Rapid Response Facility (RRF) Emergency Conservation Funding: Up to $40,000 for UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites

Over $1 Million Spent in Emergency Response Funding — Apply Now for the Rapid Response Facility (RRF)

The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) provides emergency funding for conservation efforts in UNESCO natural World Heritage sites. With over $1 million already allocated to urgent biodiversity threats, the RRF continues to support critical interventions that protect globally significant ecosystems.

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Apply for Funding

• Up to $40,000 available per project
• Applications accepted all year round
• Funding decisions made within 8 working days

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About the Rapid Response Facility

The RRF is designed to deliver swift financial assistance to conservation emergencies affecting UNESCO natural World Heritage sites and other internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots. The funding is provided on a grant basis and aims to address sudden and time-sensitive threats to biodiversity.

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RRF Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all four core criteria to be eligible for funding:

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1. Eligible Country

• The site must be in a country eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA), as defined by the OECD.
• In some cases, overseas territories of developed countries may be considered. Contact the RRF Secretariat for guidance.

View the list of eligible countries

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2. Eligible Site

The site must be one of the following:

• A UNESCO natural World Heritage site
  • View the list of eligible UNESCO sites
• In rare cases, the RRF may consider:
  • Sites on the tentative World Heritage list (natural or mixed only)
    • Tentative lists available here
  • Other high-priority sites that:
    • Directly affect the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of a nearby natural World Heritage site
    • Have other international designations such as:
      • UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves
      • Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance

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3. Conservation Emergency

Applications must address a sudden emergency. The RRF does not fund ongoing issues.

Key factors considered:

• Suddenness: Threat must have emerged or worsened within the last few weeks or months.
• Predictability: The threat must have been unpredictable and difficult to prepare for.
• Time Sensitivity: Immediate action must provide a clear, measurable conservation benefit.
• Impact: Threat should pose irreversible or long-term damage to biodiversity if not addressed urgently.

Applications that do not meet most or all of these criteria will likely be rejected.

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4. Eligible Organisations

Applicants must be organisations (no individual applicants). Examples include:

• Government agencies (e.g. wildlife departments, ministries)
• NGOs (local, national, or international)
• Private sector organisations (local or multinational)

Additional requirements:

• Must have permission to operate at the proposed site
• Must be able to receive funds in USD from the UK
• Must use an organisational bank account
• Must demonstrate respect for human rights and safeguarding policies

Contact the Secretariat for eligibility questions: rrf@fauna-flora.org

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Examples of Past Projects

The RRF has previously funded emergency interventions such as:

• Forest Fires on Mount Kenya
• Oil Spill in the River Nile
• Road Development in Retezat Massif
• Militant Poaching in Garamba
• Tsunami Response in the Galapagos Islands

View the full Grants Summary here

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How to Apply

To apply, submit the official RRF application form to: rrf@fauna-flora.org

Your application must include:

• Completed application form
• Contact details of two independent referees
• If applying as an NGO or private organisation:
  • A letter of support from the relevant site management authority
  • Applications are open year-round. No deadlines.

Application forms can be downloaded and submitted in either:

English

French

Spanish

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For more opportunities, visit the Opportunities for Youth‘s website!