The UNEP/CMS Secretariat herewith announces a new call for applications for the Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the Convention. Revised guidelines for the operation of the Programme (UNEP/CMS/Conf.10.43) were adopted by the Tenth Conference of the Parties. In the 2012-2014 triennium the SGP is foreseen to disburse at least € 75,000 annually thanks to a generous contribution by UNEP.

In parallel to CMS, the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) is launching its Small Grants Fund (SGF) for the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and their Habitats with an envisaged annual volume of € 20,000.

The CMS Small Grants Programme is open for activities in countries that have ratified the Convention and are not more than three years in arrears with their contributions. Least Developed Countries, meeting the above criteria are particularly encouraged to apply. Individual projects under the Programme can receive up to € 15,000. However, applications for lower amounts are encouraged. Further information on project eligibility, prioritization and selection procedure are available online, together with the Application, Budget and Endorsement Forms: http://www.cms.int/bodies/ScC/small_grants_programme.htm

Application Forms must be submitted together with an Endorsement Form, duly signed by the respective national CMS Focal Point for each country where activities are planned. Incomplete forms will not be considered for selection.

The deadline for submitting applications for 2012 is 31 May. Calls will be made annually throughout the triennium.

For further information please contact: Aline Kühl, Associate Scientific and Technical Officer, UNEP/CMS Secretariat: [email protected].