Taronga Field Conservation Grant

Field Projects will be selected using the criteria listed below, but only after the following principles have been accepted; if any one of these principles cannot be satisfied, then the institution should consider very carefully whether the project should be undertaken at all.

Principles:

1. Only projects that demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes in the field will be supported. Projects with an education component are strongly encouraged but measurable outcomes must relate to the species/habitat impact expected rather than community impact alone.
    
2. Projects must consider alignment to applicable IUCN Sustainable Development Goals.
    
3. It is understood that in situ conservation projects do not need to have captive 
   breeding/management components, nor that the focal/target species need to necessarily be held in zoos.
    
4. Where in situ conservation projects involve reintroduction or relocation, such processes must be endorsed by relevant government bodies (evidence required) and adhere to all relevant policies and conventions governing the movement and reintroduction of animals and plants, and their component parts established by the IUCN (Reintroduction Guidelines and Position Statement on Translocation of Living Organisms), CITES and IATA.
    
5. Humane treatment must be a priority for all animals impacted as part of this project and captive populations must be held in conditions considered acceptable by ZAA. Taronga recognises the importance of sensitive integration of wildlife conservation goals and human needs in successful in situ conservation programs.
    
6. No project should present an unreasonable level of risk to participant safety, project financial stability or reputation.
    
7. Successful projects will be funded over a defined period commencing January 2027 – December 2028, with reporting requirements at 12 months and at the completion of the funding period.
    
8. Projects and their personnel must adhere to all laws of the country in which the project is undertaken.
    
9. Organisations must not have any convictions related to fraud, corruption, wildlife trade, 
   inhumane treatment of animals or other criminal charges to be eligible for funding. A declaration is required to be signed acknowledging this and further background checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. 
    
10. Organisations located in countries listed in the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Sanctions List may not be eligible for funding.

• Clear and defined SMART goals and conservation benefits.
• Demonstrated alignment to relevant IUCN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Consideration of 360 degree approach to conservation, connecting wildlife, habitat and 
  communities.
• Clear modular budget (using template provided) that aligns with project goals within the defined period of funding.

The following questions are based on specific criteria that will be used to assess each project. 

• Detail your projects objectives and the strategies for achieving them, using SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. 
  Successful applications will clearly articulate project objectives and outline clear SMART goals that align with the projects desired outcomes. 
   
• Please describe the expected measurable conservation benefits of your Project and how they will be achieved to improve target species population and/or habitat viability by addressing key threatening processes. 
  Successful applications must outline measurable benefits achievable through your SMART goals and demonstrate how they lead to measurable conservation outcomes.
   
• Describe the project design and how this will logically lead to the expected outcomes. 
  Successful applications will demonstrate that the project has a high likelihood of success because:
  • The proposed actions are directly related, and/or have the capacity to bring about the desired outcome, taking into account origin or threat, geographic location & relationship to the threatening processes;
  • The effects of climate change have been considered, and if the target area and species are at the border of changing climate bands, this has been incorporated into the design;
  • The methods proposed are likely to be successful, as they have considered the social, cultural or political context of the project;
  • The project demonstrates consideration of interactions between wildlife, habitat, and communities (360 degree approach to conservation);
  • Possible pitfalls have been considered and appropriate contingency actions considered; and
  • The project is linked to previously identified regional or global conservation priorities.
     
• Please identify which IUCN Sustainable Development Goals your project supports and aligns with (max 6). 
   
• What is the expertise and track record of partners in effecting conservation outcomes? 
  Successful applications will provide details of expertise and documented evidence of success in similar projects, taking into account sector expertise and history within the regions.
   
• Describe the anticipated scenario if action is delayed or no action is taken. 
  High scoring projects will provide evidence that the project is necessary and clearly urgent – there is an opportunity that is time sensitive, or the situation will worsen significantly if the project is not put into action now.
   
• How long will the project continue to deliver benefits and what is the required ongoing input? 
  High scoring projects will demonstrate that benefits will be long lived or that there is a clear strategy for developing the capacity of local stakeholders to continue into the future with little ongoing input.
   
• Is the project embedded into the local community and governments, does it incorporate capacity building into the plan, and have buy in from governing bodies?
  Successful applications will provide evidence that there are working teams on the ground which include a high proportion of local staff, with a clear goal of building capacity, and the project has well-developed working relationships at all levels within the region, from local villages through to government agencies.
   
• Is Taronga funding sufficient for the overall success of the project? 
  Successful applicants will demonstrate that funding for the project, aside from requested involvement by Taronga zoos, is either not necessary or is secured.