Large Projects

The second form of MFF project funding is through larger, longer-term funding, ranging in value from US$50,000 up to a current maximum of US$100,000 (ongoing projects from Phase 1 have a higher limit).

These larger projects must go through a multiple-stage approval process. Following the NCB call for proposals and preliminary review, the project proponents may refine or adjust their proposals. Once the NCB endorses a proposal, it is forwarded to the MFF Secretariat for the second stage of evaluation.

Proposals are then submitted to an independent Technical Advisory Panel for appraisal. The panel’s findings are used by the Regional Steering Committee to confirm which projects will be funded.

Results
The extended timeline and scope of large projects have demonstrated impacts on creating alternative sustainable livelihoods and community participation in resource management. An organization working in the Maldives with innovative technologies and strategies for food security is producing useful learning tools for raising awareness about local climate change that can be applied elsewhere. This project is also illustrating how MFF is supporting gender equality, while integrating climate change issues and sustainable agricultural practices.

In Sri Lanka, work to promote community participation in integrated coastal management has provided a successful model of multi-stakeholder participation in managing a coastal area and has the potential to be replicated around the country. This project has also helped demonstrate the value of sustainable business practices as an alternative to traditional fishing livelihoods, and to pilot local sources of financing for enhancement of livelihoods.

An ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of management in Thailand’s marine and coastal protected areas has strong potential to influence national policy for protected area management. This project is validating the process and principles of good systems-level management, an important requirement for a successful nomination of the Andaman marine complex for UNESCO world heritage status.