The UNWTO Sustainable Development Goals Global Startup Competition seeks innovative startups that directly contribute to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The competition features 17 categories, each one representing a Sustainable Development Goal. Startups from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate. The winning startups receive a pitch at a UNWTO Demo Day, capacity and business development training, access to technological support, and connection to the UNWTO Innovation Network. The deadline for candidatures is 20 September 2020. Link to the competition
forests
European Commission — Forest Observation Systems in RD Congo
The European Commission (EC) aims to develop an independent forest observation monitoring systems in order to monitor forest governance and forest land use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The overall amount made available under this call is €1,5 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit civil society organizations. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 27 October 2020. Find more information
United States Agency for International Development — Equal Access to Natural Resources
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announces the Resilient, Inclusive, & Sustainable Environments (RISE) Challenge. USAID seeks innovative interventions that prevent and respond to gender-based violence across programs that address the access, use and management of natural resources. The challenge aims to fund organizations to innovatively adapt and implement promising or proven interventions that enhanced environmental action and women’s empowerment. USAID will award up to three awards in the amount of up to US$300 thousand. Eligibility extends to all organizations regardless of type (e.g., NGO; for profit; not-for-profit; community organizations, etc.) with local presence where USAID is currently operational. Submissions are due on 05 August 2020. Rise Challenge
World Forest Center — International Fellowship Program
The International Fellowship Program in forestry hosts foresters and other natural resource professionals from around the world for 6 months on campus in Oregon (USA). Applicants propose research topics (e.g., urban forest inventory, biomass supply-chain, carbon policy, forestry regulation, conservation finance, etc.) that include elements from their home countries and the USA’s Pacific Northwest. Fellows also engage in professional networking and visitations. The World Forestry Center offers fellowships that cover 50% of the program fees. The application deadline is 15 October 2020. Find the fellowship
Climate Tracker — Sustainability Solutions Stories Fellowship
Climate Tracker seeks journalists to report on sustainability challenges such as tourism, agriculture, water, and other aspects. Successful applicants will enjoy a 6-month fellowship covering the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainability in their country/region. Fellows receive coaching and mentoring plus a US$150 stipend per month for the duration of their fellowship to cover expenses. Applicants have to have at least one year of journalism experience. There are no geographical restrictions. The application deadline is 26 June 2020. Hurry
The Spindle — Digital Innovations for Africa, Asia and Latin America
The Spindle seeks the 30 most inspiring Digital Innovations from all over the world and from all types of organizations who are working towards a sustainable, just and inclusive world. The digital innovation or technology should contribute to closer cooperation between organisations working on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The 30 selected participants have the chance to record a pitch video with a professional filmmaker and will present their product during the Partos Innovation Festival (October 2020) to potential partners and investors. Applications can be submitted until 10 July 2020. Note: This opportunity is “first-come, first-served!” (the first 100 applications will be taken into account). About
Copernicus Masters — Multi-Data Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Multi-Data Challenge, sponsored by Airbus Defense and Space and sobloo, seeks new services and/or applications that provide insight and have impact on areas like Natural Resources Consumption, Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime, Defense & Security and Smart Cities. The winner receives business development support, an Airbus Satellite data voucher for the OneAtlas Platform, and the opportunity to present their solution to potential business partners. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Multi-Data Challenge
Proposals for NGOs — #Togetherwecan Photo Contest
The Photo Contest is open to professional and non-professional photographers worldwide. Participants are invited to submit real pictures showing their development project and progress in local communities around the world. The two images that get the most “likes” and “shares” by 15 August will win US$100 each. Photos have to be submitted by 15 July 2020. Link to the #Togetherwecan photo challenge
European Commission — Sustainable Landscape Management in São Tomé and Principe
The European Commission (EC) seeks to optimize the contribution of land to agriculture, food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the preservation of ecosystems in São Tomé and Principe. To achieve this goal, the EC accepts proposals for scalable pilot initiatives that help conciliate different land uses and improve land governance. The overall amount made available is €2.32 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or an African country. The deadline for applications is 24 July 2020. Link to more information
U.S. Department of State — Support for Environmental Cooperation
The U.S. Department of State announces funding for logistics, meetings coordination, and digital communications to support environmental cooperation between all the U.S. Free Trade Agreement countries. Funding of up to US$197 thousand will be awarded to be used for logistics and meeting coordination support for in-person and virtual meetings, as well as digital communications to promote environmental cooperation programs. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations and academic institutions, as well as public international organizations. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2020. Click here for more information