Red de Mujeres en Conservación de Latinoamérica y el Caribe (MeC LAC Network) Grant

Grant supporting the Network of Women in Conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean to advance women's leadership in biodiversity conservation.

Geographic Scope: Latin America and the Caribbean

Program Description:
MeC LAC Network is comprised of Latin American leaders, advocates, students, professionals, scientists, and academics who protect biodiversity at local, regional, and global levels. The network brings together women and male allies to strategize elevation of women's leadership in conservation and achieve conservation goals in equitable, inclusive, human-centered ways.

Focus Areas:

• Women's leadership in conservation
• Biodiversity protection
• Gender equity in conservation
• Policy advocacy
• International biodiversity forums
• Intergenerational mentorship

Activities Supported:

• United Nations Biodiversity Conference participation (COP16, 2024)
• International meetings and convenings
• Policy engagement and advocacy
• Capacity building for women conservationists
• Documentation of conservation work

Recent Grant Use (Fall 2024):

• $15,000 supported delegation of 10 women at UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia
• Implementation of 20-event agenda positioning network as key player in gender and biodiversity
• "Second International Meeting of Women in Conservation" at COP16
• Delivery of "International Declaration of Women in Conservation" to COP16 Presidency and Colombian authorities
• Broadcast of dialogue on three local radio stations

Eligibility:

• Women-led or women-focused conservation organizations in Latin America and Caribbean
• Networks advancing women's environmental leadership
• Organizations focused on biodiversity conservation

Website: planetwomen.org
Board Chair: Paulina Arroyo (has special connection to network)

Application Process

Detailed application procedures not specified in source materials. Organizations interested in support should:

1. Contact Planet Women directly
2. Demonstrate alignment with women's leadership in conservation
3. Show commitment to biodiversity protection and gender equity
4. Be prepared to present specific projects or initiatives

Note: Specific application forms, deadlines, and procedures should be obtained from Planet Women website or by direct contact.