DCNA Key Habitats Program 2026 is open for conservation NGOs in the Dutch Caribbean. Get up to $168,000 for ecosystem restoration. Deadline: 13 April 2026.
What Is the DCNA Key Habitats Program 2026?
The Key Habitats Program 2026 is a conservation funding initiative for organisations working on ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection in the Dutch Caribbean. It is led by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and is currently accepting Expressions of Interest for its first Call for Proposals. Projects can receive up to USD 168,000 in funding.
The programme is a regionally coordinated initiative that takes a holistic approach to restoring entire ecosystems across the six Dutch Caribbean islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. It focuses on five critical habitats — coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, tropical dry forests, and tropical wet forests. These ecosystems are under severe pressure from pollution, overgrazing, invasive species, disease, and climate change. On average, only about 8 per cent of coral reefs in the region still consist of living coral, and mangroves, seagrass beds, and forests are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
The programme is supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, with co-funding from WWF-NL and Bloomberg Philanthropies. It was developed using the internationally recognised Conservation Standards framework, which ensures that the programme sets clear, measurable goals, identifies priority habitats, and targets the most pressing threats to nature. Project proposals opened on 3 March 2026, and the deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is 13 April 2026.
If your organisation is based on one of the six Dutch Caribbean islands and works on nature conservation or ecosystem restoration, this is the largest and most strategic conservation funding opportunity currently available in the region.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats Program |
| Lead Organisation | Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) |
| Funding Partners | Dutch Postcode Lottery, WWF-NL, Bloomberg Philanthropies |
| Maximum Funding | Up to USD 168,000 per project |
| Eligible Islands | Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten |
| Proposals Open | 3 March 2026 |
| Deadline | 13 April 2026 |
About DCNA and Its Conservation Mission
The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance is a non-profit foundation and regional partnership of conservation organisations across the six islands of the Dutch Caribbean. It was created to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable management of natural resources in the region. DCNA’s central office is on Bonaire, and Princess Beatrix serves as one of the organisation’s patrons.
DCNA works with protected area management organisations on each island, including Parke Nacional Arikok (Aruba), STINAPA Bonaire, Saba Conservation Foundation, STENAPA (Sint Eustatius), and the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. The alliance focuses on sustainable funding for conservation, capacity building through training, biodiversity monitoring, and promoting the unique natural heritage of the Dutch Caribbean.
The Key Habitats Program represents a new phase in DCNA’s work. Rather than supporting isolated projects, it takes a regional, ecosystem-wide approach to restoration and protection. The programme connects and scales up existing local conservation efforts into a coordinated strategy that addresses the root causes of habitat decline across all six islands.
Key Habitats: The Five Ecosystems the Programme Protects
The programme focuses on five critical habitats that are essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of Caribbean communities. Each habitat faces specific threats that the programme aims to address through funded projects and coordinated strategies.
Coral Reefs
The coral reefs of the Dutch Caribbean are biodiversity hotspots, but they are in serious decline. The programme supports monitoring reef health and creating conditions for long-term recovery. Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) is currently one of the most significant threats. Coral restoration at a regional scale was not included in the current implementation plan because of the level of investment it would require, but monitoring and threat reduction are core priorities.
Seagrass Beds
Seagrass meadows support coastal ecosystems by stabilising sediment, providing nursery habitat for marine species, and storing carbon. The programme funds the expansion and maintenance of these meadows to support the broader marine environment.
Mangroves
Mangrove forests absorb up to 10 times more carbon than tropical rainforests, buffer coastlines from erosion and storms, and provide nursery grounds for marine species. They are found on Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, but are declining rapidly. The programme prioritises protection and restoration of mangrove forests and the ecosystems that depend on them.
Tropical Dry Forests
Tropical dry forests are under pressure from overgrazing, development, and invasive species. The programme supports safeguarding remaining forest areas and creating conditions for natural regeneration.
Tropical Wet Forests
The wet forests of the Windward Islands are vital for water retention, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The programme focuses on reducing pressures on these ecosystems to give them space to recover.
Five Pressure Strategies: How the Programme Tackles Threats
The Key Habitats Program does not just fund habitat-level projects. It also addresses the five most significant pressures threatening these ecosystems. Each pressure has been developed into a concrete strategy with specific funded actions.
These five pressure strategies target the root causes of habitat decline — including pollution, invasive alien species and disease, unsustainable land and marine use, climate change impacts, and inadequate policy and enforcement. By tackling both the symptoms and the causes, the programme aims to create lasting conditions for ecosystem recovery rather than short-term fixes.
The programme also includes an adaptive management component under Strategy 5.8, which allows for responses to unforeseen threats such as new diseases or natural disasters that may emerge during the programme’s implementation.
What the Programme Offers Selected Organisations
Organisations selected for funding under the Key Habitats Program receive a comprehensive package of support that goes beyond financial resources.
Project Funding of Up to USD 168,000
This is the maximum funding available per project in the first Call for Proposals. The funding can be used to implement conservation activities, build organisational capacity, or support community-driven solutions. Eligible expenses include fieldwork and data collection, community education and outreach materials, equipment and supplies, and training and facilitation activities.
Technical and Organisational Support
The programme provides technical guidance from conservation specialists. This may include support with project planning and design, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis and reporting, and communications and stakeholder engagement. DCNA ensures that funded projects are scientifically sound and culturally relevant to local island communities.
