Source: Ministry for the Environment
Today the Ministry for the Environment has opened two new funding rounds of the Freshwater Improvement Fund (FIF), as part of the Jobs for Nature programme.
The funding will support initiatives that provide employment opportunities to restore wetlands, rivers and streams to health.
$55 million from the FIF will be available to apply for over two rounds:
- the first is a short six-week open period, accepting applications between 7-21 September, and will prioritise investment ready projects
- the second longer period will accept applications from 27 January-10 February to allow applicants more time to spend developing their proposals.
An additional $30 million, through the targeted Te Mana o Te Wai fund, will also be available to iwi and Māori with priority given to Māori landowners, hapū, whānau and marae groups. Te Mana o Te Wai is expected to open to applicants later this year.
The concept of Te Mana o Te Wai recognises that safe and healthy freshwater is integral to the social, cultural, economic and environmental well-being of our communities. This fund will support tangata whenua to play an active role in restoring mauri of Aotearoa’s freshwater.
As part of Budget 2020, $1.3 billion has been allocated to the Jobs for Nature programme. An initiative that will benefit local communities and businesses, accelerate regional economic recovery, and provide significant environmental benefits.
Find more information including eligibility criteria, guidelines and application forms on the Ministry for the Environment’s website.
