GEC invites global experts for community based water and river care projects in Malaysia

Since its establishment in 2015, the Small Grant Programme has engaged 35 community groups/organisations, supporting actions on over 20 rivers across Malaysia and channelling over RM250,000 to 40 river rehabilitation and conservation activities, events and training

Community-based organisations such as resident association (RA), Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT), JKKK, non-profit organisations, learning institutions and special interest groups delivering projects concerning river and water conservation are invited to apply for funding from GEC’s National River Care Fund (NRCF) – Small Grant Programme.

“The National River Care Fund – Small Grant Programme is a great opportunity for CBOs or any civil society groups to demonstrate the best management practices in Malaysia to support establishment and sustainability of community-based water and river care programme in Malaysia. We believe this initiative will motivate and empower our community in becoming a river care society” said Yang Berbahagia Dato Ir. Lim Chow Hock, Chair of National River Care Fund Advisory Committee.

Initiated by the Global Environment Centre (GEC), NRCF is a startup grant or operation grants of RM2,000 to RM5,000 per project for awareness raising, education and capacity building, riverine biodiversity conservation, river pollution and clean up, river rehabilitation and protection sustainable livelihood and Best Management Practices to reduce pollution.

The NRCF has entered its sixth cycle and is open to applications until July 31, 2019.  A total of 6 groups will be selected to receive the grants and another two groups will be selected to receive river care training. Applications must be submitted through the grant online form available on the GEC website.

Faizal Parish, Director of GEC said, “The National River Care Fund is a programme aims to encourage community-driven initiatives. Instead of relying on the government and relevant agencies to take action, we want the people to take ownership and lead in river care activities. Since its establishment in 2015, the Small Grant Programme has engaged 35 community groups/organisations, supporting actions on over 20 rivers across Malaysia and channelling over RM250,000 to 40 river rehabilitation and conservation activities, events and training.”