2024 Blue Parks Small Grants
Marine Conservation Institute and Blue launched The Blue Parks Small Grants in the summer of 2023. This grant program encourages piloting innovative approaches to improve conservation outcomes or upgrading infrastructure, equipment, or training. After careful consideration of all the applications, we are happy to announce the six inaugural recipients of Blue Parks Small Grants for 2024. All recipients are members of the Blue Parks Network and are dedicated to preserving critical ocean ecosystems for future generations.
Misool Marine Reserve, Indonesia
Coral Reef Restoration
The grant will support the community-based Reef Restoration Project, which educates and empowers local communities to restore and manage coral reefs. These reefs are vital breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
Siete Pecados Marine Park, Philippines
Lifeguard tower
This grant will fund the construction of a strategically placed lifeguard tower, providing staff with an aerial view of the marine park. The tower will improve park regulation enforcement and visitor safety monitoring.
Shark Fin Bay MPA Network, Philippines
Community-based aquaculture
The Sulubaai Environmental Foundation will implement a pilot community-based aquaculture project to support food security and alternative livelihoods for local fishers. The project aims to provide economic stability while raising awareness of sustainable practices and ecosystem protection.
Palau National Marine Sanctuary, Palau
Educational tours of E/V Nautilus
The Palau International Coral Reef Center will organize interactive sessions with a research team aboard their vessel for offshore expeditions. By connecting communities to this unique ecosystem, they hope to foster appreciation and support for the sanctuary's protection and management.
Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Colombia
Upgrade monitoring equipment
Biodiversity Conservation Colombia, which manages the 'Silky' initiative for patrols and conservation at Malpelo, will use the grant to purchase essential equipment. This will enhance enforcement monitoring and enable the removal of ghost fishing gear to protect the sanctuary’s biodiversity.
Hermandad Marine Reserve, Ecuador
Upgrade equipment - laptops
The grant will fund the purchase of four new laptops to support real-time surveillance operations. With these resources, staff will analyze and respond to data on suspicious activities, leading to more effective enforcement and protection of the marine ecosystem.