Deadline: 31 January 2016
Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME) is accepting applications for its Conservation and Research Fund that supports projects benefiting species and habitats, especially Globally Threatened and Near Threatened birds, and sites important for bird conservation (Important Bird Areas – IBAs) in the OSME region.
There is no maximum limit to the value of grant awarded but most average £1000 to £2,000.
The Ornithological Society of the Middle East was formed in April 1978 as a successor to the Ornithological Society of Turkey and was expanded in 2001 to cover the Caucasus and Central AsiaTo collect, collate and publish ornithological data on birds of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Aims
- To encourage an interest in and conservation of birds of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
- To assist environmental and conservation organisations and natural history societies in and concerned with ornithological studies and activities in the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Funding Priorities
- Investigating the status of Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near-threatened bird species
- Attempting to further the knowledge of existing IBAs, for example by undertaking breeding censuses and conducting systematic counts.
- Investigating potential new IBAs or ornithologically little known areas.
- Conducting ecological studies of little-known species.
- Studies related to illegal bird killing and unsustainable hunting.
- Educational programmes
Evaluation Criteria
Priority will be given to projects:
- Initiated and carried out by nationals of OSME region countries, and/or
- Carried out in collaboration with OSME region nationals, and/or
- Include a strong educational element, pro-actively engaging local communities and/or
- Include an element of long-term sustainability of the project, such as training of local counterparts
How to Apply
Interested applicants can email their application forms at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit Ornithological Society of the Middle East.
