Science-policy support to the implementation of EU and global biodiversity policies and strategies

Overview

Funding supports projects that strengthen science-policy interfaces for biodiversity, including the EU Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It targets consortia capable of providing evidence-based policy support, coordinating knowledge exchange, and advancing nature-based solutions (NbS) for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, universities, public bodies, NGOs, and private organizations) from EU Member States, Associated Countries, and specified non-EU/non-Associated Countries with funding provisions. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €8,000,000 (lump sum).
• Financial support to third parties (FSTP): Up to 30% of EU funding may be allocated to third parties (e.g., experts for policy requests or IPBES/CBD engagement), with a maximum of €120,000 per third party.

What Is Funded

• Science-policy support: Coordination of responses to biodiversity-related policy requests via the KCBD, involving EU-funded researchers.
• Knowledge exchange: Maintenance and expansion of networks, tools, and capacity-building initiatives linking science, policy, and society.
• IPBES and CBD engagement: Scientific and back-office support for EU and Associated Country negotiators and researchers in global biodiversity processes.
• Nature-based solutions (NbS): Development of a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform to promote NbS uptake, policy coherence, and collaborative action.
• Collaboration: Close coordination with the KCBD, European Biodiversity Partnership (Biodiversa+), and NetworkNaturePLUS outcomes.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must operate at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6, focusing on applied research, demonstration, and pilot activities.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-04-19T22:00:00Z.
• Deadline: 2027-09-21T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and formats specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Exploitation and dissemination: Valorization of project knowledge for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Financial support to third parties: Transparent selection process for FSTP recipients, with reporting on their contributions.
• Collaboration: Mandatory engagement with the KCBD, JRC (if participating), and Biodiversa+.

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

• Lump sum funding: Costs are reimbursed based on predefined project deliverables, not actual expenditures.
• Third-party engagement: FSTP is a primary activity; consortia must demonstrate fair and transparent selection processes.
• Policy alignment: Projects must support EU priorities (e.g., European Green Deal, EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework).