The Biodiversity Challenge Funds (BCFs) are a suite of competitive grants from the UK Government designed to conserve biodiversity and protect the environment. They consist of three main funds: the Darwin Initiative, the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund, and Darwin Plus. These funds support projects that address biodiversity loss, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change, benefiting both local communities and the planet.

In essence, the BCFs aim to:

• Conserve biodiversity: They support projects that protect and enhance natural habitats and species.
• Safeguard the environment: They address the impact of climate change and other environmental threats.
• Benefit local communities: Many projects are designed to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in developing countries.
• Strengthen evidence: They promote the use of evidence to guide conservation efforts.

NIRAS is currently the administrator for all three funds. We have been managing these grants since 2003 under previous contracts. During that time, we have been responsible for managing as many as 800 grant applications per year. We monitor and evaluate over 300 live projects at any given time and provide financial management of and technical support to the projects, including the commissioning of studies, analyses, and briefing notes. NIRAS also manages the BCFs (collective and sub) websites and digital communications. BCFs supports projects across the globe. One example is a Darwin Initiative-funded project in northern Benin where students' associations are involved in reforestation and agroforestry activities to expand habitats, increase biodiversity, and generate income for the school and community.

The current contract runs from 2022 until March 2027.