Living Buna project partners are calling interested residents of the Buna River Velipoja Protected Landscape to submit their ideas to receive funding for projects that would benefit sustainable socio-economic development and ecosystem restoration of the area. The overall goal of the Call is to contribute to the long-term conservation of species and habitats in this protected area, by supporting on the ground action. The call closes on 22 August 2021 (extended to 5 September).

Updated on 13 August:

The deadline for applicants is extended. The call for Proposals closes on 5 September 2021.

The ideas should be related to one (or several) themes: 

1. Habitat restoration and application of Nature-based Solutions (potential activities could include afforestation of degraded and fragmented riverine forest; restoration of sand dune areas or other habitats of importance; or inventory of biodiversity-rich and vulnerable coastal areas/habitats);
2. Agro-environmental and water-saving incentive schemes including improving the sustainability of irrigation systems (as an example these could focus on environmentally friendly storage containers for manure; improvement of irrigation systems; growing and sustainable harvesting of native medicinal plants; or improvement of water quality);
3. Sustainable tourism development (projects could propose the development of thematic eco-friendly walking and cycling trails, promotion of most important habitats and species of the area, development of sustainable eco-tourism offers including accommodation, bed and breakfast, etc.); and
4. Sustainable fisheries (potential activities could include the establishment of eco-friendly fish farms; support of sustainable fish breeding facilities or traditional and eco-friendly fishing activities).

Projects should be a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 11 months long and preferably involve the local communities. All projects should be carried out within the boundaries of Buna River Velipoje Protected Landscape and its municipal units: Rrethinat, Ana e Malit, Dajç, Velipojë, Bërdicë, Bushat, Balldren i Ri, and Shëngjin. The overall aim of the Call is to conserve the ecological and cultural values of the Protected Landscape while enabling the sustainable use of ecosystem services it provides.

Who can apply?

NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, University and local communities based in Albania and experienced in working within the Buna River-Velipoje Protected Landscape (BRVPL).

When?

The Call for proposals is open from 3 August 2021 and will close on 5 September 2021 at 23:59 CEST. 

How?

Proposals can be submitted electronically to the Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania (INCA) to the following address: info@inca-al.org.

If you are interested in applying, attached to this news will find all of the necessary information and documentation, including the eligibility criteria for applications.

For more information, please contact ecaro@iucn.org or info@inca-al.org.