Environment

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

For the first time in Earth’s history humans are altering the natural equilibrium of the environment. We hope through this fund that we can help mitigate the damaging effects that humans are causing and contribute to a positive change both now and in the future.

FUNDING PRIORITIES

TWF is keen to support initiatives aimed at reducing man-made climate change and increasing the health of the marine environment, both in the UK and worldwide. Under the Environment Fund, TWF has two main themes:

1) Forests

 The world has around 4 billion hectares of forests, covering 30% of the world’s land area. Although tropical rainforests constitute just 5% of this land area, they play a crucial role in the maintenance of the world’s environment and climate.

18-20% of global greenhouse gas emissions occur as a result of deforestation, including the burning of carbon-rich tropical peatlands (42 billion tonnes of soil carbon are stored in the forested tropical peatlands of SE Asia alone). In addition tropical forests help to generate the rainfall that stabilises local and regional weather patterns; they sustain 40% of all life on earth; and they support approximately 1 billion people who depend on them for their livelihoods.

Under our Forests programme, preference will be given to projects which seek to avoid deforestation in tropical areas, although reforestation and tree planting projects will also be considered. Projects may be considered at both strategic and local level.

Strategic initiatives could include:

• Lobbying for forests to be included in carbon markets, and addressing any issues which may exclude their inclusion.
• Lobbying for the increased awareness of the importance of rainforests.
• Lobbying against the drivers of tropical deforestation.

At a project level (projects should address two or more of the following):

• Localised tropical forest protection and management.
• Projects which expose and address the local drivers of tropical deforestation.
• Creating sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent people.

For examples of work we have funded with Forests, please click here

2) Marine

 Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the earth's surface, and the number of different species living in the oceans is estimated to be at least 178,000. Oceans are crucial to the world’s economy, health and environment.  Fish is an important source of food - it is estimated that 1 billion people, predominantly in developing countries, depend on fish as their primary source of protein. Also, an estimated 200 million people are directly or indirectly employed in the fish and seafood industries.

However, according to the United Nations 71-78% of the world's fisheries are either 'fully exploited', 'over exploited' or 'significantly depleted'. Some species have already been fished to commercial extinction; and many more are on the verge of collapse….

Under our Marine programme, preference will be given to projects which:

At a strategic level:

• Lobby for sustainable fishing policy practices and techniques worldwide.
• Lobby for action to maintain and improve world fish stock levels, e.g. Marine Protected Areas, No Take Zones, etc.
• Provide support for the marine world to stabilise climate change, in particular the uptake of greenhouse gases.

At a project level (projects should address two or more of the following):

• Develop marine and fisheries protection and management.
• Address local drivers which cause over-exploitation of fish stocks and other seafood.
• Create sustainable livelihoods for coastal and seafood dependent people in developing countries.

For examples of work we have supported in the Marine Area, please click here

OTHER INTERESTS

In addition to our forest and marine programmes TWF may occasionally support water and energy projects.

3) Water

The Foundation will consider supporting projects in developing countries which promote water conservation, or increase access to water.

4) Energy

The Foundation will consider offering financial support and advice for small-scale community renewable energy projects in Wales only.

EXCLUSIONS

Under the Environment Fund, TWF does not support:

• Initiatives focused solely on biodiversity.
• Projects designed to achieve largely aesthetic environmental goals.
• Projects that are purely educational.
• Testing new renewable energy technology.

Please note all organisations applying under the environment fund will be expected to have an environmental policy.