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Strategic Analysis
This Horizon Europe call seeks to establish three transboundary living labs, each with multiple experimental sites, to co-create, test, and demonstrate innovative, viable, and scalable ecosystem restoration solutions in real-life settings. Proposals must integrate diverse stakeholders, develop robust monitoring and business models, and ensure solutions support EU policy objectives and enhance societal resilience.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
support the set up of three living labs, with 10 to 20 experimental sites each, as places for testing and demonstrating innovative solutions to restore ecosystems following three main principles: (a) co-creation with a large set of stakeholders, (b) carried out in real-life settings and (c) involving the end-users. Transboundary living labs are encouraged and expected to be in at least three different EU Member States and/or Associated Countries, with some of them including outermost regions, islands or remote areas. Proposals should describe the rationale for cooperation across the living labs and among the stakeholders within the living labs;
establish a work plan of activities in a transdisciplinary way, ensuring the co-design, co-development, and co-implementation of locally adapted innovative solutions;
establish tools for each living lab to allow for an accurate assessment of the conditions and to monitor progress towards the objectives. Where relevant, the overall objective should be to reach the favourable reference areas, the good conservation status and the satisfactory levels for indicators at national levels defined in the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Water Framework Directive or the Nature Restoration Regulation;
monitor and carry out an assessment of both the effectiveness of innovative practices for ecosystem restoration and for their non-deterioration;
demonstrate how of the identified innovative solutions can be viable for end-users, by developing suitable business models and testing private or public support schemes such as payment for ecosystems services or nature credits as proposed in the Nature Credits Roadmap [1] ;
address challenges with scaling up and transferability of solutions, developing a gender-sensitive and inclusive framework on how ecosystem health could support this work;
disseminate the newly developed solutions to facilitate their uptake by practitioners;
demonstrate how ecosystem restoration can support EU general policy objectives, enhancing societal resilience, and reducing natural risks.
Transitional interfaces : Marine-coastal-terrestrial transitional ecosystems such as salt marshes, dunes, estuaries, coastal lagoons, and deltas, as well as freshwater transitions between watershed, rivers, lakes and groundwater.
Urban-rural gradient : urban ecosystems -including parks, restored brownfields, urban forests, and green and blue infrastructures-, urban nature with surrounding peri-urban and rural ecosystems.
Mosaic agricultural landscapes : agricultural ecosystems with high biodiversity value such as semi-natural grasslands, agroforestry systems, hedgerows, and buffer strips.
Biodiversity corridors : linear habitats that cut across multiple land uses, such as riparian vegetation, roadsides, canal banks, and hedgerows. Ecosystem connectivity across fragmented landscapes.
Dryland and arid ecosystems : garrigue, maquis, and steppe landscapes facing increasing threats from drought, erosion, desertification, and fire.
stakeholders are empowered to implement viable ecosystem restoration measures;
competent authorities in charge of implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation are able to propose appropriate restoration measures;
social, economic and environmental co-benefits and trade-offs of nature restoration activities are demonstrated, including for climate action.
Knowledge on biodiversity status and trends and drivers of biodiversity loss is improved;
Innovations, methods, pathways, models and tools are available and used to protect healthy and resilient ecosystems and to restore degraded ones, ensuring the continuous provision of ecosystem services, including for adaptation and/or mitigation to climate change;
The ongoing biodiversity crisis and its consequences, notably on ecosystem functioning and their services, and the need to monitor, protect, restore and sustainably use biodiversity are better understood to better benefit the whole society in an inclusive way;
Policymakers and stakeholders, all relevant economic sectors and society are aware and well informed of relevant challenges and opportunities of biodiversity protection, restoration and sustainable use, leading to better implementation of the biodiversity legislation and better valuation of ecosystem services, leading to transformative change towards a nature positive economy;
Farmers, foresters, land and sea managers, fishers and aquaculture producers have access to key information, and test and implement biodiversity-friendly management practices, while safeguarding food and water security and fostering competitiveness, demonstrating the long-term sustainability of these sectors;
Progress towards international commitments worldwide on biodiversity is made.
The EU Green Deal
highThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being.
Evaluators will look for proposals that demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable food production, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes equitable access to healthy diets, particularly in vulnerable groups.
