| Overview : CALL FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECT CONCEPTS FOR NATURE PROTECTION ‘’Improving the management of protected areas’’ aims to improve nature protection and to promote sustainable use of natural resources while increasing the capacity of local self-governments and civil society organizations to manage and promote protected areas in a professional and sustainable fashion. The project is financed by the European Union, through IPA II – Sector operational programme for environment and climate action 2014-2020 and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in close cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. During 2018, the project will award up to 15 grants for nature protection projects to be implemented in partnership with CSOs and local self-governments over 18 months. CSOs and municipal authorities are eligible to submit concepts for consideration in this call for proposals. National parks and other large protected areas are covered under a separate component. Grant amounts will range from EUR 50,000-100,000. APPLICATION GUIDELINES are attached for reference. Concepts should be focused on activities that improve nature protection and promote sustainable use of natural resources while improving living conditions for local communities in target areas. Once selected, concepts will be developed into full project proposals in a tailored training program. For guidelines, the application form and selection criteria, visit: www.undp.mk or www.moepp.gov.mk. The deadline to submit concepts is 16:00 on 29 December 2017, by post or hand delivery to this address. UNDP ref. Project concept application Improving the management of protected areas str. Jordan Hadzi-Konstantinov Dzinot 23 1000 Skopje For questions or to request further information, please contact: nature.mk@undp.org | 
