Each year, EOCA runs two funding rounds, which include a thorough assessment process. This funding round saw EOCA receive nearly 250 applications for funding and the assessment process create a shortlist of 17 projects which best met the association’s criteria. A high profile online vote will now be held on the association’s website in which outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are asked to take part, in order to choose which of the shortlisted projects will receive funding.
The 17 projects have been divided into three categories: ‘Forest’, ‘Water’ and ‘Wild Places’, depending on where the majority of the project work is located, but all deal with the common issues of addressing biodiversity loss and the climate emergency.
Catherine Savidge, Joint General Manager commented, “The number of applications received during this funding round demonstrates just how important and needed the funding that EOCA members provide is. Right now, COP 15 is taking place in China, where governments are meeting to agree a new set of goals to address the deterioration of nature and biodiversity worldwide. With healthy habitats vital for the health of the planet, EOCA is calling for ambitious goals to be set at that conference through its partnership with Business for Nature. At the same time, it is also, once again, funding vital, on the ground, conservation work around the world, to tackle this real threat of loss of biodiversity, thanks to the funding made available by its members. We encourage everyone to get involved, to support the 17 projects shortlisted by EOCA for funding.”
The vote started this morning, and will run until 29th October at 12 noon (BST) / 13.00 (CEST). Participants can vote once in each category per electronic device by going to eocaconservation.org and clicking on the green ‘Vote Now!’ button.
