The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Conservation Program, is accepting proposals for projects that build public-private partnerships to reduce and prevent degradation of coral reefs and associated reef habitats (e.g. seagrass beds, mangroves etc.). Projects may address causes of coral reef degradation wherever they occur, from inland areas to coastal watersheds to the reefs and surrounding marine environment. Proposals should support partnerships that provide solutions to specific problems to help prevent coral reef degradation through one or more of the following activities:

• Reducing impacts from pollution and sedimentation;
• Reducing impacts from over-harvesting and other fishing activities;
• Reducing impacts of tourism and boating;
• Restoring damaged reefs;
• Increasing community awareness through education and stewardship activities.

Proposals are due January 31, 2003 (no exceptions).

Background
Coral reefs and their associated habitats are among the most biologically diverse and complex ecosystems in the world. This incredible diversity supports economies through activities such as tourism, fishing, and pharmaceutical production. Despite their importance, coral reefs are rapidly being degraded and destroyed by a variety of human impacts such as pollution, overfishing, and physical disturbance to the reefs.

Priority projects will include those that:
1. Build public-private partnerships, develop innovative partnerships, are community-based, involve multiple stakeholders;
2. Provide solutions to specific problems to reduce and prevent degradation of coral reefs in the above listed areas;
3. Are coordinated and consistent with on-going coral reef conservation initiatives such as International Coral Reef Initiative's Framework for Action and Renewed Call to Action , the U.S. National Action Plan (U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, State and Territorial coral reef management programs, and U.S. All Islands Coral Reef Initiative, as appropriate;
4. Are focused on U.S. domestic, U.S. insular (territorial, commonwealth), Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau), Caribbean or Mesoamerican coral reef ecosystems;
5. Address an unmet need that will provide direct benefits to coral reefs;
6. Target a specific audience and address specific threats with a hands-on approach.

Awards and Matching Funds
Most grants will be between $10,000 and $50,000. The average grant will be approximately $25,000. Proposals should describe projects or progress that can be achieved in a 12 month time period but may be part of a long-term effort. All projects should include matching funding from project partners at a minimum ratio of 1:1 - although leverage ratios of 2:1 are preferred. As most of the grant dollars available for coral conservation will be federal (e.g., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Conservation Program), the federal funds available for projects is contingent on federal budget approvals, and matching contributions must be from non-federal sources.

Eligible Applicants
Applications will be accepted from U.S. or international non-profit organizations, academic institutions and government agencies (except U.S. federal agencies). U.S. federal agencies are encouraged to work collaboratively with non-federal project partners.

To Apply:
Electronic versions of the application form (in English and Spanish) are available at www.nfwf.org. Applicants will be notified after June 1st as to the status of their proposal. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation does not anticipate another call for coral reef conservation proposals before October of 2003. If you have any questions about the program or other opportunities through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, please contact Michelle Pico (pico@nfwf.org).

Other Information:
For more information on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Conservation Program, please contact Roger Griffis (roger.b.griffis@noaa.gov) or visit the web site www.coralreef.noaa.gov.