The first call for proposals for the Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator closed in 2023.
The next call for proposals will open in mid-2026. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to your ideas.
Read the Frequently Asked Question (PDF) (MS Word)
About the Project Incubator
Addressing major ocean challenges and building a blue economy pipeline that is sustainable requires ambitious, government-led scalable pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives. By supporting early-stage innovation and implementation through the Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator, these projects can help drive the policy, regulatory, and legislative changes needed to drive long-term ocean action and investments across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator was launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June 2022. Through a catalytic grant (early-stage funding) mechanism of up to £50,000 awarded to governments for government-NGO or private sector partnerships, the Incubator supports Commonwealth countries in developing ambitious ocean conservation projects across five priority areas:
- Reducing marine pollution
- Ecosystem restoration
- Sustainable blue economy initiatives
- Sustainable fisheries
- The ocean–climate nexus
These focus areas directly support the priorities outlined in the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration.
Round I Blue Charter Incubator
The initiative was supported by an initial contribution from the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation, with additional commitments from Bloomberg Philanthropies' Vibrant Oceans Initiative. Following a rigorous screening and due diligence process, eight projects were selected from Barbados, Canada, Fiji, Kiribati, Nigeria, Seychelles, and two from Sri Lanka.
Read more about the projects we supported in Round I:
How Barbados is turning the tide on plastic pollution
Eight Commonwealth countries advance ocean science with Canada’s GEM-in-a-Box project
Round II Blue Charter Incubator
Round II is funded by an initial contribution from the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation, with additional commitments the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Funding from the Foundation will specifically target projects in Asia and the Pacific.
Read more about our partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation:
Commonwealth and Prince Albert II Foundation launch major ocean protection alliance
About the Commonwealth Blue Charter
The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement by all 56 member countries to actively cooperate to support ocean action and meet commitments for sustainable ocean development. Its work programme is implemented through six Action Groups, led or co-led by champion countries.
