Marine Protected Area Fund
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The national system of marine protected areas was
established in April 2009 to enhance protection of the nation’s
natural and cultural heritage resources by improving marine protected
areas (MPA) stewardship and coordination and working with MPA managers
and stakeholders to identify conservation gaps and future
priorities.
The national system includes existing MPA
across all levels of government that meet eligibility criteria and
nominate themselves through a public process. In April 2009, 225 MPAs from 16 federal, state and territorial
programs joined the national system. A
second round of nominations is being held from August 6-November 6,
2009. To support coordination and
stewardship for these national system MPAs, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and the Department of the Interior have
formed a partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to
establish an MPA Fund. Non-federal MPA
agencies can apply for funds for:
- Stewardship Projects as Part of a Regional/Sub-Regional MPA
Plan: For MPAs and MPA programs that have already established
regional or sub-regional coordination mechanisms, MPA plans and/or
implementation priorities (e.g. through the Seamless Network initiative,
Regional Ocean Councils, or other mechanisms), funds may be directed
toward specific stewardship projects that have already been identified
as a regional priority.
- Development of a Regional/Sub-Regional MPA Plan: For
MPAs and MPA programs that have not yet established regional or
sub-regional coordination mechanisms, MPA plans and/or implementation
priorities, funds may be directed toward a workshop or meeting to
establish such plans and priorities.
- Meeting National System Eligibility Criteria: For MPAs
and MPA programs that do not meet the eligibility criteria for the
national system of MPAs, funds may be directed toward a partnership with
an existing national system partner to conduct activities to meet
eligibility criteria (e.g. development of MPA management plans).
Eligibility
All persons, organizations, and agencies (excluding
U.S. Federal Government) working on projects to enhance MPA stewardship
among members of the national system of MPAs are eligible.
Applicants may include non-governmental organizations,
but must include at least two agencies responsible for MPA
management. Federal agencies may not receive
funds, but may be listed as partners on an application.
Please contact Anthony Chatwin (Anthony.Chatwin@nfwf.org; 202-857-0166) for additional information.
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