Last year, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) proudly launched the Global Field Grants, a key initiative under the Fonseca Leadership Program, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Through the funding of $500,000 per year, this partnership aims to empower young conservationists worldwide, providing essential financial support for both current and future researchers and practitioners in the field.
The grant, inspired by the Gustavo Fonseca Youth Leadership Program, is a tribute to the late Gustavo Fonseca, former GEF Director of Programs, whose dedication and vision inspired countless conservationists.
Gustavo Fonseca’s legacy lives on as we celebrate his remarkable contributions. With the backing of GEF, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of passionate conservationists who will carry forward his essential work. His spirit will forever guide us as we strive to protect the planet and empower those who will carry the torch of conservation into the future.
Last year, the Fund received an impressive 2,179 grant applications, with 28% (622 applications) of applicants meeting the minimum age criteria to qualify for a Fonseca grant. After a thorough review by the MBZ Fund independent Advisory Board, 59 young conservationists and their teams were chosen for support throughout 2024. Many of these individuals are just beginning their conservation journeys, ensuring that Gustavo’s legacy continues as they embark on their vital work.
“As we recognise that people are behind these conservation efforts, our commitment extends beyond funding alone. We focus on assisting early career or budding conservationists at the onset of their conservation journey. Over the past 15 years, we have supported 63% first-time recipients.” said MBZ Fund Managing Director, H.E. Razan Al Mubarak
The 59 supported projects span 31 developing countries, providing essential financing that empowers these nations to tackle intricate challenges and advance toward international environmental objectives.
Notably, 34% (20 projects) of these initiatives are led by women, a promising trend, as women are often regarded as the guardians of nature. Their conservation efforts are focused on critically endangered and endangered species, as well as those that require more research due to being data deficient.
Mubarak continues “In addition to our focus on indigenous communities and youth, we recognise the pivotal role of women in conservation. Women often bear the brunt of environmental challenges like climate change and habitat loss, yet they also hold immense potential to drive positive change. At the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, we prioritise empowering women as agents of change. Over the past two years, we’ve supported over 80 women as project leaders, investing approximately $800,000 in their impactful conservation efforts in developing countries.”
One such grant recipient is Emina Karalic, a conservationist from Albania. Self-described as a nurse who turned conservationist, Emina emphasises the transformative impact of such grants on the next generation of female conservationists.
“Receiving the Fonseca grant has been instrumental in continuing my research and conservation efforts on the critically endangered Spiny Butterfly Ray in the Adriatic Sea. As a young conservationist, this grant has provided me with both the resources and confidence to lead groundbreaking research and rediscovery efforts for a species that hadn’t been recorded in this century across six countries. I am certain that the grant will also enable us to implement critical conservation measures aimed at ensuring the survival of this ray, contributing to both scientific understanding and regional marine biodiversity.
Regarding the species, the grant offers a chance to shed light on the current status, key habitats, and boundaries of one of the rarest elasmobranchs in the northern Mediterranean, supporting much-needed efforts for its protection and recovery.
Personally, I believe grants like this are essential for women in conservation. They provide not only the resources but also the visibility and encouragement needed to lead ambitious projects. Women can bring unique perspectives and approaches to conservation, and supporting their work ensures a more inclusive and innovative future for this important field.”
For many, the grants hold even deeper significance, particularly because Gustavo Fonseca served as a source of inspiration. Santiago Turcatti Oviedo, coordinator of the Pampas Project Small Cat Conservation Group in Uruguay, viewed Gustavo as a role model and mentor.
“The Fonseca grant has played a crucial role in the development and success of my small wild cats conservation project. As a young and emerging conservationist, this grant has provided invaluable support, enabling me to conduct vital research, monitor wildcat populations, and implement effective conservation strategies. Additionally, the grant has allowed me to engage with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these elusive species and their habitats. Gustavo Fonseca’s work and dedication to conservation have been a great source of inspiration for me. This grant not only supports my project but also honours the legacy of someone whose commitment to conservation has left an indelible mark on the field.”
The Fonseca grants are crucial for species conservation in developing countries. Eswatini, bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north, is home to over 8000 species of flora and fauna. Here, Dr Patricia Carmichael, another Global Field Grant recipient, is dedicated to preserving the endangered Siphonochilus aethiopicus, a beautiful plant with a variety of medicinal and traditional uses.
“Siphonochilus aethiopicus (African ginger) is a highly endangered indigenous plant species in Eswatini, and little effort has been made to conserve it, so I’m extremely grateful for the Global Field Grant through the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and GEF. This will enable my team and I to save the few remaining plants through conservation and restoration efforts. The Fund contributes invaluable support for the mapping and documentation of the few remaining species, as well as the development of community-based conservation programs to promote the sustainable use of African ginger. As a young conservationist, I’m excited to learn more about the species and develop technologies that will help rural communities understand how to use the species sustainably without putting it at risk of extinction.”
These three stories reflect the sentiments of all 59 recipients who have received life-altering Fonseca grants over the past 12 months. This support will undoubtedly kickstart their conservation successes and potentially improve the conservation status of the species they are committed to protecting.
The MBZ Fund operates in over 170 countries and has a proven track record of supporting over 3,000 conservation projects globally since its inception, making it an ideal partner for this initiative. With the backing of GEF and the dedication of the next generation, the future looks significantly brighter.
Herewith the complete list of the 2024 Fonseca grant allocations:
