PROTEGO Marine Litter Innovation Challenge 2025 (up to €40,000)

Applications are open for the PROTEGO Marine Litter Innovation Challenge 2025. The PROTEGO project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV, Germany), and implemented by adelphi in partnership with the Ghana Cleaner Production Center (GNCPC), Plastic Punch (PP), WASTE Africa and the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) in Ghana and Nigeria. This challenge aims to empower organisations with innovative solutions to prevent marine litter in the Gulf of Guinea.

The goal of the PROTEGO Accelerator is to support the development and scaling of impactful projects that address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution in hotspot locations across Ghana and Nigeria. Through a combination of targeted funding, tailored technical assistance, and strategic partnership opportunities, the programme bridges the gap between promising ideas and real-world impact.

Benefits of PROTEGO Marine

• Project Funding: Access up to €40,000 to implement your innovative solution.
• Expert Advisory: Receive hands-on guidance and technical support from leading experts in waste management, circular economy, and marine conservation.
• Visibility: Showcase your project to a network of local and international partners.
• Capacity Building: Benefit from tailored training and advisory support to strengthen your project design and implementation.
• Partnership Opportunities: Build strategic collaborations with public, private, and community stakeholders.

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Eligibility for PROTEGO Marine

This programme is designed for organisations committed to reducing marine litter and advancing sustainable waste management in Ghana and Nigeria.

• Legally registered and operating in Ghana or Nigeria (NGOs, companies, research institutions, or community organisations).
• Minimum of 1 year’s experience working on marine litter or waste management.
• Innovative project idea addressing one of the PROTEGO hotspot locations and challenges.
• Commitment to social, environmental, and economic impact, with a clear plan for sustainability beyond the programme support.

Selection Criteria

• Relevance and Innovation: Contribution to marine litter prevention and potential for long-term impact.
• Sustainable Impact: Social, environmental, and economic benefits, including gender and community inclusion.
• Feasibility: Clear plan for implementation and financial management within the given timeframe and funding.
• Local Stakeholder Engagement: Fit with local context and cooperation with stakeholders.
• Scalability: Potential for replication or scaling beyond the initial pilot.

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Application

Download the application form here and submit your application by 21 July 2025 to join the PROTEGO Accelerator cohort via [email protected]

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