EU biodiversity strategy for 2030
highAs a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing ecological resilience, especially in the context of forest ecosystems and soil health. Specific attention to how living labs can support biodiversity monitoring and restoration in forests and natural lands is crucial.
EU Nature Restoration Regulation
highMandates restoration of degraded ecosystems. Relevant if the proposal includes nature-based solutions or biodiversity offsets.
If applicable, integration of nature restoration measures in urban/peri-urban areas.
EU proposal for a Directive on soil monitoring and resilience
highThis Directive aims to improve soil health monitoring and resilience, which is critical for terrestrial biodiversity. The project could contribute by identifying soil-related drivers of species decline and proposing soil-friendly management practices.
Focus on soil health as a driver of species decline, particularly for terrestrial species. Proposals should highlight how their solutions address soil degradation and promote soil resilience.
EU proposal for a Regulation on a forest monitoring framework
highThis Regulation seeks to establish a comprehensive forest monitoring system to track biodiversity, carbon stocks, and forest health. The project could contribute by developing monitoring protocols for forest-dependent species.
Integration of forest biodiversity monitoring into the project’s long-term ecological monitoring framework. Proposals should demonstrate how their work aligns with the Regulation’s objectives.
EU climate adaptation strategy
highThe strategy aims to make the EU climate-resilient by 2050, with a focus on nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation. The project must demonstrate how its solutions enhance climate resilience for species and ecosystems.
Clear linkage between biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation, particularly through nature-based solutions. Proposals should highlight how their interventions improve ecosystem resilience to climate change.
European Water Resilience Strategy
highThe Strategy aims to improve water resilience, including through ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction. The project could address freshwater species decline and propose solutions for water quality and quantity.
Focus on freshwater biodiversity and the role of water management in species decline. Proposals should highlight how their solutions improve water resilience and ecosystem health.
EU legislative proposal on pollutants in EU waters
highThis proposal aims to reduce pollution in EU waters, which is a key driver of aquatic biodiversity loss. The project could identify pollution-related drivers of species decline and propose mitigation measures.
Focus on water pollution as a driver of species decline, particularly for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions address pollution and improve water quality.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
highThe GBF sets global biodiversity targets, including the protection and restoration of ecosystems and species. The project must contribute to these targets, particularly Targets 1-4 (spatial planning, restoration, species conservation).
Explicit linkage to GBF targets, such as the restoration of 30% of degraded ecosystems and halting species extinction. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions contribute to these global goals.
Paris Agreement
highThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. It requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans.
Proposals should demonstrate how ecosystem restoration contributes to climate change mitigation (e.g., carbon sequestration) and adaptation (e.g., enhanced resilience to extreme weather events), aligning with the broader goals of the Paris Agreement.
Sustainable Development Goals
highThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.' Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, they address global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
Proposals should identify which specific SDGs their work contributes to (e.g., SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation) and explain the nature of this contribution. While not an EU-specific policy, alignment with SDGs demonstrates a broader commitment to global sustainability.
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
highIPBES provides scientific assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project must align with IPBES findings and contribute to filling knowledge gaps identified in its reports.
Reference to IPBES assessments and alignment with its key messages, particularly on drivers of biodiversity loss and the need for transformative change. Proposals should demonstrate how their work addresses IPBES priorities.
Water4All
highWater4All is a European Partnership under Horizon Europe dedicated to water security for all. It aims to boost water research and innovation, foster collaboration, and provide solutions for water-related challenges, including ecosystem restoration, water quality, and sustainable water management.
Proposals focusing on freshwater or aquatic ecosystem restoration should demonstrate how their work aligns with Water4All's objectives, particularly regarding water quality, quantity, and ecosystem health. Synergies with Water4All's research agenda and potential for collaboration should be considered.
Nature Credits Roadmap
mediumThe Roadmap aims to develop a framework for biodiversity credits to incentivize private investment in nature restoration. The project could explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as biodiversity credits, to support scalable solutions.
Innovative approaches to financing biodiversity conservation, including potential integration with biodiversity credit schemes. Proposals should discuss how their solutions could be sustained through such mechanisms.
European Ocean Pact
mediumThe Pact aims to protect and restore marine ecosystems, including through sustainable fisheries and pollution reduction. The project must address marine species decline and propose solutions for ocean health.
