MARINE (Marine Resilience and Improvement of Natural Ecosystems) Fund Cymru invests in projects that support the resilience of Wales’ marine and coastal ecosystems.
The marine environment in Wales is one of the country’s most valuable natural assets, supporting biodiversity, climate resilience and coastal communities. However, long-term investment is needed to protect and enhance our marine and coastal ecosystems in the face of increasing pressures.
MARINE Fund Cymru is a long-term, trustworthy mechanism that invests in programmes and projects that enable, maintain and enhance the resilience of Wales’ marine and coastal ecosystems.
The Fund is currently in development, with work underway to establish its governance, funding priorities and grant processes. It will open to receive donations later this year and aims to launch its first grant round in 2026.
OBJECTIVES
MARINE Fund Cymru will provide grants to projects that:
- Enhance the health, resilience and biodiversity of Welsh marine and coastal ecosystems
- Address climate change and wider environmental pressures through practical, nature-based actions within marine and coastal ecosystems
- Build knowledge, skills and partnerships that strengthen long-term marine ecosystem recovery and help coastal communities deliver sustainable outcomes
BACKGROUND
WCVA has been working alongside the Wales Coasts and Seas Partnership (CaSP Cymru) to develop MARINE Fund Cymru. This is a new dedicated fund directing long-term investment into the recovery and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems in Wales.
Through voluntary contributions, the fund will help deliver our vision of Welsh seas that are clean, healthy, safe, productive, sustainably used and biologically diverse.
The Fund is managed by WCVA, with oversight provided by a Steering Group that includes representatives from Welsh Government, The Crown Estate, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), WCVA and CaSP Cymru members, including industry and environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
By working collaboratively, we are creating a fund that is transparent, credible and independent, ensuring that investment is directed towards projects which support Welsh Government’s marine policy and deliver meaningful outcomes for both nature and people.
HOW THE FUND WILL WORK
MARINE Fund Cymru brings in voluntary contributions from those who want to support the resilience of Wales’ marine and coastal ecosystems. This funding is then distributed through grants to marine and coastal ecosystem recovery projects across Wales.
For businesses, contributing to the fund is a way to make a tangible, long-term difference to the marine environment they depend on. It demonstrates a credible commitment to environmental responsibility and supports the sustainable development of Wales’ blue economy.
The Fund is currently in development and aims to launch its first grant round in 2026.
MARINE Fund Cymru is being developed with inspiration from the successful model of the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF). We’re grateful for the insight and guidance shared by the SMEEF team, which is helping us shape a fund that reflects the specific needs and priorities of Wales.
FIND OUT MORE
For updates or to discuss potential support for MARINE Fund Cymru, contact:
Anna Elliott – MARINE Fund Cymru Development Manager
Email: aelliott@wcva.cymru
Tel: 029 20431731