The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) has officially launched its Second Call for Proposals through its Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility, a pivotal initiative dedicated to combating the pervasive issue of marine pollution across the region.
This significant announcement, made during the ACE Facility’s October Meeting Series in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (October 14-16, 2025), signals a renewed commitment to fostering innovative solutions for waste management and the transition to circular economy practices. The call seeks to fund projects that not only reduce marine litter but also improve waste management systems and accelerate the adoption of sustainable, circular economic models throughout the Caribbean.
Addressing a Critical Environmental Challenge
Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, poses a severe threat to the Caribbean’s unique ecosystems and its vital blue economy, which relies heavily on tourism and fisheries. With coastlines often littered with thousands of waste items per kilometer, and up to 300,000 tonnes of plastic going uncollected annually in the region, the environmental degradation impacts biodiversity, coastal resilience, and the livelihoods of millions. The Caribbean Sea is recognized as one of the most polluted seas globally. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the region are particularly vulnerable due to their heavy dependence on marine resources and extensive coastlines.
The ACE Facility’s second call aims to directly address this crisis by supporting projects that minimize or prevent waste from entering the marine environment, as well as those focused on removing existing marine litter and implementing effective post-removal processes such as recycling, reuse, and refurbishing.
Fostering Circular Economy for Sustainable Development
The circular economy offers a transformative approach by emphasizing waste elimination, the circulation of products and materials, and the regeneration of nature. This strategy not only mitigates pollution but also cultivates economic opportunities and enhances community resilience. The initiative is designed to tackle the United Nations’ “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
“Circular economy is not just about waste management or recycling, it’s a sustainable socioeconomic development strategy underpinned by environmental stewardship,” noted Derek Luk Pat, Chair of the ACE Facility Committee. “This call gives Caribbean stakeholders the chance to pioneer solutions that can be replicated in our region and beyond”.
A Collaborative and Supported Initiative
Co-financed by the German government through KfW Development Bank, the ACE Facility builds upon the success of its inaugural call in 2024, which supported projects focused on plastic waste and community-led recycling initiatives across several Caribbean SIDS. This new call aims to expand the program’s reach and support scalable, replicable solutions.
“By investing in circular economy solutions, we are not only protecting our natural resources but also creating opportunities for stronger economies and healthier communities in our Caribbean nations,” stated Albert Paul, CBF Board Director. The German government’s continued support underscores the importance of this partnership in addressing regional environmental challenges. Dr. Christophe Eick, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Trinidad and Tobago, expressed Germany’s pleasure in supporting the ACE Facility’s second call.
Key Details of the Second Call
The Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility will award grants ranging from USD 400,000 to USD 2,000,000 per project, with implementation periods typically spanning two and a half to three years. The application process involves a two-stage structure, beginning with the submission of a concept note. The deadline for submitting concept notes for this second call is January 4, 2026.
The initiative actively encourages collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, recognizing that comprehensive solutions require a united front. Eligible applicants include non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, government agencies, regional organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, and consortia.
Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, highlighted the launch as a “pivotal moment for the Caribbean,” emphasizing the investment in tangible solutions that foster resilient communities and create new economic opportunities. Through this vital program, the CBF and its partners are driving forward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Caribbean’s people and its precious marine environment.