A new opportunity for Mediterranean organisations to strengthen or create Highly Protected Areas with dedicated technical support and small grants.
Highly Protected Areas (HPAs) remain one of the Mediterranean’s most powerful yet least developed conservation tools. Although they deliver faster ecological recovery and stronger fisheries benefits, only 0.04% of the Mediterranean currently falls under full protection. In line with its mission to strengthen effective MPAs across the region, Together for the Med is launching a call for expressions of interest to help organisations create or enhance HPAs.
Since 2017, the partnership has united more than 50 organisations across 15 countries to reduce fishing pressures and protect coastal ecosystems through science-based action. This call directly supports that mission by offering technical assistance and small grants (up to €5,000) to promising sites across the basin aiming for the 30×30 and 10×30 objectives.
What support is available?
Technical assistance for all selected candidates
Over six months (March–September 2026), successful applicants will receive tailored support such as:
- tailored help on zoning, monitoring, enforcement, legal pathways, or community engagement.
- a management effectiveness assessment using the BlueDiagnosis,
- guidance to build a Theory of Change and Regional Strategic Analysis,
Small grants for top-ranked applicants
Grants of up to €5,000 can support priority actions including ecological baseline studies, participatory zoning, management or business plan development, surveillance equipment, educational activities, or livelihood-linked socio-economic assessments. A wide variety of activities are eligible.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include public MPA authorities, NGOs, local communities or cooperatives, and academic institutions working with managers. Projects must take place in the Mediterranean basin, with priority for:
- sites in southern and eastern Mediterranean countries,
- areas within existing MPAs or undergoing HPA designation,
- projects demonstrating strong community engagement or co-management potential.
Selection and timeline
Proposals will be assessed on ecological and socio-economic impact, feasibility, community involvement, and local relevance. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in January–February 2026, with final selection announced by 15 February.
- Deadline: 31 December 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Information webinar: Friday 4 December 2025, 11AM-1PM (UTC+1)
- Consultation calls: 25 November–20 December
Questions may be sent to margauxjanin@blueseeds.org and yousrbenfadhel@blueseeds.org or asked during the webinar.