The Grants Award Program (GAP) is guided by four (4) broad Thematic Areas. All projects under the GAP must be designed to achieve at least one Thematic Area listed below. There is no maximum number of Thematic Areas that a Project may target and if a Project is targeting more than one Thematic Area then this does not automatically make it a stronger candidate for funding than a project targeting only one Thematic Area.
The four Thematic Areas are as follows:
Protection for Biodiversity
Aims to achieve effective protection for marine biodiversity focused on strategies and interventions that ensure full protection and prevents depletion or loss of biodiversity. Such protection includes the marine protected areas, especially no-take zones, and the effective management of these. It also includes protection for species of conservation concern and ecosystems crucial for maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems.
Sustainable Fisheries
Aims to support fisheries management programs and initiatives that promote sustainable fishing and help rebuild depleted stocks. The focus is on ensuring fisheries are sustainable from harvesting through to the consumer’s plate, and that they safeguard the fishing communities by building capacity and leadership. It also considers new fisheries that will be sustainably developed and value-added chains that increase the sustainability of fisheries products.
Climate Resilience
Aims to build and strengthen the resilience of our ocean ecosystems to ensure greater ability to adapt to and survive the impacts of climate change on our coastal and marine resources. This includes building the resilience of communities and their livelihoods by providing secure and green jobs, resilient value chains, safety and protection, and economic security to combat climate change. It also includes improving the first line of defense by building the resilience of the natural environment so that it continues to provide goods and services and maintain critical functions, that support coastal livelihoods and our national economy.
Blue Business Innovation
Aims to incubate and support the growth of the Blue Economy in Belize through innovative and sustainable Blue Businesses. Belize depends heavily on its ocean ecosystems for livelihoods and there is a crucial need to invest in fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy and maritime transport so that these are developed sustainably and help to boost the country’s economy, while ensuring our ocean resources remain healthy.