Chilean Government accepts applications for the 2010 Environmental Protection FundPublished: July 14, 2009
The program, which is intended for community organizations, indigenous groups, industry associations, NGOs and universities, covers activities for environmental protection and recovery, nature preservation and environmental heritage conservation.
Applications for the 2010 Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will be accepted until July 27th. The State-run program is managed by the National Environment Commission (CONAMA), which funds citizen initiatives for environmental conservation. The program is designed to support citizen initiatives for the environment through a fund created by Act 19,300 concerning the General Environmental Framework.
Over the last 12 years, the EPF has given more than US$9.1 million to these types of activities and supported more than 4,500 organizations working on over 1,300 projects. In light of this, the Minister of the Environment, Ana Lya Uriarte, called upon Chile?s citizens to apply for the 2010 program.
"We'd like to invite social organizations, neighborhood committees, indigenous groups, sports clubs, and any other organization interested in preserving and caring for the environment to apply for CONAMA's XIII Tender for the Environmental Protection Fund, for 2010. This program funds projects between US$5,500 and US$16,500", said the chief environmental authority in Chile.
Ms. Uriarte highlighted the growing importance of the EPF as demonstrated by its high demand and the support it enjoys within the State apparatus. According to Uriarte, the importance of the program is reflected by the increase in funds available to it. She stressed that while in 1998 only 66 initiatives were approved for a total amount of US$457,800, this year 175 projects are being undertaken, valued at nearly US$2.1 million.
"Today, we are happy to announce that, thanks to the EPF, the environmental awareness and commitment of the population have grown significantly, becoming key tools in the pursuit of sustainable development for Chile and its people," she stated.
Theme linesThis year, the fund intends to provide financing for projects in four areas: climate change, biodiversity conservation, non-conventional renewable energy and environmental education.
Those organizations interested in applying will be able to do so until July 27th, 2009. Those wishing to apply online may visit
www.fpa.conama.cl.
Those who prefer to apply in person may submit their application forms to the corresponding regional CONAMA offices.
For more information, visit:
www.conama.cl