Focus on marine biodiversity, particularly for species affected by overfishing, pollution, or climate change. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions contribute to the Pact’s objectives.
Vision for Agriculture and Food
mediumThis vision aims to make EU agriculture more sustainable, including through biodiversity-friendly practices. The project could address agricultural drivers of species decline and propose solutions for sustainable farming.
Focus on agricultural practices as drivers of species decline, particularly for farmland birds and pollinators. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions promote biodiversity-friendly agriculture.
Common Agricultural Policy
mediumThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is one of the EU's longest-standing policies, designed to support farmers and ensure Europe's food security. It has evolved significantly, with the current iteration (2023-2027) placing a stronger emphasis on environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable farming practices through eco-schemes and conditionality.
Proposals should demonstrate how their activities, even if focused on forests, align with the broader objectives of sustainable land management, rural development, and environmental protection that are integral to the CAP. This could include considering interactions between forest and agricultural lands, or how forest management practices can contribute to wider landscape-level sustainability goals supported by CAP.
Biodiversa+
mediumBiodiversa+ is the European Biodiversity Partnership under Horizon Europe, aiming to connect research and innovation to policy and practice for biodiversity conservation and restoration. It supports transdisciplinary research projects, knowledge synthesis, and stakeholder engagement to address biodiversity challenges.
Proposals should demonstrate awareness of and potential synergies with Biodiversa+ activities, particularly in terms of research methodologies, data sharing, and stakeholder engagement for biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. Collaboration with projects or networks supported by Biodiversa+ could be highlighted.
Agroecology
mediumAgroecology is a holistic approach to sustainable food systems that applies ecological principles to agricultural practices. It integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions, promoting biodiversity, soil health, resource efficiency, and fair food systems, often through participatory approaches.
Proposals focusing on restoration in agricultural landscapes or peri-urban areas should demonstrate how they integrate agroecological principles. This could include promoting biodiversity-friendly farming, enhancing soil health, reducing chemical inputs, and fostering farmer engagement in co-creation processes for ecosystem restoration.
Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture towards 2040
lowThis vision aims to make EU fisheries and aquaculture more sustainable, including through biodiversity conservation. The project could address overfishing and bycatch as drivers of marine species decline.
Focus on fisheries and aquaculture as drivers of marine species decline. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions promote sustainable fisheries and reduce biodiversity impacts.
EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production
lowThe Action Plan aims to boost organic farming, which is generally more biodiversity-friendly than conventional agriculture. The project could explore organic farming as a solution for species decline in agricultural landscapes.
Focus on organic farming as a biodiversity-friendly practice. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions align with the Action Plan’s objectives and promote organic agriculture.
United Nations agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement)
lowThe BBNJ Agreement aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The project could contribute by addressing marine species decline and proposing solutions for high-seas conservation.
Focus on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, if applicable. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions align with the BBNJ Agreement’s objectives.
EU strategy for outermost regions
lowThe strategy aims to support the sustainable development of EU outermost regions, which often host unique biodiversity. The project could address species decline in these regions and propose tailored solutions.
