More Funding Available - Applications Open - Environment Southland
Environmental Enhancement Fund
Southland has lots of special native species and ecosystems that are at risk from animal pests, weeds, drainage and development. Environment Southland is committed to supporting communities and individuals who want to combat these threats and help restore our precious environment.
The focus of the Environmental Enhancement Fund is on protecting and improving what we already have, rather than creating new areas like new wetlands or riparian buffers.
The fund has been boosted by Jobs for Nature, and now provides up to $300,000 per year until the end of June 2025. The increase in funding is part of Environment Southlands Biodiversity Action on the Ground programme, which received $4.25m from the Ministry for the Environment through Jobs for Nature in 2020.
Examples of actions supported by the fund include:
- pest animal and weed control
- fencing
- work to restore the natural flow of water
- native planting and plant maintenance.
Who can apply for funding?
Landowners, trusts, individuals and community groups working anywhere in Southland on either private land, conservation land or council reserves can apply.
If you’re not sure whether your project would qualify, Environment Southland can provide advice and come out to do a visual assessment.
Environment Southland can help with project planning, and with putting together an application.
How much funding is available and when can I apply?
Environment Southland has allocated $300,000 to the fund for each financial year until the end of June 2025.
A grant from the EEF will only cover the direct cost of materials and labour used in the project.
The EEF will contribute up to 50% of the project costs.
For more information, call Environment Southland on 0800 76 88 45 and ask to speak to a member of the biodiversity team about the Environmental Enhancement Fund.
To Apply online, follow the link below.
Be sure to log in to ‘My Account’ to save the form and return later.
To apply offline, download the link below and email your completed application to [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] with ‘Environmental Enhancement Fund’ in the subject line.
Download the application form (PDF), 152KB
Download the application guide (PDF), 2.6MB
You can apply at any time but funded works must be completed and invoices received within the same financial year the grant is approved. Funding for the 2022/2023 financial year is now open. Applications close 30 April 2022.
Project sustainability and long-term protection
Projects should have a long-term goal so that biodiversity values on the site continue to be protected after the funds have been invested. You will need to include information about continuing maintenance and demonstrate an ongoing commitment as part of the application.
Posted on: Wednesday, 9 February 2022