The Coastal Capacity Building Fund
The Coastal Capacity Building Scheme is funding local projects in coastal areas in Wales and bringing together partners to tackle the climate emergency.
The Coastal Capacity Building Fund will enable communities to take action in Welsh coastal areas to support nature recovery and sustainability.
Funding will be distributed via the Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) and projects will be run in partnership with the local LNP Co-ordinator.
ABOUT THE FUND
The Fund aims to build capacity for community partners, helping them to deliver sustainable action that supports growth and recovery in local marine and coastal areas. It will encourage collaboration between stakeholders, such as communities, businesses, local authorities and other public bodies, and build networks that foster nature recovery and rejuvenation in coastal areas.
The scheme has a yearly budget of £500,000 available for projects of five months or more, with a minimum value of £20,000. All projects must be complete by 31 March 2025.
Welsh Government is funding the scheme from 2023-25, building on its investment in local nature recovery through the Local Nature Partnerships. Applications are made via the Local Nature Partnerships and WCVA is managing the funding and overall co-ordination.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Any new or existing partners with an interest in supporting their coastal communities can apply. To apply you will need to contact your Local Nature Partnership Co-ordinator who will act as the lead applicant for the funding. For more information please email lnpcymru@wcva.cymru.
WHAT WE’LL FUND
Some examples of the kinds of activities the fund could support:
Developing skills, knowledge and networks/partnerships to engage with marine and coastal issues
Carrying out scoping exercises to look at reducing carbon emissions in the marine/coastal environment
Increasing public understanding of local eco-systems and how to manage and use them responsibly
Implementing recycling initiatives
Conducting research into local environments and the impact of climate change
Improving local seafood supply chains and their sustainability
Fostering sustainable recreation and tourism
Building understanding of how to improve water quality
Developing environmentally friendly food packaging
Projects should focus on:
Nature recovery and enhancement
Sustainable growth and diversification in Welsh coastal communities
Helping Welsh coastal communities to access the grant fund and other appropriate funding by providing advice and assistance and developing a network of key stakeholders to share information on marine and coastal topics
You should also take into consideration the Local Places for Nature objectives:
Support activities and actions that restore and enhance nature
Focus on supporting under-represented groups and disadvantaged communities across Wales
Encourage community participation and engagement to enable people to experience and value nature, which will help to lead to wider and larger scale initiatives being supported across communities
HOW TO APPLY
To make an application to the Coastal Capacity Building Fund please contact your Local Nature Partnership, or email lnpcymru@wcva.cymru to find out more. The deadline for applications for the 2023 funding round is 22 September 2023.