Call for Applications 2010 Conservation Leadership Programme Awards

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Deadline 6th November 2009

The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is now accepting applications for 2010 Conservation Awards. The CLP aims to promote the development of emerging conservation leaders and equip them with the capacity to address the most pressing conservation issues of our time. We do this by providing small grants, training, mentoring and networking opportunities, where award winners gain practical skills and experience and develop leadership capabilities through the implementation of projects focused on high-priority biodiversity conservation issues.

The CLP is a partnership of four international conservation organizations – Birdlife International, Conservation International, Fauna & Flora International and the Wildlife Conservation Society – with support from multinational energy company BP. The CLP has been helping young conservationists to achieve their goals and move into positions of influence within the conservation sector – and 2010 marks the 25th Anniversary of this highly successful program!

This year we are happy to announce that we will be accepting applications from teams working across Africa, Asia, Eastern and South-eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. Countries that are NOT ELIGIBLE include those countries designated as high-income economies by the World Bank, with the exception of island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean and some countries in the Middle East. If you have any questions about eligible countries, please contact the CLP.

Available awards include:
• Future Conservationist Awards: Approximately 20 awards of up to $12,500 each
• Conservation Follow-up Awards: Approximately 5 awards of up to $25,000 each (available only to previous CLP award winners)
• Conservation Leadership Awards: 2 awards of $50,000 each (available only to previous CLP award winners)

The application deadline is 6th November 2009 for ALL applications, and awards will be announced in March 2010. Please visit the CLP website for detailed eligibility criteria, guidelines and an application form. Please forward this announcement to other interested individuals, organizations or academic institutions.

Successful applicants will:
1.) Develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of team members;
2.) Implement a focused, high-priority conservation project combining research and action; and
3.) Contribute to the long-term success of local conservation efforts.

All teams submitting an application will receive feedback on their proposal*.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the CLP team well before the application deadline for advice on project eligibility, methods and project activities. The CLP can also put teams in touch with local partner offices or other experts who can provide additional advice.

A representative from each award-winning team will be invited to attend an international training event and the International Congress for Conservation Biology in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in June/July 2010 organized by the CLP. These events will allow winners to share ideas and experience, develop new skills and network with their peers and experts.

*If you are interested in participating in the application review process, please send an email with your name, contact details, countries and regions where you have worked and taxonomic expertise.

Have additional questions or need advice? Send an email to clp@birdlife.org or visit our website: www.ConservationLeadershipProgramme.org.