Empowering Conservation Projects: Finance Resource Database for Biodiversity (FIRE) Unveils Advanced Search and Inclusive Filters

In the ever-evolving landscape of biodiversity conservation, staying ahead and accessing relevant funding opportunities is crucial. The Finance Resources for Biodiversity (FIRE), a key platform in supporting conservation projects, has just rolled out a groundbreaking update that enhances user experience and inclusivity. The new features include an advanced search option, particular considerations for Indigenous Peoples (IP), Local Communities (LC), Women, and Youth, as well as the application language for user convenience. Additionally, the database now incorporates specific filters for different levels of government in FIRE's search, making financial opportunities for subnational governments more transparent.  

Inclusive Considerations:

The recent update demonstrates FIRE's commitment to inclusivity by giving special attention to vulnerable and marginalized groups. By considering Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, Women, and Youth in the search criteria, the database recognizes the essential link between people and biodiversity. This inclusive approach ensures that projects focusing on or benefiting these groups receive the attention they deserve.

Application Language for Accessibility:

Acknowledging the diversity of languages in the conservation community, FIRE has introduced an additional filter for the application language. While the database is English-only, users can more easily identify finance resources that have specific offers in their preferred language. This is one step of the platform to foster greater accessibility and understanding. The effort to include local languages also positions the database to incorporate future inputs from (more) local and national funding opportunities, enriching the platform with a broader range of perspectives.

Transparent Funding Opportunities for Subnational Governments:

One of the most significant improvements is the inclusion of filters for different levels of government in FIRE's search functionality. This feature replaces the broad "public entity" category, offering a more tailored approach for subnational governments, as well as Towns & Municipalities. This enhancement is fantastic news for public users, as it enables them to easily identify funding opportunities specifically available to them.

User-Driven Development:

These enhancements are a direct result of user feedback and collaboration with partners. FIRE actively encourages its members to contribute insights, ideas, and inputs through the dedicated feedback form. This collaborative approach ensures that the database continues to meet the evolving needs of the conservation community.

As a dynamic and evolving resource, FIRE continues to empower conservation projects worldwide. The recent update reinforces its commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency. By actively seeking user feedback and incorporating new features, FIRE ensures that it remains a valuable tool in the pursuit of biodiversity conservation. Explore the enhanced features today and contribute to the ongoing success of the FIRE community.

Finding the right logo:

Besides the ongoing feedback, we are now also looking for a logo for the FIRE platform and we would like to know your preference as well! Leave an emotion of your choice on this  Linkedin post.

FIRE is an umbrella partnership including UNDP-BIOFIN, UNEP-FI, Cornell University, the Campaign for Nature, the Conservation Finance Alliance, regions4, the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) and the governments of UK, France, Belgium. It serves as a comprehensive solution to overcome funding challenges, collecting opportunities from both the public and private sectors. Positioned as a one-stop-shop, the database allows project owners to find a multitude of opportunities in one place, matching specific project criteria such as targeted country, funding range, and nature of the entity.