The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has resolved a call for grants for projects to strengthen stranding networks and another for initiatives to support conservation centres for species victims of illegal trade included in the CITES Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Both calls were launched in the last quarter of 2021, within the framework of the Spanish Government’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (RTRP), financed with European NextGeneration EU funds.
For the reinforcement of the stranding networks, 4.5 million euros will be allocated to be distributed among the 16 selected projects. This economic injection will make it possible to finance a wide network of strandings in the 10 autonomous communities with coastline (Andalusia, Asturias, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia, Balearic Islands, Murcia, Valencia) and in the Autonomous City of Ceuta.
This aid will allow the network to increase the quality of the data collected from stranded specimens, improve the care and management of strandings of emblematic species such as sea turtles or cetaceans, renovate the facilities in which the animals are cared for, strengthen collaboration with the sectors that interact most with stranded species (fishermen and yacht clubs) and raise awareness in society about the problem of strandings and the importance of taking care of the sea.
On the other hand, as for the call for support to CITES centers , 13 projects have been selected, which will receive aid for a total value of 2.4 million euros. Among the beneficiaries are CITES centres in Andalusia, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Madrid, the Basque Country and Valencia.
The selected proposals will serve to renovate and expand the facilities of the centers in order to improve their capacity to welcome, care for and reintroduce rescued animals. They also contemplate the realization of important efforts to disseminate information on the problems posed by the illegal trafficking of protected species, both within and outside our borders.
CALLS FOR GRANTS 2021
These two calls are among the six launched by the Biodiversity Foundation during the last quarter of 2021, within the framework of Components 4 and 5 of the RTRP. Between them, grants worth €1,024M have been requested for aglobal budget of €163.7M, and a total of 612 projects have been submitted.
The selection criteria for the projects are based on the quality of the proposals received, with the aim of supporting innovative initiatives, correctly designed and sized technically and economically, and that drive a true transformation with lasting results. In addition, they must contribute to solving some of the great environmental and social challenges of our natural heritage and promote job creation.
