Biodiversity Small Funds Initiative
Empowering local communities to tackle plastic pollution and biodiversity loss
About the Biodiversity Small Funds Initiative
The Biodiversity Small Funds Initiative offers funding opportunities to support impactful projects on the ground.
With the support of the Government of Canada, this initiative aims to empower local non-profit organizations and community initiatives tackling the dual challenges of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.
Jaga Mangkai
Indonesia
A local community group protecting sea turtle nesting sites through clean-ups and stronger community-led waste practices on Mangkai Island, one of Indonesia’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Mitra Bentala Indonesia
Indonesia
An NGO in Bandar Lampung that plants and monitors two hectares of mangrove forests with community participation to restore ecosystems and reduce plastic pollution in the Belau River estuary and around Pasaran Island.
Resilience Development Initiative
Indonesia
A global think tank advancing knowledge on development and resilience through research on biodiversity, waste management, and other critical environmental and sustainability issues.
O'Waste
Indonesia
A technology-driven organization working with local communities to address plastic waste and enhance biodiversity using AI-powered waste systems and assisted natural regeneration across 10,000 hectares in Bandung, Indonesia.
Sustainable Actions For Nature
Nigeria
An NGO that holds Waste-to-Value Workshops to upcycle plastic into practical products and restore mangroves in degraded areas of Nigeria’s Andoni fishing communities.
Asocicion de recicladores y Gestores del Cambio de la cienaga grande
Colombia
A youth-led organization in Pueblo Viejo, Colombia, dedicated to protecting and restoring key ecosystems in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta through mangrove restoration and circular economy practices.
Ecoworks
Colombia
A social enterprise that empowers Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities in the coastal areas of Buenaventura, Colombia through recycling and circular economy training.
Fundación EcoMinga Red de Protección de Bosques Amenazados
Ecuador
A non-profit organization working with local communities on circular plastic management and biodiversity monitoring in the Río Manduriacu Reserve.
Nomad Nol Plastik
Indonesia
A community-driven initiative tackling plastic pollution in Indonesia’s coastal and inland communities by establishing micro-factories that upcycle plastic waste, sell recycled products, and monetize plastic credits.
Pure Oceans
The Philippines
A women-led marine conservation social enterprise that establishes plastic recovery facilities and develops circular plastic enterprises in the Verde Island Passage, Philippines.
OceanKita
Indonesia
A social enterprise aiming to lead a plastic-for-fishers incentive chain and women-led upcycling initiatives in Lombok, Indonesia.
Enviu
Indonesia
Enviu develops impact-first business models to drive systemic change and aims to make a zero-waste lifestyle affordable for all in Indonesia.
Fundación Carvajal
Colombia
A non-profit family foundation that supports Afro-Colombian women (piangüeras) through plastic waste recovery to help conserve the fragile mangrove ecosystem.
Shelton Climate Awareness Initiative
Nigeria
A women-led initiative conducting large-scale plastic waste cleanup campaigns and upcycling programs in Jos, Nigeria.
Asociacion Defensores del Monumento Natural Zona de Los Santos
Costa Rica
A non-profit organization working with youth and women heads of households in Barrio El Estadio, León Cortés, Costa Rica to strengthen waste separation, reduce non-recyclable waste, and promote composting.
Fundación Educación para la Cultura y el Ambiente
Ecuador
The organization partners with local residents and grassroots recyclers in Quito to build a recycling system and restore degraded ravines to protect vital ecosystems.
REGEN by Fab Lab Peru
Peru
Born in the Amazon rainforest, REGEN by Fab Lab Peru unites native communities and the Fab Lab Network to co-create regenerative bioplastics for a better future. It works with Indigenous communities to develop alternatives to plastic using digital manufacturing, biofabrication, and AI—fostering regenerative bioeconomies in the Amazon.
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Colombia
Universidad Nacional de Colombia works with the Indigenous Tikà community—particularly artisanal fishers and women—to assess plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems in the Colombian Amazon.
AVIRAMA Foundation
Indonesia
A youth-led foundation working to improve Lovina’s vital ecosystems in Indonesia by partnering with youth groups, local SMEs, eco-tourism organizations, and coastal communities to drive engagement and data-driven action.
Conciencia Marina
Peru
A civil society organization working with artisanal fishers, women-led businesses, and nautical tour operators in Ancón, Peru to implement a comprehensive waste management system for healthier marine habitats.
