The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC for N&P), an intergovernmental group of 120 countries united to implement 30X30, has officially launched its Rapid Deployment Mechanism. Launched at the 2025 Our Ocean Conference in Busan, Korea. The mechanism is designed to help developing country members fast-track their implementation of global 30×30 biodiversity goals.
The Rapid Deployment Mechanism won the 2024 Earthshot Prize in the “Revive Our Oceans” category. It will now take applications and provide swift, small-scale grants ranging between $25,000 and $50,000 focused on high-impact, country-driven initiatives, including:
- Supporting public policy by helping countries develop a national roadmap and strategy for the 30×30 target; defining policies at a national level regarding Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs); and initiating the development and implementation of sustainable finance mechanisms related to the 30×30 target, building on BIOFIN’s work.
- Capacity building by assessing lessons learned and engaging with stakeholders to develop best practices for the implementation of Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs); co-organizing a national workshop with 30×30 stakeholders to develop implementation plans or accelerate implementation processes and methodologies; and developing training on key themes such as effective governance, inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, management effectiveness, representation, connectivity, and reporting and monitoring; mapping of potential protected areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs).
Supporting implementation by developing a regulatory framework; and financing small-scale projects enabling the implementation of the 30×30 target.
Building partnerships by providing a space for country-to-country best practices exchanges, including supporting in-person convenings to foster cross-border and inter-regional collaborations.
“This mechanism answers an urgent call from our members: the need for rapid, flexible support to translate ambition into action,” said Director of the HAC for Nature and People, Rita El-Zaghloul. “By empowering local actors and national governments with early-stage funding, the Rapid Deployment Mechanism unlocks momentum toward impactful conservation on the ground.”
The Mechanism will initially fund 10 countries, with the aim of expanding to 30 countries over the next five years. Grants will prioritize projects with clear ambition, feasibility, added value, and potential for scale. Funds are channeled through local NGOs in collaboration with national governments to ensure effective delivery and transparent management.
As part of HAC for N&P’s two-pronged approach to supporting 30×30, the Rapid Deployment Mechanism provides vital seed capital that helps unlock bigger investments and technical partnerships. It works alongside the larger Matchmaking Platform.
