The mission of the United Kingdom’s Blue Planet Fund is to support the advancement and research in marine sciences, focusing on funding educational opportunities and research initiatives aimed at understanding and preserving marine ecosystems.
The Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Grants Programme focuses on offering substantial financial support, up to £500 million, for community-led initiatives that aim to provide long-term positive impacts on marine environments and local stakeholders, emphasizing coastal communities. Its primary goal is to enable sustainable and impactful solutions to preserve marine environments at a larger scale, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water. The programme highlights the underfunding of efforts towards SDG 14 despite its importance in achieving global climate change objectives, aiming to bridge this gap through its support. The Community Grant, a sub-category within the programme, specifically targets small to medium-sized in-country organisations. It offers up to £250,000 for projects lasting up to five years, with a two-stage application process that includes both concept notes and full applications, supported by application workshops, helpdesk assistance, and webinars.