TEST- Myanmar Call for Project Concept Notes

MFF is a partnership-led regional initiative chaired by IUCN and UNDP to promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for sustainable development. MFF focuses on the role of healthy, well-managed coastal ecosystems as a contribution to building human resilience in ecosystem dependent coastal communities in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam. The initiative uses mangroves as a flagship ecosystem, but MFF is inclusive of all coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, sandy beaches, sea grasses and wetlands. The National Coordinating Body of Myanmar, chaired by the Forest Department, Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry, provides overall guidance and technical oversight to MFF in Myanmar.

Eligible applicants, grant amount, and project duration: MFF-Myanmar invites NGOs, CBOs, academic and research institutes, small scale businesses, management boards and enterprises to submit project concept notes for its Small Grant Facility. The maximum grant amount per grant is USD 25000. Project duration is 12 months.

Geographic and Thematic Focus: Pyinbugyi Village Tract, Palaw Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region.

The SGF project concept notes should focus on the following priority issues identified through a situation assessment of above site. The other projects will not be considered.

1. Sustainability of coastal communities and ecosystem, in particular addressing; a) shoreline protection by promoting community-based mangroves conservation and rehabilitation and by developing right for ownership and management b) promoting the use of fuel-efficient stoves c) create options of alternative livelihood for the communities – for eg. piloting mangrove friendly clam/fish/crab culture in the abandon salt intrusion paddy field, small scale livestock breeding, home gardening, etc.  d) promote awareness of harmful fishing practices
2. Additionally, an exclusive small grant up to a maximum of USD 25,000 is available, which is subject to mandatory matching ‘cash funding’ from a private sector organization on 1:1 basis to address coastal management and livelihood issues.

The SGF project concept note should also consider the following cross-cutting issues: Property rights and land tenure;  Conflict sensitivity; Gender; Climate Change

Information on guidelines and templates:

General guidelines for MFF Grant Facilities can be found at <http://www.mangrovesforthefuture.org/resources/documents?documentId=18919>

Applicants should submit a Concept Note using the template that can be downloaded from <http://www.mangrovesforthefuture.org/resources/documents?documentId=18989>

Submissions: Must be addressed to MFF Myanmar National Coordinator, by email and/or by post to below address. More information and hardcopies of guidelines and templates can be obtained from the MFF Myanmar National Coordinator.

Ms. Zin Myo Thu, MFF Myanmar National Coordinator - Email: zinmyo.thu@iucn.org  

IUCN Myanmar Project Office 12-F, Min Kyaung Street Kyaik Wine, Mayangone Tsp. Yangon.

The deadline of submission is 3rd November 2015.