Focus on biodiversity in outermost regions, if applicable. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions address the specific challenges of these regions.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner. The JRC will not participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal - see General Annex B. The following additional eligibility criteria apply: The proposals must apply the multi-actor approach. See definition of the multi-actor approach in this work programme part. described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties. The support to third parties can only be provided in the form of grants. The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is EUR 60 000. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Standard application form (HE RIA IA Stage 1) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA HE Unit MGA Call-specific instructions Information on financial support to third parties (HE)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will primarily look for a clear demonstration of how the proposed living labs embody the principles of @SC1 (co-creation, real-life, end-user involvement) and cover diverse ecosystem types (@SC9-@SC13). Strong emphasis will be placed on the @SC2 transdisciplinary work plan, the @SC3 monitoring tools, and the @SC4 assessment of effectiveness. Crucially, proposals must detail the @SC5 viability of solutions (business models, support schemes), address @SC6 scaling-up and transferability challenges (including gender-sensitive aspects), and outline effective @SC7 dissemination strategies. The alignment with EU policy objectives and the demonstration of societal co-benefits (@SC8, @EO3) are also key. The multi-actor approach is mandatory.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1support the set up of three living labs, with 10 to 20 experimental sites each, as places for testing and demonstrating innovative solutions to restore ecosystems following three main principles: (a) co-creation with a large set of stakeholders, (b) carried out in real-life settings and (c) involving the end-users. Transboundary living labs are encouraged and expected to be in at least three different EU Member States and/or Associated Countries, with some of them including outermost regions, islands or remote areas. Proposals should describe the rationale for cooperation across the living labs and among the stakeholders within the living labs; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2establish a work plan of activities in a transdisciplinary way, ensuring the co-design, co-development, and co-implementation of locally adapted innovative solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3establish tools for each living lab to allow for an accurate assessment of the conditions and to monitor progress towards the objectives. Where relevant, the overall objective should be to reach the favourable reference areas, the good conservation status and the satisfactory levels for indicators at national levels defined in the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Water Framework Directive or the Nature Restoration Regulation; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4monitor and carry out an assessment of both the effectiveness of innovative practices for ecosystem restoration and for their non-deterioration; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5demonstrate how of the identified innovative solutions can be viable for end-users, by developing suitable business models and testing private or public support schemes such as payment for ecosystems services or nature credits as proposed in the Nature Credits Roadmap [1] ; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6address challenges with scaling up and transferability of solutions, developing a gender-sensitive and inclusive framework on how ecosystem health could support this work; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7disseminate the newly developed solutions to facilitate their uptake by practitioners; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8demonstrate how ecosystem restoration can support EU general policy objectives, enhancing societal resilience, and reducing natural risks. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9Transitional interfaces : Marine-coastal-terrestrial transitional ecosystems such as salt marshes, dunes, estuaries, coastal lagoons, and deltas, as well as freshwater transitions between watershed, rivers, lakes and groundwater. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10Urban-rural gradient : urban ecosystems -including parks, restored brownfields, urban forests, and green and blue infrastructures-, urban nature with surrounding peri-urban and rural ecosystems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC11Mosaic agricultural landscapes : agricultural ecosystems with high biodiversity value such as semi-natural grasslands, agroforestry systems, hedgerows, and buffer strips. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC12Biodiversity corridors : linear habitats that cut across multiple land uses, such as riparian vegetation, roadsides, canal banks, and hedgerows. Ecosystem connectivity across fragmented landscapes. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC13Dryland and arid ecosystems : garrigue, maquis, and steppe landscapes facing increasing threats from drought, erosion, desertification, and fire. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1stakeholders are empowered to implement viable ecosystem restoration measures; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2competent authorities in charge of implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation are able to propose appropriate restoration measures; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3social, economic and environmental co-benefits and trade-offs of nature restoration activities are demonstrated, including for climate action. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Knowledge on biodiversity status and trends and drivers of biodiversity loss is improved; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Innovations, methods, pathways, models and tools are available and used to protect healthy and resilient ecosystems and to restore degraded ones, ensuring the continuous provision of ecosystem services, including for adaptation and/or mitigation to climate change; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3The ongoing biodiversity crisis and its consequences, notably on ecosystem functioning and their services, and the need to monitor, protect, restore and sustainably use biodiversity are better understood to better benefit the whole society in an inclusive way; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Policymakers and stakeholders, all relevant economic sectors and society are aware and well informed of relevant challenges and opportunities of biodiversity protection, restoration and sustainable use, leading to better implementation of the biodiversity legislation and better valuation of ecosystem services, leading to transformative change towards a nature positive economy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Farmers, foresters, land and sea managers, fishers and aquaculture producers have access to key information, and test and implement biodiversity-friendly management practices, while safeguarding food and water security and fostering competitiveness, demonstrating the long-term sustainability of these sectors; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Progress towards international commitments worldwide on biodiversity is made. