The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Peru (USAID/Peru) is seeking applications for a Cooperative Agreement from qualified entities to implement the “Regional Community Response to Conservation Crimes” program. Eligibility for this award is not restricted. Transnational conservation crimes (TCCs) are some of the fastest growing cross-border, high-value, low-risk enterprises and are causing irreparable damage to the Amazon. TCCs are defined as crimes associated with the conservation of natural resources, such as wildlife trafficking, illegal logging and associated trade (ILAT), illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and illegal or unregulated extraction and trade of alluvial gold and other minerals. Along with extraction, TCCs also degrade the region’s governance and threaten the viability and security of vulnerable communities and the sustainability of the complex Amazon ecosystem. In response to critical threats posed to the Amazon Biome by TCCs, the USAID/South American Regional Mission (SAR) seeks to apply a “whole-of-Amazon” systems approach to decrease the supply and demand for natural resources by increasing civil society led efforts to promote whole of society values, raising public understanding of the benefits of a culture that protects both biodiversity and cultural identity and expanding livelihoods. Approaches may include: increasing regional biodiversity awareness and the negative effects of conservation crimes via intergenerational learning programs, integrating culture and biodiversity into development strategies, and public facing behavioral change communication campaigns. Private sector collaboration should include alternative development that safeguards cultural identities and expands livelihoods while protecting biodiversity on their lands and waters. Questions regarding this NOFO should be submitted via electronic mail to
[email protected] no later than the date and time indicated on the cover page.