A million-dollar support programme aims advance efforts to promote climate resilience and food security in remote Alaska communities, strengthen collaboration with tribal governments and Indigenous communities and engage Indigenous Knowledge holder voices in NOAA Fisheries science.
Multi-year funding opportunities are to be distributed through the Alaska Fisheries Science Center Indigenous Engagement Program to support remote Alaska communities, and this support, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, is among the investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration in climate resilience and adaptation, including more than $50 billion from the President’s Investing in America agenda.
‘This opportunity will enable entities working to benefit Indigenous Knowledge holders, including tribes and Alaska Native community members to advance equity and environmental justice – including just treatment, equal opportunities and environmental benefits for all people and communities and respect for tribal sovereignty,’ said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
‘Through this effort we hope to support research projects that address community concerns while enabling NOAA Fisheries to meet its research mission through collaborative and co-produced research.’
Up to $500,000 will be available in fiscal year 2024, with remaining funding potentially available in future years for continuation of work.
This multi-year funding opportunity aims to provide crucial support for 5-15 innovative projects per year, with individual project funding ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. In an effort to foster impactful and diverse projects, NOAA encourages project proposals within the specified funding range.
‘NOAA Fisheries recently produced its first Equity and Environmental Justice Policy with a goal of better serving all communities more equitably and effectively,’ said Janet Coit, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries.
‘Through this funding opportunity, we hope to put that policy into practice by supporting efforts that build partnerships and promote knowledge sharing to advance climate adaptation and planning for Alaska communities on the frontlines of climate change.’
