Unlike traditional conservation projects, the IUCN NL Land Acquisition Fund, which finances the acquisition of ownership or usage rights of a natural area under direct threat by NGOs, has started accepting applications for 2026. The main philosophy of the fund is to create safe zones (reserves) for endangered species and to establish ecological corridors that connect fragmented habitats.
The program supports land acquisition, which is a direct and concrete conservation action, rather than education or awareness activities.
- Purchase: Transfer of land title to the NGO.
- Long-Term Lease: Leasing of land usage rights to the NGO for at least 10-20 years (preferably longer).
Who can apply?
Associations and Foundations (working at local/national level).
The applying institution is expected to have experience in nature conservation and the capacity to manage the acquired land. According to Turkish legislation, there are no obstacles to associations/foundations acquiring or leasing land.
Priority projects
- Areas hosting species in the "Endangered" (EN) or "Critically Endangered" (CR) categories on the IUCN Red List.
- Parcels within Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Important Bird Areas (IBAs), or Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites.
- "Connection" lands that create ecological corridors to facilitate wildlife movement.
Deadline for pre-proposals: May 1, 2026.
Detailed information: https://www.iucn.nl/en/news/call-for-proposals-for-ngos-and-csos-protecting-nature-under-threat/