Norad Norwegian Development Programme to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter

Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-11 13:01

1 billion NOK program (Phase 2: 2025-2028) funding projects to reduce plastic pollution in developing countries. Call for proposals process, supports circular economy jobs, waste management, plastic waste-to-value conversion. Funds NGO partnerships.

Source: https://www.norad.no/en/for-partners/guides-and-tools/calls-for-proposals2/2025/call-for-proposals-for-the-norwegian-development-programme-to-reduce-plastic-pollution-and-marine-litter--stage-1

Funding Details

Funder

Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation)

Funding Goal

Reduce plastic pollution and marine litter in developing countries through improved waste management systems, circular economy transitions, and policy frameworks

Funding Amount

NOK 50-80 million per year annual allocation (approx. EUR 4.5-7.2M/year); 3-4 year project duration (4.500.000 € – 7.200.000 €)

Deadline

2025-09-26 (periodic)

How to Apply

Two-stage process: Stage 1 — submit 4-page concept note in English via grants.mfa.no Grants Portal. If invited, Stage 2 — full application. Stage 2 invitation letters sent November 2025. Next Stage 1 round expected Q2-Q3 2026. Contact: hav@norad.no

Target Region

Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania (priority); regional projects also eligible; global scope

Contact

hav@norad.no (Section for Oceans, Norad). Grants Portal: grants.mfa.no

Last Checked

2026-03-15 08:18

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Organisation must be an NGO to apply as lead applicant
• Danish and other international NGOs explicitly eligible
• Consortia encouraged — private sector can participate as member

Project Scope

• Priority countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania
• Regional proposals accepted if target population engagement is clear
• 3-4 year implementation period preferred

Required Documents

• Stage 1: 4-page concept note (PDF, font 12) via Grants Portal
• All applications in English only

Constraints

• Stage 1 closed 26 September 2025 — next round Q2-Q3 2026
• Stage 2 by invitation only — cannot enter at Stage 2 without Stage 1 pass

Summary

The Norwegian Development Programme to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter is a four-year initiative (2025-2028) funded by the Norwegian government through Norad, with a total ambition of NOK 1 billion (~EUR 90M). The programme aims to reduce the negative effects of plastic pollution on the environment and local populations in developing countries, contributing to five key outcomes: strengthening national and global frameworks, reducing plastic consumption and demand, improving plastic waste management systems, mobilising resources and creating circular economy jobs, and reducing health and environmental damage from plastic waste. The programme operates through a competitive call-for-proposals process. Stage 1 requires a short concept note (maximum 4 pages, submitted via Norad Grants Portal), and invited applicants proceed to Stage 2 with a full application. Norad plans an annual allocation of NOK 50-80 million per year for this call. Projects with a 3-4 year implementation period are prioritised. Only non-governmental organisations may apply as lead applicants. Consortia applications are strongly encouraged, and for-profit companies, foreign governmental institutions, multilateral organisations, and intergovernmental organisations may participate as consortium members. Danish and other international NGOs are eligible to apply. The priority countries for this call are Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania. Regional proposals are also accepted provided they clearly demonstrate engagement with target populations. The programme is explicitly aligned with global goals on plastic pollution, including the anticipated global plastics treaty. The first Stage 1 round under the 2025-2028 phase closed on 26 September 2025. Stage 2 (invitation-only) is ongoing for organisations that received invitations in November 2025. A new Stage 1 round is anticipated for Q2-Q3 2026 based on the annual allocation rhythm of the programme.

Historical Context

Phase 1 (2020-2024) supported numerous projects in target countries. Phase 2 (2025-2028) announced in 2024 with NOK 1 billion total ambition. First Stage 1 call under Phase 2 ran May-September 2025. Annual allocation rhythm suggests recurring Stage 1 calls each year of the programme period.

Why it was added

Major bilateral funding specifically for plastic pollution with NGO partnership focus and active call for proposals

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