Ensuring continuous effectiveness of protected areas in conserving habitats and species while facing intensifying drivers of biodiversity loss

Overview

Funding for research projects that enhance the effectiveness of protected areas in conserving habitats and species amid intensifying biodiversity loss drivers, including climate change. Targets researchers, protected area managers, public authorities, and civil society organizations working on terrestrial, freshwater, or marine ecosystems.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, NGOs, and private organizations) from eligible countries. Involvement of protected area managers, public authorities, and civil society organizations is required. SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) expertise must be included.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €10,000,000 per project.
• Funding type: Lump sum.
• Total budget: Not specified.
• Co-funding: Not required (lump sum model).

What Is Funded

• Analysis of trends and cumulative impacts of biodiversity loss drivers (e.g., land/sea use change, climate change, pollution, invasive species).
• Development of predictive tools to anticipate future impacts on protected habitats and species.
• Assessment of adaptive management approaches, including climate refugia and "bright spots."
• Testing of innovative protected area management practices with performance indicators.
• Long-term ecological monitoring recommendations.
• Research in either terrestrial (A) or marine (B) biodiversity, including freshwater ecosystems.
• Cooperation with the EU Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) and the European partnership Biodiversa+.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-04-16.
• Deadline: 2026-09-16.

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must clearly indicate the research field (A or B).
• Evaluation based on award criteria, with a balanced portfolio ensuring at least one project per research field is funded.

Post-Award Obligations

• Cooperation with the EU Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) and Biodiversa+.
• Dissemination of results to inform EU biodiversity and climate policies.
• Reporting as per Horizon Europe lump sum grant agreements.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-EU/non-associated countries with specific provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must address either terrestrial (A) or marine (B) research fields, with freshwater ecosystems included in either.
• International cooperation is encouraged, particularly for transboundary protected areas.
• Projects should align with EU biodiversity strategy targets (e.g., 30% protection of land and sea areas) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Use of European research infrastructures in the environment domain is encouraged.