A new funding opportunity has been opened by the Commonwealth for governments looking to develop practical responses to some of the world’s most urgent ocean challenges, with the second round of its Blue Charter Incubator now accepting applications.
The initiative, developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat together with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, is expected to support between 10 and 15 projects. Successful proposals can receive grants ranging from £20,000 to £50,000, allowing governments to test solutions, build evidence and strengthen projects that could eventually attract larger-scale investment.
The program is open to all 56 Commonwealth member countries. Applications must be led by a national or sub-national government body, although cooperation with universities, research organizations, community groups, businesses and non-governmental organizations is strongly encouraged.
Projects can run for between six and 18 months and are expected to contribute to the goals of the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, adopted by Commonwealth leaders in Samoa in 2024. The declaration places greater emphasis on protecting marine environments while supporting sustainable use of ocean resources.
Five areas have been identified for the new funding round. They include reducing pollution entering marine environments, restoring ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass, developing sustainable blue-economy activities, improving fisheries management and responding to the links between ocean health and climate change.
The second round also introduces a broader funding network. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will provide dedicated support for projects in South Asia and Pacific Small Island Developing States, while CAF will focus funding on the Commonwealth Caribbean. The Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation will continue providing core assistance for technical support and capacity development.
The expanded program follows the first round, which supported eight projects across Barbados, Canada, Fiji, Kiribati, Nigeria, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. These initiatives showed that even modest funding can empower governments to investigate environmental problems, enhance local expertise, and develop scalable approaches.
Previous projects have covered a wide range of issues. Work in Seychelles examined rivers as potential sources of plastic entering the marine environment, while a Nigerian project explored sustainable mangrove management and the possibilities surrounding blue-carbon initiatives. Other projects have focused on ocean monitoring and sustainable fishing practices.
The Commonwealth says the incubator is intended to do more than provide grants. Its purpose is to help move promising ideas beyond the planning stage and towards implementation, while
creating stronger links between governments and the communities affected by ocean-related challenges.
This is particularly significant for Commonwealth members with large coastlines and island economies. The organization notes that 49 of its 56 member countries have marine coastlines, while many small island developing states face heightened exposure to rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, marine pollution and pressure on fisheries.
The program also reflects growing international attention on turning ocean commitments into projects that can deliver measurable results. By combining government leadership with scientific knowledge, community participation and private-sector expertise, the Incubator aims to create solutions that are locally relevant while having potential for wider adoption.
Applications for Round II are open until 11 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT. The Commonwealth expects to select successful projects by the second quarter of 2027, giving the next group of initiatives an opportunity to move from ideas to practical action for healthier and more resilient oceans.
The Commonwealth’s second Blue Charter Incubator round will fund practical ocean projects, supporting governments in tackling marine pollution, ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries, climate challenges and blue-economy development.
