Impact of access to nature-positive environments in promoting social cohesion and reducing inequalities in urban and peri-urban settings

Overview

Funding for research projects examining how access to nature-positive environments in urban and peri-urban settings influences social cohesion, reduces inequalities, and fosters community resilience. Targets policymakers, civil society organizations, and researchers focusing on social and environmental justice.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, NGOs, public bodies, and private organizations) from eligible countries. Participation of civil society organizations and cities signatory to the Green City Accord is encouraged.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €5,000,000
• Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

Research on the societal impacts of access to green and/or blue spaces, including:

• Mechanisms linking nature-positive environments to social cohesion, cultural identity, and resilience, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
• Barriers to access (physical, economic, cultural, or social) and their intersection with socioeconomic inequalities.
• Role of community-based projects (e.g., urban gardening, rewilding, citizen science) in strengthening social capital and well-being.
• Contributions of local businesses and social economy actors to green/blue space implementation.
• Gender-sensitive and intersectional analysis of access disparities and their structural drivers.
• Integration of distributional aspects into spatial planning, accounting for non-market values.
• Synergies with EU Nature Restoration Regulation and Urban Agenda.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must operate at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-12
• Deadline: 2027-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to the page limits and layout specified in the application form.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Interdisciplinary approaches, including social sciences and humanities, are encouraged.
• Clustering and cooperation with other EU-funded projects under related topics is strongly encouraged.
• Proposals must adopt a gender-sensitive and intersectional lens.
• Lump-sum funding model applies; detailed budget tables are required.