Environmental Actors Programme (PONT)

The Environmental Actors Programme (PONT) supports non-profit environmental organizations and public institutions in cross-border focus regions (Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo) with a continuously open submission period. The aim is to strengthen nature conservation measures, transboundary conservation, community involvement, as well as applied research in accordance with the management plans of the respective protected areas. Funding is provided for operational expenses and organizational development as well as the implementation of species and habitat management. Basic research projects without direct practical relevance and retroactive project costs are not eligible for funding. The program targets non-commercial environmental actors with a local presence, including conservation authorities, civil society groups, and NGOs active in transboundary nature conservation and biodiversity preservation. Prerequisites for application are registration as a not-for-profit organization or public institution, proven strategy and experience in nature conservation, and close alignment of the planned measures with the management plans of the protected areas.

Selection is based on clearly defined criteria: contribution to transboundary nature conservation, compliance with protected area management plans, organizational capacity and sustainability, as well as potential for co-financing. As a grant provider, the independent Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), founded in 2014 and funded by the EU, the German and Swiss governments, provides long-term resources to support the natural areas of Prespa, Ohrid, and adjacent regions, as well as local communities. Interested environmental actors can submit applications at any time, thereby contributing to the preservation of unique biodiversity, the promotion of civic engagement, and the further development of their organizations.