Irish companies, researchers and NGOs involved in climate action supporting oceans and a “sustainable blue economy” in developing countries could qualify for grants under a new €1m government fund.
Work in small island developing states may also qualify if related to climate action.
Individual grants of up to €300,000 are available under the Irish Aid Enterprise Fund for International Climate Action announced by the Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora Colm Brophy.
The fund is aimed at Irish organisations, working alone or as part of international partnerships, who will be invited to submit proposals for climate-related activities with a commercial or enterprise aspect
“Irish Aid and our partners work hard to support climate action in developing countries but the level of action needed means we need all hands on deck,” Mr Brophy said.
“ Climate change is the greatest challenge that we face. We must pull out all the stops"
“The private sector, as well as researchers and NGOs, have an important role to play in both supporting and delivering climate action,” he said.
“ The Irish Aid Enterprise Fund for International Climate Action will allow Irish Aid to engage Irish entrepreneurship, talent, experience and knowledge in support of climate action for those who need it most.”
Particular consideration will be given to activities targeting:
- Climate action taking place in “Least Developed Countries” or “Small Island Developing States”;
- Clean energy (including clean cooking) projects that reach the community level;
- Climate action with an adaptation focus;
- Climate action that supports oceans and sustainable blue economy;
- Climate action with cross-cutting impacts for gender and/or biodiversity.
The fund will support a variety of activities, including project funding, research and feasibility studies, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The fund will also support capacity building and knowledge exchange activities between organisations in Ireland and developing countries.
The department said that the private sector plays an integral role in financing the climate response, but it is “crucial” that it increases.
By 2030 annual climate finance of $4.35 trillion will be required to reach our climate objectives, it says.
The closing date for applications is April 29th, 2022, and further details on eligibility and application forms are at the Irish Aid Enterprise Fund for International Climate Action - Department of Foreign Affairs.