Regional Networking and Collaboration
Participants gain access to DCNA’s regional conservation network, peer learning opportunities, knowledge exchange with practitioners and experts, and support from partner organisations across the Dutch Caribbean. The programme uses reliable global datasets such as the Allen Coral Atlas and Global Mangrove Watch as reference points, and is exploring the AI-powered monitoring tool Carto for habitat tracking across the region.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply for Funding?
The Key Habitats Program is open to organisations based on one of the six Dutch Caribbean islands that work on nature conservation and restoration. Eligible applicants include non-profit and for-profit NGOs based on one of the six Dutch Caribbean islands and working on nature conservation and restoration, community groups or cooperatives with environmental projects, research teams working on habitat protection, restoration, or biodiversity studies, and youth-led or community-led initiatives focused on sustainability.
Projects may vary in scope, but successful applications should demonstrate a clear conservation objective, measurable outcomes, and strong community engagement. Projects that link environmental outcomes to community benefits — such as sustainable fishing practices, ecotourism, or food security solutions — are particularly encouraged.
Priority Areas for Funded Projects
The programme prioritises projects that contribute directly to the conservation and restoration of the five key habitats. Funded projects should align with one or more of the following priority areas.
Habitat protection and restoration is the primary focus. This includes on-the-ground activities that directly improve the condition of coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, dry forests, or wet forests. Biodiversity monitoring and research projects that generate data to support evidence-based conservation decisions are also funded. Community engagement and environmental education projects that build local awareness and participation in conservation are encouraged. Projects that integrate sustainable livelihood practices with conservation goals are prioritised, recognising that lasting conservation requires community support and economic viability.
How to Apply: Expression of Interest Process
The application process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the official DCNA application portal. Follow these steps to prepare your submission.
Step 1: Visit the official DCNA Key Habitats Program page at dcnanature.org/projects/keyhabitatsprogram (opens in a new tab) to review the full programme document, guidelines, and Key Habitat Health Assessments.
Step 2: Determine which key habitat(s) and pressure strategy(ies) your proposed project addresses.
Step 3: Prepare your Expression of Interest, including a clear project description, objectives and measurable outcomes, a budget and resource plan, and letters of support or partner endorsements.
Step 4: Submit your Expression of Interest through the official DCNA application process before the deadline of 13 April 2026.
Step 5: If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to submit a full project proposal with detailed implementation plans and budgets.
The programme received its first Call for Proposals on 3 March 2026. Given the scale of the funding available and the regional scope of the programme, competition is expected to be strong. Prepare your materials well in advance and ensure your project clearly aligns with the programme’s priority habitats and strategies.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Call for Proposals Opens | 3 March 2026 | Open |
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 13 April 2026 | Open |
| Full Proposal Stage | To be communicated to shortlisted applicants | Upcoming |
| Project Implementation | Following selection | Upcoming |
Tips for a Competitive Application
The Key Habitats Program uses the Conservation Standards framework, which means the review process values structured, evidence-based project design. Here is how to make your application competitive.
Align your project with one or more of the five key habitats and five pressure strategies. The programme document available on the DCNA website provides detailed habitat health assessments and strategy descriptions for each island. Use these to anchor your proposal in the programme’s priorities. Be specific about which habitats and threats your project addresses.
Define clear, measurable outcomes. The programme uses habitat-level indicators — such as habitat size and condition — rather than species-level data to track progress. Frame your expected results in terms that can be monitored and compared across the region. Include a realistic monitoring and evaluation plan.
Demonstrate community engagement. Projects that involve local stakeholders in planning and implementation are more likely to succeed and be sustained beyond the funding period. If your project links conservation outcomes to community benefits like sustainable livelihoods or food security, highlight this connection clearly.
Show how your project fits within the regional approach. The Key Habitats Program is designed to connect and scale up local efforts into a coordinated regional strategy. If your project has potential to be replicated on other islands or contributes to cross-island learning, mention this in your proposal.
Final Thoughts
The DCNA Key Habitats Program 2026 is the most significant conservation funding opportunity currently available in the Dutch Caribbean. With up to USD 168,000 per project, technical support from conservation specialists, and a regional framework backed by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, WWF-NL, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, this programme provides the resources needed to make meaningful progress on ecosystem restoration across the region.
If your organisation is based on Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, or Sint Maarten and works on coral reef recovery, mangrove restoration, seagrass protection, forest conservation, or community-based environmental initiatives, this is your opportunity to secure substantial funding and join a coordinated regional effort. The Expression of Interest deadline is 13 April 2026, so begin preparing your proposal now. Share this opportunity with conservation organisations, community groups, and research teams in the Dutch Caribbean.
FAQs About the DCNA Key Habitats Program 2026
What is the Key Habitats Program?
It is a conservation funding programme led by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) that supports ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection across the six Dutch Caribbean islands. It focuses on five key habitats: coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, tropical dry forests, and tropical wet forests.
How much funding is available per project?
Projects can receive up to USD 168,000. This is the maximum for the first Call for Proposals. Funding covers fieldwork, community education, equipment, training, and other project costs.
Who is eligible to apply?
Non-profit and for-profit NGOs, community groups, research teams, and youth-led initiatives based on one of the six Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten) that work on nature conservation and restoration.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is 13 April 2026. Proposals opened on 3 March 2026.
Who funds the programme?
The Key Habitats Program is supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, with co-funding from WWF-NL and Bloomberg Philanthropies. DCNA coordinates the programme regionally.
What habitats does the programme focus on?
The five priority habitats are coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, tropical dry forests, and tropical wet forests. The programme also addresses five key pressures threatening these ecosystems through dedicated strategies.