The cosmetopoeia is a collection of traditional cosmetic uses, particularly of plants. A call for projects entitled ‘Cosmetopoeia’ is currently underway, with the aim of promoting local cosmetopoeia while helping to preserve the biodiversity of the Congo forest.

What cosmetopoeia refers to ?

The ‘Cosmetopoeia’ call for projects promotes projects and initiatives that respect the laws in force and the will and rights of the people who hold the knowledge and know-how. The project targets local players (public, private and voluntary organisations) based in the countries of the Congo Basin.

How is the beneficiary selection process defined ?

An independent scientific committee will examine the various applications. Once they have been assessed, the shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the endowment fund's steering committee. The project selection criteria are as follows: the clarity and overall coherence of the proposed action plan, the inter-partner collaborations put in place, the positive impact of the project (in scientific, social and economic terms), and the ethical approach, among others.

Eligible projects must address one or both of the following areas : 

- Research and training programmes applied to cosmetopoeia,
- Local initiatives based on cosmetopoeia as a source of development.

The projects selected will be awarded grants ranging from €5,000 to a maximum of €30,000, depending on the project presented and the associated budget. The projects will be implemented over a period of 18 months, and the research results from the projects will be considered the property of the project leaders themselves and their organisation.

Key dates 

Submission of applications online : until 30 September 2024 at 23:59 (CEST)
Assessment of applications : October 2024
Hearing of shortlisted candidates by the scientific committee : November 2024
Announcement of winning projects and start of contractualisation : no later than 31 December 2024 

Source : PFBC

Vanessa Ntoh