Deadline: 15 January 2020

The National Geographic Society is seeking proposals for its grant program entitled “Biodiversity Exploration and Discovery” to support inventories, surveys, and research expeditions in regions of the world where species discoveries are more likely to occur and where little or no information is available.

National Geographic is committed to a better understanding of planet and an improved ability to conserve world’s biodiversity. With the goals to:

• find and describe new species, and
• better understand the patterns of distribution and abundance of poorly known groups of organisms.

Themes

Proposals that focus on the following themes are encouraged:

• Inventories, surveys, and research expeditions in areas of endemism and richness, especially where these have been highly damaged or threatened by human activities.
• Develop conservation strategies relating to new discoveries as they are made.
• Better understand the patterns of biological diversity, including distribution and abundance of poorly known groups.

Funding Information

• Applicants may request up to $50,000, with clear budget justification for use of the grant.
• Successful applicants should use awarded funds within one year.

Eligibility Criteria

• Successful applications must provide:
  • justification as to why the specific area or taxonomic group needs to be explored,
  • clear methodology for how species will be determined and a plan for taxonomic validation, and
  • a plan for depositing specimens and/or materials collected in an appropriate, permanent home
• Preference will be given to proposals from applicants residing in the country of fieldwork, and all proposals must include at least one team member from the country where the fieldwork takes place.
• Projects that include the active involvement of early career conservationists are encouraged.

Please note: National Geographic requires that any expeditions intending to collect specimens have permissions from and operate under the biodiversity legislation of the host country – no exceptions. Applicants must obtain export and import permits where applicable. Applicants selected for funding will be required to show permits and depository plans prior to any work commencing.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via given website.

For more information, please visit https://www.nationalgeographic.org/funding-opportunities/grants/what-we-fund/biodiversity-exploration-and-discovery/