSqgub