Busan, South Korea – At the 2025 Our Ocean Conference, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC for N&P) proudly announced the official launch of its Rapid Deployment Mechanism—a transformative new mechanism designed to help developing country members fast-track their implementation of the global “30×30” biodiversity goals. With just 8.4% of the ocean and 17.6% of land and inland waters protected and under 5 years left to deliver on the 2030 goal, this support will be catalytic.
Launched following HAC for N&P’s 2024 Earthshot Prize win in the “Revive Our Oceans” category, the Rapid Deployment Mechanism will provide swift, small-scale grants ranging between $25,000 and $50,000 It will support developing countries committed to protecting 30% of the planet’s land, inland waters, and ocean by 2030, as outlined in Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
“This mechanism answers an urgent call from our members: the need for rapid, flexible support to translate ambition into action,” said Director of the HAC for Nature and People, Rita El-Zaghloul. “By empowering local actors and national governments with early-stage funding, the Rapid Deployment Mechanism unlocks momentum toward impactful conservation on the ground.”
“We are proud to see our 2024 Winner, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, realise its vision and create the Rapid Deployment Mechanism through the prize funding they received”, said Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize. “This initiative demonstrates that we are capable of rising to the global challenge to protect and restore nature and oceans. We know what we need to do, and we have the tools to get the job done – this is exactly what The Earthshot Prize is here to champion.”
Accelerating Impact Where It Matters Most
Focused on high-impact, country-driven initiatives, the Rapid Deployment Mechanism will support a wide range of activities related to the development and implementation of the 30×30 target, including but not limited to:
- Supporting public policy by:
- Developing a national roadmap on 30×30.
- Developing a national conservation strategy embedding the 30×30 target.
- Defining adequate and effective policies at a national level regarding Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs).
- Capacity building within countries by:
- Assessing lessons learned and engaging with stakeholders to develop best practices for the implementation of Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs).
- Co-organizing a national workshop with 30×30 stakeholders to develop implementation plans or accelerate implementation processes and methodologies.
- Developing training on key themes related to the 30×30, including effective governance, inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, management effectiveness, representation, connectivity, and reporting and monitoring.
- Mapping of potential Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs).
- Supporting implementation by:
- Developing a regulatory framework.
Financing small-scale projects enabling the implementation of the 30×30 target.
- Developing a regulatory framework.
- Building partnerships by:
- Providing a space for country-to-country best practices exchanges, including supporting in-person convenings to foster cross-border and inter-regional collaborations.
- Initiating the development and implementation of sustainable finance mechanisms related to the 30×30 target, building on BIOFIN’s work.
The Mechanism will initially fund 10 countries, with the aim of expanding to 30 countries over the next 5 years. Grants will prioritize projects with clear ambition, feasibility, added value, and potential for scale. Funds are channeled through local NGOs in collaboration with national governments to ensure effective delivery and transparent management.
Country-Driven, Equitably Distributed
Eligible applicants include HAC for N&P’s developing country members, who must submit their requests via a dedicated application page on the Coalition’s website. A strong emphasis is placed on geographical and ecosystem balance, ensuring that all regions can access the support they need to make 30×30 a reality.
The Rapid Deployment Mechanism Advisory Group, comprised of HAC for N&P co-chairs, Steering Committee members, and the Secretariat, will oversee the Mechanism. This body will guide allocation decisions based on established principles and criteria.
Building the Future of Conservation Finance
As part of HAC for N&P’s two-pronged approach to supporting 30×30, the Rapid Deployment Mechanism provides vital seed capital that helps unlock bigger investments and technical partnerships. It works alongside the larger Matchmaking Platform.
The Earthshot Prize will provide initial funding for the mechanism, with further contributions anticipated from public and private sector allies committed to biodiversity conservation.
Applications for the first round of funding open today, April 28, 2025.
Please visit the HAC for Nature and People’s website for more information on eligibility and application procedures or to submit a funding request.
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Notes to Editor:
About the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People
The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC for N&P) is an intergovernmental group of 120 countries united by a shared ambition to implement the global goal of effectively conserving and managing at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030.
For media inquiries and interview requests, contact:
Valentina Oben
Communications & Engagement Officer
valentina.oben@hacfornatureandpeople.org
For inquiries on applying for the Rapid Deployment Mechanism, contact:
Maggie Brunet
Rapid Deployment Mechanism Manager