A total of $450,000 is available this year for environmental learning projects as Landcare Australia and the Victorian government through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning partners for the fourth time for the 2021 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.
Victorian primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, Scouts, Girl Guides, and youth groups are invited to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 each, with Landcare Australia delivering the grants through its Junior Landcare Program.
The grants provide an opportunity for organisations to engage young Victorians in outdoor, hands-on, on-ground projects, and environmental learning activities that provide both environmental and educational outcomes, as well as health and social benefits.
Dr Shane Norrish, Landcare Australia CEO said, “These grants are the essence of what Junior Landcare is all about. The Junior Landcare program encourages continuous participation from childhood to adulthood so that the children of today, become the Landcarers of the future. This initiative helps young Australians to develop skills, share knowledge, create experiences and foster connections with place and community.”
The grants also contribute to the targets of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s plan to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.
Launched in 2017, the program “ensures that Victoria has a modern and effective approach to protecting and managing our precious natural environment” when coupled with reviews of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and native vegetation clearing regulations.
Project focus areas include improving biodiversity through the development, improvement or restoration of habitat for Victoria’s native plants and animals and/or educating, involving and engaging young people in valuing and actively caring for Victoria’s natural environment.
Grant applications close on Friday, 30 April 2021.