The Office of Ecology and Natural Resource Conservation of the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science (OES) at the Department of State announces a Request for Applications for management of the project entitled The Coral Reef Crime Scene Investigation Program: Illegal Take of Wildlife Products Derived from Coral Reef Ecosystems. The Initiative aims to develop practical field training for coral reef resource managers and enforcement officers in coral reef countries focusing on underwater techniques for collection of evidence and formal documentation of illegally taken coral reef species for the purpose of international trade. Previous Coral Reef Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) courses have resulted in increased resolution of human-induced coral reef injury events, as well as improved compliance with local and national laws. Funding for this project will support an expansion of the scope of the current CSI program by developing advanced investigative protocols and training materials to address the illegal take of wildlife products derived from coral reef ecosystems for the purpose of international trade. The training and materials will be incorporated into workshops offered in key coral reef regions based on an assessment of priorities by CSI experts. The workshops will involve coral reef and marine park managers, enforcement officers, and judicial officials. The Grantee and its partners (if any) will work collaboratively with OES and U.S. Embassy staff as appropriate to develop in-country detection and monitoring of take of coral reef wildlife for illegal trade at the point of loss, on-water surveillance, search, and retrieval techniques. Total U.S. Department of State funding for this grant is $198,000. The Grantee is expected to add cost sharing. Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), International Organizations (IOs), and universities domestic and foreign with experience in the work described in the program goals and activities are encouraged to submit proposals.Contact Person: Antoinette CondoBureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science
[email protected]: (202) 647-0657, Fax: (202) 736-7351