Are you passionate about marine conservation and tackling ocean-related challenges? Do you have innovative ideas that can protect fragile marine ecosystems? If you’re part of a non-profit organization committed to ocean preservation, Pure Ocean’s 2025 Call for Projects may be your chance to make a global impact.

Pure Ocean, established in 2017, focuses on supporting applied research to understand and protect marine ecosystems. The fund emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact on aquatic research and biodiversity protection. With a growing need to safeguard marine life from pollution, climate change, and other threats, Pure Ocean is actively searching for projects that align with its mission to restore and strengthen ocean ecosystems worldwide.

The 2025 Call for Projects focuses on four key challenges, from understanding marine pollution to enhancing the resilience of coastal communities. This year, special attention will be given to projects involving local communities, nature-based solutions, and initiatives in specific geographic areas. If your research aligns with these goals, this is an opportunity to receive funding and make a difference.

The contest’s four key topics are:

• Understanding and addressing the causes of marine pollution.
• Conservation of biodiversity and restoration of damaged marine habitats.
• In the face of climate change, increasing the resilience of maritime ecosystems and the people who rely on them.
• Improving our understanding of the ocean system.

Quick Details:

• Provided by: Pure Ocean Fund
• Phase 1 deadline: October 1, 2024, 23:59 CET
• Phase 2 Start: October 16, 2024 (qualified applicants notified by October 15)
• Call closes: December 1, 2024, 23:59 CET
• Finalists contacted: mid-February 2025
• Grantees announced: March 21, 2025
• Organizer/Host Institution: Pure Ocean
• Eligible Countries: Global
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Early-career researchers, non-profits, universities, and research institutes
• Focus Area/Field: Marine conservation, biodiversity, blue carbon ecosystems
• Number of Opportunities: 10 finalists
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Global

Benefits of Pure Ocean Challenges:

Selected projects can receive up to €40,000 per year, with an average of €25,000/year. The grant can last one or two years, and certain projects may receive renewal support. A two-year project can receive a maximum of €80,000.

Eligibilities for Pure Ocean Challenges:

The following are the main requirements for the challenge:

• Projects must address one or more of Pure Ocean’s key challenges.
• Open to non-profit organizations, universities, and research institutes.
• Collaborative projects with the private sector are allowed, but funding is only provided to non-profits.
• Candidates in the early stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must give co-financing options in their budget.
• Projects focusing solely on awareness-raising, events, or clean-up initiatives are not eligible.

Special Features of the 2025 Call for Projects

This year’s call emphasizes the following:

• Marine conservation initiatives led by local communities and Indigenous peoples
• Nature-based solutions for preserving blue carbon ecosystems
• Projects in key oceanic areas: French coasts, Middle East/Asia, and Africa

Selection Criteria for Pure Ocean Challenges:

Applications will be assessed primarily on their impact, specifically the tangible and lasting benefits of Pure Ocean Challenges. The Scientific Committee will evaluate proposals based on five equally-weighted criteria:

• Innovation: Proposes a novel approach (technological, social, nature-based, or exploratory).
• Relevance: Directly addresses one or more Pure Ocean Challenges.
• Consistency: Clearly defined and achievable objectives and methods.
• Collaboration: Engages multiple stakeholders and encourages interdisciplinary work. Local projects must involve local participants.
• Multiplication: Includes a plan for effective dissemination and engagement with target audiences.

Phase 2 proposals will need to define their specific impact indicators.

How to Apply for Pure Ocean Challenges?

To apply, kindly click the apply now button below.

Apply Now

For more details, kindly visit the Pure Ocean’s website.

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