Description
The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) invites proposals for its Coral Reef & Natural Resources (CRNR) Initiative. This grant program seeks to protect coral reefs and other natural resources in insular areas, benefiting communities by supporting food security, protecting shorelines, supporting the economy, and restoring native species. Funding also aids in combating invasive species through risk management, prevention, rapid response, and eradication efforts.
Some key aspects of the program include:
• Protecting and promoting healthy coral reef ecosystems
• Safeguarding coastal and shoreline infrastructure from damage
• Responding to emergencies related to coral reef protection or invasive species control
• Mitigating coral diseases and bleaching
• Implementing watershed management efforts to reduce land-based sources of pollution and improve water quality
• Monitoring and assessing coral reef health to inform adaptive management strategies
• Combating invasive species through biosecurity, eradication, suppression, control, rapid detection, response, and/or public education
• Replanting native species, restoring vegetation, and repairing ecosystems affected by invasive species or human activities
• Executing strategies for safeguarding coral, coastal, and island ecosystems