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1the eu green dealThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2eu biodiversity strategy for 2030As a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu nature restoration regulationMandates restoration of degraded ecosystems. Relevant if the proposal includes nature-based solutions or biodiversity offsets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu proposal for a directive on soil monitoring and resilienceThis Directive aims to improve soil health monitoring and resilience, which is critical for terrestrial biodiversity. The project could contribute by identifying soil-related drivers of species decline and proposing soil-friendly management practices. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5eu proposal for a regulation on a forest monitoring frameworkThis Regulation seeks to establish a comprehensive forest monitoring system to track biodiversity, carbon stocks, and forest health. The project could contribute by developing monitoring protocols for forest-dependent species. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6eu climate adaptation strategyThe strategy aims to make the EU climate-resilient by 2050, with a focus on nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation. The project must demonstrate how its solutions enhance climate resilience for species and ecosystems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL7european water resilience strategyThe Strategy aims to improve water resilience, including through ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction. The project could address freshwater species decline and propose solutions for water quality and quantity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL8eu legislative proposal on pollutants in eu watersThis proposal aims to reduce pollution in EU waters, which is a key driver of aquatic biodiversity loss. The project could identify pollution-related drivers of species decline and propose mitigation measures. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL9kunming-montreal global biodiversity framework (gbf)The GBF sets global biodiversity targets, including the protection and restoration of ecosystems and species. The project must contribute to these targets, particularly Targets 1-4 (spatial planning, restoration, species conservation). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL10paris agreementThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. It requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL11sustainable development goalsThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.' Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, they address global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL12intergovernmental science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services (ipbes)IPBES provides scientific assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project must align with IPBES findings and contribute to filling knowledge gaps identified in its reports. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL13water4allWater4All is a European Partnership under Horizon Europe dedicated to water security for all. It aims to boost water research and innovation, foster collaboration, and provide solutions for water-related challenges, including ecosystem restoration, water quality, and sustainable water management. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Current ecosystem degradation persists due to a lack of proven, innovative, and economically viable solutions that can be effectively implemented and sustained by end-users in real-life settings.
Restoration initiatives often fail to achieve long-term success due to inadequate involvement of local communities, end-users, and diverse stakeholders in the design, development, and implementation phases.
Even successful local restoration efforts face significant challenges in being scaled up or transferred to other regions due to lack of appropriate frameworks, business models, and dissemination strategies, hindering broader impact.
A lack of robust, standardized tools and methodologies for monitoring and assessing the progress and effectiveness of ecosystem restoration initiatives makes it difficult to track success, ensure compliance with policy objectives, and demonstrate tangible benefits.
The social, economic, and environmental co-benefits of ecosystem restoration, including its role in climate action and risk reduction, are not always fully quantified or communicated, leading to under-prioritisation and insufficient investment.
Individuals, groups, and local populations directly impacted by ecosystem degradation and involved in the co-creation and implementation of restoration solutions within the living labs.
Key stakeholders whose livelihoods and practices directly interact with the ecosystems targeted for restoration, involved in testing and adopting biodiversity-friendly management practices.
National, regional, and local authorities responsible for implementing EU nature and environmental legislation (e.g., Nature Restoration Regulation, Habitats/Birds/Water/Marine Directives) and policymakers at various levels.
Organisations actively involved in biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and advocacy, contributing expertise and community engagement.
Companies involved in developing and implementing nature-based solutions, exploring new business models (e.g., nature credits, PES), and investing in sustainable practices.
Researchers, academics, and scientific institutions working on biodiversity, ecology, restoration science, socio-economics, and climate change, benefiting from and contributing to the knowledge generated by the living labs.
The wider European society, benefiting from enhanced ecosystem services, increased awareness of biodiversity issues, and improved environmental health.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
The project will generate new data and insights from the living labs, enhancing the scientific community's understanding of ecosystem health, degradation processes, and the effectiveness of various restoration interventions.
The living labs will develop, test, and refine novel approaches, models, and tools for protecting and restoring degraded ecosystems, ensuring continuous provision of ecosystem services and contributing to climate adaptation/mitigation.
Through co-creation and dissemination activities, the project will raise public and stakeholder awareness of the biodiversity crisis, the importance of ecosystem functioning, and the need for monitoring, protection, and restoration.
The project will provide evidence and practical solutions to policymakers and economic sectors, fostering better implementation of biodiversity legislation, improved valuation of ecosystem services, and driving transformative change towards a nature-positive economy.
Farmers, foresters, land/sea managers, fishers, and aquaculture producers will gain access to key information and test/implement sustainable practices, safeguarding food/water security, fostering competitiveness, and demonstrating long-term sector sustainability.
The project's outcomes and demonstrated solutions will contribute to the EU's progress towards international commitments on biodiversity, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.