The Protecting the Great Barrier Reef – Community Stewardship Program (the program) grant opportunity will support on-ground action by local communities to protect and care for the Reef across the Great Barrier Reef catchments.
The program will run from 2023-2024 to 2029-30 across two rounds.
Up to $6.5 million is available in round 1 of the program to fund large coordinated, community based on-ground Reef protection projects.
These projects will target key habitats for ecosystem and species health and increase community stewardship to enhance commitment to protect and care for the Reef.
The projects will aim to:
- contribute to the delivery of the Reef 2050 Plan
- support the health and resilience of the Reef through activities protecting key habitats for ecosystem and species health, including refugial waterholes, wetlands, seagrass, bird and fish nursery habitats
- increase community-based protection of the Reef through environmentally responsible practices and strengthen coordination of Reef protection activities by local communities
- empower local communities, including Traditional Owners, to engage in a culture of stewardship that delivers positive outcomes for the Reef.
A total of $12.5 million in grants will be made available through the program. Funded through the Australian Government’s $1.2 billion investment to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
