Blue Action Fund Mangroves Call 2026

The 2026 Mangroves, Blue Carbon Markets, and 30x30 in Asia call from Blue Action Fund has closed. It closed on 16 October 2026, and the call document states no next call. Blue Action Fund gives grants only through open calls for proposals, so the practical step is to follow its funding opportunities page. The call was for NGOs, not startups or companies, and India was one of four eligible countries. Nothing in the call describes an in-person stage; the second stage is a joint working process with the funder.

Blue Action Fund is a foundation that supports the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 14. It is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Agence Française de Développement, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and Irish Aid. The rest of this page is a guide for NGOs preparing for a future call.

What the call offered

Individual grants of EUR 2–4 million (about ₹21.8–43.6 crore) for projects of up to five years. The total funding for the call was up to EUR 17 million, and Blue Action said it hoped to increase this. NGOs had to bring match funding of at least 25% of total project costs, and a larger share was highly desirable and counted in appraisal. The standard cap on costs outside the target region could rise from 5% to up to 20% where blue carbon technical expertise needed it. A preparatory grant supported the second stage.

Who could apply

Charitable NGOs, or consortia of NGOs, with proven experience in mangrove conservation or restoration, blue carbon project development and sustainable livelihoods. Consortia had to include or have access to carbon accounting, monitoring and verification, methodology, financial feasibility and project design document expertise, and members had to sign a letter of intent to collaborate. NGOs also needed experience with environmental and social management systems and stakeholder engagement, and had to apply free, prior and informed consent. For an Indian NGO this meant an experienced coastal conservation group with an existing blue carbon pipeline. It did not suit companies, early-idea NGOs, or groups with no earlier assessments.

What the projects had to do

Each project had to combine three things: set up or better manage protected areas or other area-based conservation measures, focusing on at least 1,000 hectares of mangrove; protect, restore and sustainably use mangroves for biodiversity, climate and livelihoods; and advance a high-integrity blue carbon project toward carbon crediting. The call expected a credible route to market, a recognised carbon standard (such as Plan Vivo, Verra VM0033 or Gold Standard), national authorisation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to be aimed for, work on the ground, and a clear grasp of carbon and land rights. Projects that mainly offset fossil fuel expansion or mining were not supported.

Projects had to build on documented pre-feasibility or feasibility assessments, such as tenure and stakeholder mapping, carbon stock or additionality assessments. Purely conceptual projects were not eligible. Project areas had to meet a minimum level of effective protection, and every project had to be endorsed by the national authority of the country where it would run.

How to apply

Applicants read the call alongside Blue Action's Grant Procedures Manual and Environmental and Social Management System, filled in the Grant Application template for this window (using its own result matrix), and sent it electronically in Word or PDF format under 5 MB with a set subject line before the deadline.

How applications were judged and what happens next

The process has two stages. The Grant Application stage is competitive. Selected applicants then enter a non-competitive Full Proposal stage, a joint, step-by-step process with Blue Action in which the project, its results framework, detailed budget and environmental and social safeguards are refined, supported by a preparatory grant.

Things to check before you apply

Secure the national endorsement and consortium letters early, and document your feasibility work. A practical tip: expect to explain how carbon revenue would be shared between conservation management and communities. Indian NGOs receiving foreign funds should check FCRA, FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser.