Introduction
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) is a global conservation philanthropy dedicated to supporting the protection of endangered plant, animal, and fungal species around the world. It provides small grants to conservationists working directly in the field to prevent species extinction and restore biodiversity.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the Fund operates as an endowment-based charitable initiative focused on practical, on-the-ground conservation action rather than large institutional programs.
The Fund supports projects across all regions and ecosystems, prioritizing species that are threatened but often overlooked in mainstream conservation funding. It has become one of the world’s most significant micro-grant mechanisms for biodiversity protection.
History and Background
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund was established in October 2008 and became operational in 2009, following a major commitment by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
The Fund was created with an initial endowment of approximately €25 million (later reported around $25–27.5 million) to support global species conservation efforts.
It was developed in response to the urgent global biodiversity crisis and the recognition that many endangered species lacked funding because they were:
- Scientifically under-studied
- Not commercially or culturally prominent
- Located in remote or low-income regions
Since its launch, the Fund has expanded rapidly, supporting thousands of projects across more than 170 countries and contributing to the protection of hundreds of species worldwide.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of the MBZ Species Conservation Fund is to empower individuals and organizations working to conserve species globally, particularly those at risk of extinction.
Core Objectives
Protect Endangered Species
The Fund supports direct conservation actions aimed at preventing extinction of threatened species.
Support Grassroots Conservationists
A key focus is funding field-based researchers, local NGOs, and conservation practitioners working close to ecosystems and wildlife populations.
Promote Biodiversity Conservation
The Fund seeks to ensure conservation efforts include:
- Animals
- Plants
- Fungi
across all ecosystems and regions.
Encourage Underfunded Conservation Work
It prioritizes species and ecosystems that typically receive limited international funding attention.
Governance and Structure
The MBZ Fund operates as an endowment-based philanthropic organization supported by a structured governance and advisory system.
Governance Framework
Donor Leadership
The Fund is supported and guided by its founder and donor, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who plays a central role in its strategic direction.
Advisory Board
An independent international advisory board of conservation experts reviews applications and makes funding recommendations.
This board includes specialists in:
- Species conservation biology
- Field ecology
- Environmental science
- Biodiversity management
Operational Team
A professional management team oversees:
- Grant processing
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Partnerships and reporting
- Global outreach
This structure ensures scientific rigor while maintaining efficient funding distribution.
Funding and Grants
The MBZ Fund operates a small-grants model, making it highly accessible to conservationists worldwide.
Funding Model
- Grants typically support direct field conservation projects
- Funding is generally capped at under $25,000 per project per year
- Applications are reviewed multiple times per year
Application Process
- Open to conservationists globally
- Multiple annual deadlines
- Competitive peer-review system involving experts
- Focus on practical, measurable conservation outcomes
Funding Scope
The Fund supports:
- Species monitoring and research
- Habitat protection and restoration
- Anti-poaching initiatives
- Species reintroduction programs
- Community-based conservation
Between 2009 and 2019 alone, the Fund supported nearly 2,000 projects and thousands of species-focused interventions worldwide.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Small Grants for Species Conservation
The core program provides rapid-access funding for urgent biodiversity protection projects globally.
Global Conservation Partnerships
The Fund has acted as an implementing partner in large-scale initiatives such as:
- The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project, spanning multiple countries
- International big cat conservation initiatives
- Habitat restoration programs across marine and terrestrial ecosystems
These partnerships extend its impact beyond small grants into coordinated global conservation efforts.
Rediscovery and Species Protection Projects
Funded research has contributed to:
- Rediscovery of species not seen for decades
- Identification of newly discovered species
- Protection of highly threatened ecosystems
Examples include amphibians, reptiles, plants, and mammals previously thought lost or critically endangered.
Ecosystem and Habitat Conservation
The Fund also supports ecosystem-level interventions such as:
- Coral reef restoration
- Forest conservation
- Wetland and seagrass protection
- Mountain biodiversity conservation
Impact and Examples of Work
The MBZ Species Conservation Fund has had a significant global impact on biodiversity conservation.
Global Reach
- Supported 3,000+ conservation projects worldwide
- Active in 170+ countries
- Contributed to the conservation of over 1,800 species
Scientific Impact
The Fund has helped:
- Rediscover species not seen in decades
- Document new species discoveries
- Expand scientific knowledge of understudied ecosystems
Conservation Outcomes
Projects funded by MBZ have led to:
- Improved species survival rates
- Restoration of critical habitats
- Strengthened local conservation capacity
- Enhanced biodiversity monitoring systems
Community and Field Impact
A key feature of the Fund is its emphasis on supporting:
- Local conservationists
- Field researchers in developing countries
- Community-based conservation initiatives
This has helped decentralize global biodiversity conservation and empower local leadership.
Conclusion
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund is one of the world’s most influential small-grant biodiversity conservation initiatives.
Since its establishment in 2008, it has transformed global species protection by providing accessible, flexible funding to conservationists working directly in the field.
Through its focus on:
- Endangered species protection
- Grassroots conservation support
- Global biodiversity partnerships
- Scientific discovery and restoration
the Fund has made a measurable contribution to protecting thousands of species across diverse ecosystems.
As biodiversity loss continues to accelerate globally, the MBZ Fund remains a critical mechanism for supporting practical, science-based conservation action and empowering the people working closest to nature.
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