The Forest Conservation Fund (FCF) is looking to fund projects supporting long‑term, community‑driven conservation of natural forests worldwide. This grant opportunity aims to protect and restore forest ecosystems while strengthening biodiversity conservation, improving sustainable livelihoods, and reinforcing local stewardship of forest resources. Projects must demonstrate a durable commitment to conservation outcomes, transparent financial management, and meaningful engagement with local communities.
Why is this relevant for Lebanese universities?
This call offers Lebanese universities the opportunity to play a direct operational role in forest conservation within Lebanon by combining academic expertise with field‑based conservation action. It supports applied research, long‑term ecological monitoring, and community engagement linked to forest protection. Participation can strengthen universities’ environmental impact, reinforce partnerships with local stakeholders, and enhance institutional credibility in conservation and sustainability initiatives.
Scope of the call:
The project must be about :
- Conservation of natural forest areas covering at least 500 contiguous hectares with legally recognised conservation status.
- Biodiversity and social monitoring activities linked to long‑term conservation outcomes.
- Ecological restoration using native species.
- Protection of threatened forest ecosystems.
- Community engagement and support for sustainable, conservation‑linked income‑generating activities.
- Legal and technical support related to community or indigenous land tenure, where relevant.
Clear boundary demarcation, long‑term conservation intent, and transparent financial management, including third‑party audits.
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants include NGOs, nonprofit organisations, academic institutions, research organisations, private companies, religious entities, and individuals.
- Applicants must be legally registered and operating in the country where the conservation site is located.
- A Lebanese university is eligible if it is legally registered in Lebanon and directly involved in the conservation or management of an eligible forest area.
Applicants must demonstrate organisational capacity, conservation experience, and financial accountability, including audit capacity.
Funding amounts are not fixed and depend on project scope, conservation needs, and long‑term management requirements.
Application deadline: 21 June 2026.
Link : https://www.fundforests.org/for-applicants
Next steps:
- Identify eligible forest areas meeting the minimum size and legal status requirements.
- Confirm the university’s direct role in conservation, monitoring, or restoration activities.
- Prepare a project concept aligned with long‑term forest protection and community engagement objectives.
- Compile required organisational, legal, and financial documentation, including audit information.
- Submit the application following the instructions provided on the Forest Conservation Fund website.
