AbTF Launches Biodiversity Fund for the Promotion of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is committed to nature conservation and biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems that support high quality fibre production by maintaining soil health, water quality and providing balanced habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife. Ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling and climate regulation are essential for agricultural productivity without environmental degradation. Diverse ecosystems provide resilience to climate change and environmental stressors, helping farmers adapt to changing conditions and supporting their livelihoods.

On the occasion of its 20th anniversary , ABTF launches the AbTF Fund for the Promotion of Biodiversity and Nature Conservation. An initial €500,000 has been allocated to this AbTF Biodiversity Fund. The new fund aims to ensure that ecosystems remain diverse and resilient to climate change, so that cotton and cashmere production can thrive without degrading the environment. The fund enhances AbTF’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship.

The following criteria must be checked before submitting an expression of interest:

  • Projects must promote biodiversity and nature conservation in AbTF’s project regions (cotton and cashmere regions).
  • Eligible applicants include NGOs, start-ups, and AbTF’s private sector partners operating in AbTF project countries.
  • Overall project timing: 48 months including 24 months for implementation and 24 months for monitoring.
  • Funding is available for project implementation, monitoring, and result documentation. Funding is not available for institutional support, studies not directly linked to projects, post-project maintenance and activities required by law.
  • The maximum project budget is €150,000 for the entire project period.
  • A co-financing contribution by the applicant of at least 15% is mandatory.
  • Unsuccessful applications may not be resubmitted.
  • Funding is non-repayable and not legally guaranteed.

The application and selection process consists of two steps:

A formal expression of interest can be submitted if all criteria are met by the applicant. Only expressions of interest that meet the criteria will be considered.

Once the expression of interest has been accepted, a full application must be submitted using the application template provided by AbTF. Projects will be selected in consultation with an advisory board.

 

If you have any questions, please consult:

abtf_fund@abt-foundation.org

We are excited to announce the launch of our first project under the new Biodiversity Fund, supporting African People & Wildlife (APW) in their efforts to enhance community-led savanna management programs across key ecosystems in Tanzania. 

APW’s Sustainable Rangelands Initiative is designed to empower local communities to restore and manage savanna ecosystems through practices such as rotational grazing, the application of traditional ecological knowledge, and the use of real-time mobile monitoring tools. This multifaceted approach benefits both local communities and wildlife by improving forage availability and soil health as well as enhancing water retention and ecosystem stability.  

Dr Laly Lichtenfeld, Co-founder and CEO African People and Wildlife

“Effective biodiversity conservation depends on scalable, community-driven solutions. Through the Biodiversity Fund, we are advancing a powerful model for grassland management that integrates traditional ecological knowledge with data-driven innovation. This investment enables local leaders to regenerate critical ecosystems, strengthen rural economies, and reinforce the ecological infrastructure that sustains livelihoods, wildlife, and landscapes.”

Targeting the Greater Lake Natron and Greater Serengeti areas, APW will work to coordinate climate-smart grazing plans, provide essential training, facilitate knowledge exchange, and implement ecological restoration initiatives. We look forward to supporting APW in making a significant impact on biodiversity and community livelihoods in Tanzania.  

Tina Stridde, Managing Director Aid by Trade Foundation

“As with many initiatives by the Aid by Trade Foundation, strong partnerships are also essential for our new Biodiversity Fund. We are looking forward to launching our first project in collaboration with African People and Wildlife to take bold action against biodiversity loss. The Tanzania-based organization is an esteemed and internationally recognized leader in community-led nature conservation projects.”

For more information on the fund and our 20th anniversary, please visit our press portal  or our YouTube channel.