Frequently asked questions

World Heritage sites are sites around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

The sites (also referred to as ‘properties’ by UNESCO) are protected by international law, under the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. World Heritage sites are categorised as either cultural or natural sites, or can be a combination of the two (known as mixed sites).

A full list of all the sites (including their categorisation) can be found on UNESCO’s website.

Each site on the World Heritage list must have originally met at least one of ten standardised criteria which determine whether the site is of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ (OUV). The specific criteria met by each individual site will vary depending on the site, but these key features are collectively referred to as the OUV of the site. An example of the OUV of a site might include key species found at the site, or the occurrence of natural phenomena.

The RRF prioritise applications that address emergencies threatening the biodiversity OUV of natural World Heritage sites. The RRF does not support sites designated for cultural values.

In rare cases, we may also consider sites with other international designations for their biodiversity value, including:

1. Other eligible sites. Occasionally the Rapid Response Facility may provide grants for places other than World Heritage sites. These would need to be one of the following:
   1. a site that directly impacts the ‘outstanding universal values’ (OUV) of a natural World Heritage site. This includes sites that are in close proximity to a natural World Heritage site, where the threat would impact the biodiversity within the World Heritage site.
   2. sites with other international designations. Such as:
      1. UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserves
      2. Ramsar sites
2. Sites on the tentative World Heritage list. We occasionally accept applications from sites on ‘tentative’ lists, which can be found here. We only consider sites included under natural or mixed categories

Applications for actions outside the World Heritage site network must clearly demonstrate the global significance of the site’s biodiversity in order to qualify for funding.

No, but projects in mixed (cultural AND natural) sites are eligible to apply.

The RRF only funds actions at a site facing an ‘emergency’ threat to its biodiversity. We do not fund on-going issues even if they require urgent action.
The RRF’s definition of emergency is based on the following criteria, all of which will be considered during the decision process:

• Suddenness: How recently has the threat emerged or worsened? RRF only consider a situation an emergency if it has arisen in the last few weeks or months, or if the intensity of an existing threat has got suddenly worse. RRF advises applicants to provide evidence of any recent increases in the threat profile where possible.
• Predictability: Based on past experience, how predictable was the situation? The RRF prioritises funding for situations where the threat was unpredictable and thus difficult to prepare for in advance.
• Time sensitivity: Will there be a measurable conservation benefit if work starts immediately (within days / 1-2 weeks), rather than in months or years? The RRF prioritises projects that require immediate assistance.
• Duration and reversibility of impact: Does the threat have the potential to cause long-lasting negative impact to the biodiversity value of the site? The RRF prioritises actions that avert irreversible damage or reduce long-term negative impacts as a result of rapid intervention.

Applications must meet most or all of these criteria to qualify for funding. Those that do not meet the criteria are likely to be rejected by the Secretariat.

• The RRF does not provide funding for ongoing issues (e.g. climate change, deforestation), even if those issues necessitate immediate attention.
• The RRF does not fund individual applicants, only organisations that have the proper authorisation to operate at the designated site

The RRF exists to protect the biodiversity of natural World Heritage sites from sudden, unexpected threats or emergency situations. These threats may affect local communities too, or a threat to local communities may indirectly threaten the biodiversity of the site. In all cases, there needs to be a clear link to biodiversity threat, ideally supported by evidence.

The purpose of the RRF is to protect the biodiversity of natural World Heritage sites. Support to communities may be appropriate where it would help alleviate the threat; the link between the support provided and the reduction in impact on biodiversity would need to be clearly explained and (ideally) evidenced in the application.

No, we do not fund individuals.

The maximum RRF grant is US$40,000.