Coastal Ecosystems for People and Planet Grant 2025.

The Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund is inviting applications for the 2025 Coastal Ecosystems for People and Planet initiative — a competitive grant supporting innovative projects that protect, restore, and research critical blue forest ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, kelp forests, and salt marshes.

These ecosystems are vital for coastal communities, reducing erosion and flooding, improving water quality, and storing carbon. They also sustain livelihoods through fisheries, coastal farming, and biodiversity-based income generation. Unfortunately, nearly half of the world’s mangroves have been lost in the past 50 years, while seagrass and kelp forests continue to decline due to human activity and climate change.

Funding Focus

This grant seeks science-based conservation and restoration projects that protect or restore blue forests while empowering local communities. Projects should integrate local knowledge, environmental stewardship, and sustainable livelihoods.

Priority regions include areas visited by National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions, such as:

• Southeast Alaska and British Columbia

• The Arctic and Baja California

• The Caribbean and Central America

• The Galápagos, the Mediterranean, the United Kingdom, and Ireland

Projects in other coastal regions will also be considered.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to individuals aged 18 and above from diverse backgrounds — no academic qualifications are required, only a strong passion and expertise in marine or coastal ecosystems. Projects must have a primary discipline of science and a focus on ocean-related conservation or research.

Applicants are encouraged to work in communities where they have existing relationships or include local collaborators if they do not.

 Grant Levels

• Level I Grants: Up to US$20,000 for emerging leaders or first-time grantees (to be completed within one year).

• Level II Grants: Up to US$100,000 for experienced researchers or organizations (average awards range from US$50,000 to US$75,000 and must be completed within two years).

Grantees also gain membership in the National Geographic Explorer Community, with opportunities for further funding, exposure, and collaboration.

Timeline

• Application Opens: August 2025

• Deadline: October 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT

• Winners Announced: December 2025

How to Apply

Submit your proposal through the National Geographic Society website. Applications must be written in English and include detailed information about the project’s goals, methods, and community involvement.

For guidance, National Geographic will host:

• A webinar on August 26, 2025 (9–10 AM EDT)

• Office hours on September 8 and September 22, 2025, for one-on-one applicant support

Interested applicants should register via the official Coastal Ecosystems RFP form on the National Geographic website.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official websites and portals of this opportunity for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.