The Van Tienhoven Foundation makes small grants available for the protection of threatened species and key ecosystems across the globe
Applications open January 1, 2026.
For the 2025 application round, only countries on the DAC list from Asia and Latin America were eligible. Additional requirements regarding region/purpose may be decided for the next round. These will be announced by November 1 at the latest.
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We counter human-induced causes of threats to species and ecosystems. By supporting practical and hands-on solutions with maximum protection impact. Owned or widely supported by local stakeholders to generate sustainable change.
We consider protecting species essential for safeguarding our living environment.
Species protection
Animal and plant species are a key part of our planet’s biodiversity. Some species are “flagship species”. Other species can profit from their protection. Species can play a crucial role in the balance of a natural system: if these species disappear, that system may collapse.
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We regard ecosystems as crucial in enabling life on earth to thrive.
Ecosystem protection
Key ecosystems, such as forests, coral reefs or wetlands, provide the living conditions for groups of species. These systems are under pressure, threatened and may require protection to prevent them from disappearing or deteriorating in a for living organisms less functional state.
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We view direct community-led action vital for sustainable change.
Community managed nature protection
Involving communities in conserving biodiversity is essential if we want to succeed in safeguarding our environment. Only when communities see the benefit of stable species populations and ecosystems, we may achieve a world where humans live in harmony with nature, without threatening species, ecosystems, or local livelihoods.
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The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka support a remarkable diversity of carnivores, including three species of wild cats—the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), and leopard (Panthera pardus)—alongside a range of other small carnivores. These species serve as both keystone and flagship predators, playing critical roles in shaping ecological communities and acting as […]
The Students for Rivers Camp is a two-week program designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Río Marañón and actively involve them in its long-term protection. This inaugural edition aims to contribute to the advancement of legal protection for the Marañón River by bringing together young researchers from diverse disciplines and countries. A group of […]
A Community-Based Conservation Initiative for the Yellow-breasted Bunting in Madhesh Province, Nepal The Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola), once a widespread migratory songbird across Asia, now teeters on the brink of extinction due to rampant illegal hunting and severe habitat degradation. In the lowland farmlands of Madhesh Province, Nepal, these birds are regularly trapped, traded, […]
Safeguarding the Nablus Royal Iris: A Community-Based Conservation Initiative in Palestine The Nablus Royal Iris (Iris lortetii var. samariae) is one of the most striking and threatened wildflowers in Palestine. Endemic to the Nablus Mountains, this rare plant is under increasing pressure from habitat loss, urban expansion, agricultural encroachment, overgrazing, and unregulated collection. With […]
In the heart of Lebanon’s bustling capital, the cliffs and sea caves of Raouche shelter an unexpected treasure: the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal. With fewer than 700 individuals remaining worldwide, the presence of this species in Beirut’s urban waters is both miraculous — and deeply at risk. In response, TERRE Liban launched Operation Beirut […]
Conserving the Critically Endangered Tarantula: Habitat protection and community-driven action in Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu, India The Rameswaram Ornamental Tarantula is a Critically Endangered spider endemic to Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu. Habitat loss, collection from the wild and intentional killing are the major threats to the species. The project will achieve comprehensive species documentation, […]
The project seeks to safeguard the only known population of the critically endangered Mindo Harlequin Toad. A rapid-response monitoring initiative will be launched to confirm the species’ presence in a newly available land plot. This crucial step is needed to secure funding for the immediate purchase and protection of the adjacent upstream habitat. Preserving this […]
BIOCOOP
“We wish to tell you that you were very helpful in supporting BIOCOOP to get grants from your good Foundation and without your support a number of indigenous tree species and animals in Nyungwe National Park could not be healthy! But now more than 35 hectares were restored and biodiversity conservation was taught to many folks in Rwanda.”
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