The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) operates as a partnership between the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Fauna & Flora International (FFI), aimed at providing immediate funding to counter conservation emergencies in UNESCO natural World Heritage sites. With the backing of global organizations such as Fondation Franz Weber and Arcadia, the RRF leverages its extensive field experience and political insight to offer rapid, credible responses to conservation crises. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the initiative stresses the importance of swift action to protect the irreplaceable and globally recognized natural heritages from both natural and man-made disasters.
The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) grants are focused specifically on addressing emergency situations that threaten the integrity and value of UNESCO natural World Heritage sites. These sites are recognized globally for their unparalleled natural beauty and ecological importance, including locations like the Serengeti National Park, the Amazon rainforest, Virunga, and the Galapagos islands. The RRF aims to mitigate irreversible damage to these sites caused by unforeseen disasters such as earthquakes, oil spills, or civil unrest. By bypassing the lengthy application processes typical of conventional funding mechanisms and making swift decisions, often within eight working days of receiving an application, the RRF stands out as the fastest conservation fund globally. This unique approach ensures that necessary actions can be initiated promptly to prevent or minimize lasting harm to global natural heritage sites.