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Call for Applications – the Small Cetaceans Voluntary Fund

New funding is available for scientists with research proposals focusing on conservation of dolphins and porpoises.  The IWC Small Cetaceans Voluntary Fund (SCVF) has launched its third call for tenders thanks to generous contributions from Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and a consortium of non-governmental organisations.

The SCVF was established in 2010 and has so far funded fifteen diverse projects.  Tenders are assessed by a panel of experts against clearly defined criteria.  As well as a high quality research application and clearly demonstrated conservation need, applicants must show the link between their proposed research and tangible conservation outcomes. An emphasis on regional co-operation and scope for a capacity-building legacy are also valued factors.

A total fund of £40,000 is available and there are two funding tiers: small grants of up to £5,000 and larger grants to a maximum of £20,000. Projects completed so far prove just how much can be achieved with relatively small sums of money.  The nature of these achievements varies hugely, from the introduction of standardised post-mortem methodologies to a conservation-awareness raising song writing competition and pop video.   There is also variety in terms of species and region.  Projects have focused on many vulnerable populations including the vaquita and franciscana, and spread around the world from The Solomon Islands and Madagascar, to Mexico and Gabon. 

The closing date for 2016 applications is 14 March 2016 (midnight GMT).

To read more about the Small Cetaceans Voluntary Fund or complete an application for funding, click here.