The BRIDGE Project promotes cross-sector collaboration to advance the achievement of biodiversity conservation goals. Launched in 2024 with a series of significant events and advances.
In January, BRIDGE held an outstanding webinar focused on innovative financing initiatives in collaboration with the private sector. The event, aimed at providing collaboration ideas to RedLAC and CAFÉ member Environmental Funds, featured three expert panelists from Mozambique, Mexico and the United States. The audience of more than 45 attendees benefited from detailed information on crucial topics such as impact investments, business incubators and environmental compensation mechanisms.
BRIDGE's commitment to transparency and accountability was also evidenced by the presentation of the annual compliance and monitoring report to the French Environment Fund (FFEM), the project's main donor. The report covered activities implemented in 2023, highlighting achievements, technical activities and related budget execution.
In the institutional capacity building component, BRIDGE recently closed the application deadline for its Mentoring Program, receiving a total of 11 proposals. These are being evaluated and analyzed by the Selection Committee, composed of 7 members. The results will be communicated to all participating Environmental Funds in March, marking the beginning of the administrative and legal steps for the signing of contracts and the start of the mentoring experiences.
In anticipation of the next milestone, BRIDGE is preparing to launch the Working Group Program. Each network will have three separate groups focused on key topics related to private sector engagement. For RedLAC, these topics include "fundraising and financial sustainability", "monitoring and follow-up/impact assessment" and "communication with the private sector". In addition, a group will be established that will integrate members of both networks, dedicated to "knowledge exchange and operation of Environmental Funds". Starting in March, BRIDGE will offer briefings and disseminate digital material to share details about this exciting program.
Project BRIDGE continues to lead the way in promoting innovative and collaborative practices to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future.
