Norwegian Development Programme to Combat Marine Litter and Microplastics (Norad/MFA)
Enriched – · Found: 2026-03-13 17:21
Norwegian international development funding for reducing marine litter and microplastics in partner countries, especially Africa and Asia. Supports land-based waste management systems, technology transfer, capacity building, and value chain development for plastic waste collection, sorting, and recycling.
Source: https://www.norad.no/en/front/funding/
Funding Details
- Funder
- Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) / Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
- Funding Goal
- Reduce marine litter and microplastics in developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia, through projects targeting waste prevention, collection, and management that stop plastic and other waste from entering oceans and waterways.
- Funding Amount
- Multi-year funding; individual grant amounts vary by project and partner. Norad channels funding through strategic civil society partners and thematic portfolios.
- How to Apply
- Norad does not have a simple open grant application. Partners typically engage through Norad's thematic portfolios or apply via the Norwegian MFA grants portal at grants.mfa.no. Organizations may also seek strategic civil society partner (Plusspartner) status.
- Target Region
- Africa and Asia (developing countries with marine litter challenges)
- Contact
- Norad website: www.norad.no | Grants portal: grants.mfa.no
- Last Checked
- 2026-03-15 09:48
Application Checklist
Eligibility
Project Scope
Required Documents
Constraints
Summary
The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, administers Norway's international development programme to combat marine litter and microplastics. This programme directs funding to developing countries in Africa and Asia, targeting waste prevention, collection infrastructure, and management systems that prevent plastic waste from entering marine environments. Norway is one of the world's largest bilateral donors in ocean health and has committed to sustained funding in this area. The programme works through strategic civil society partners and established international organizations, supporting both on-the-ground interventions and systemic change in waste management in developing countries. Eligible partners are typically established international NGOs, civil society organizations, and research institutions with relevant track records. Funding is channeled through thematic portfolio agreements and strategic partnerships rather than open competitive calls. Organizations interested in this funding area should explore becoming Norad strategic civil society partners (Plusspartner) or engage through existing programme partners. This programme is particularly relevant for organizations working on plastic waste reduction, ocean health, and circular economy initiatives in African and Asian markets.
Historical Context
Norway has been a leading international funder of efforts to combat marine litter and microplastics. The Norwegian government has committed significant resources to this agenda through Norad and the MFA, supporting projects in key ocean-polluting regions in Africa and Asia.
Sources
- https://www.norad.no/en/front/funding/
- https://www.norad.no/en/thematic-areas/thematic-areas-in-norwegian-aid/climate-food-environment-and-energy/
- https://www.norad.no/en/thematic-areas/thematic-areas-in-norwegian-aid/climate-food-environment-and-energy/oceans/
Similar Programs
| Program | Source | Shared Tags |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Planet Fund (Defra) | UK | 10 |
| Norwegian Development Programme to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter | International | 10 |
| Norad Norwegian Development Programme to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter | International | 10 |
| Norway Development Assistance Program Against Marine Litter - SDG Partnership | International | 10 |
| Norad Norwegian Development Programme to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter | International | 10 |