25 September 2012: The Organization of American States (OAS), with support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking proposals for projects to support with small grants of up to US$20,000 that will enhance the conservation of shared marine migratory species and habitats of greatest concern in the Western Hemisphere.

Priority will be given to: small marine mammals; sharks and rays; large marine mammals; coral reefs and mangroves; and beaches (including nesting beaches). The projects can be for institutional and human capacity building, strengthening political commitment, enhancing international cooperation or forming public-private partnerships, at the local, national and regional levels. Candidate projects should build upon existing the Western Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative (WHMSI) and other efforts regarding migratory species in the Americas.

Proposals must be received by the OAS’ Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) by 1 November 2012.

WHMSI was launched in 2003 by wildlife agency directors and other officials from the Americas to promote hemispheric cooperation on shared migratory species. It specifically seeks to building country capacity to conserve and manage migratory wildlife, improve communication on conservation issues of common interest, strengthen information exchange needed for informed decision making, and provide a forum for identifying and addressing emerging issues. [OAS Announcement] [WHMSI Homepage]