Open topic: Uncovering the causes of specific species’ rapid decline and exploring actionable solutions — HORIZON

🔬 Scientific Alignment

🚀

Suggested TRL Range

TRL 2 → 6

Based on programme defaults

Scope Activities (5)

SC1

assess and improve the understanding of the drivers of decline of common or widespread species (present in the EU or Horizon Europe Associated Countries) which current decline is not easily explained, to be identified and selected by the proposals. This topic is open to species from all types of ecosystems including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial;

SC2

develop and test innovative approaches and actionable solutions to address the decline;

SC3

develop plans to support future uptake and upscaling after the research project and assess how tools, methods and solutions can be adapted and applied across different regions and contexts;

SC4

consider the need for long-term ecological monitoring of the selected species populations and associated habitats, e.g. provide recommendations and consider possible options for long-term monitoring;

SC5

if relevant, provide policy recommendations.

Expected Outcomes (2)

EO1

drivers behind the rapid decline of specific species are better understood;

EO2

policymakers, land, water and sea managers, national agencies and other stakeholders are provided with fast, practical and effective measures to prevent further decline and promote the recovery of affected species populations, thus contributing to the EU objectives of nature protection and climate mitigation and adaptation.

🌍 Impact Strategy

Target SDG Topics

Select the SDG targets (topics) that your future project proposal will actively address to align with EU Policy Impacts.

Expected Impacts (6)

EI1

Knowledge on biodiversity status and trends and drivers of biodiversity loss is improved;

EI2

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;

EI3

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;

EI4

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;

EI5

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;

EI6

Progress towards international commitments worldwide on biodiversity is made.

EU Policy Alignment

The implementation of the EU Green Deal

high

The EU Green Deal is the overarching framework for this call, aiming to transform the EU into a sustainable, climate-neutral economy. The project must demonstrate how it contributes to the Green Deal’s biodiversity and climate objectives, particularly through nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration.

💡

Evaluator focus:Clear alignment with Green Deal targets, such as halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Proposals should highlight synergies with other Green Deal initiatives (e.g., Farm to Fork, Circular Economy Action Plan).

EU biodiversity strategy for 2030

high

This strategy sets ambitious targets to protect and restore EU biodiversity, including strict protection of 30% of land and sea, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and halting species decline. The project must directly contribute to these targets, particularly through species recovery and ecosystem restoration.

💡

Evaluator focus:Explicit linkage to the strategy’s targets, such as the restoration of at least 25,000 km of rivers and 3 billion trees by 2030. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions will help achieve these goals.

EU Nature Restoration Regulation

high

The Regulation establishes binding targets for ecosystem restoration, including specific obligations for habitats and species. The project must align with these legal requirements and provide tools or methodologies to support their implementation.

💡

Evaluator focus:Demonstration of how the project’s solutions and monitoring frameworks will support the Regulation’s implementation, particularly for species and habitats listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

high

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).

💡

Evaluator focus: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.

Sustainable Development Goals

high

The project must contribute to multiple SDGs, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Cross-cutting contributions to SDGs 2, 11, and 17 are also relevant.

💡

Evaluator focus:Clear mapping of project impacts to relevant SDGs, with measurable contributions to targets such as 14.2, 15.1, 15.5, and 13.1. Proposals should use SDG indicators for impact measurement.

Nature Credits Roadmap

medium

The 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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.

EU proposal for a Directive on soil monitoring and resilience

medium

This 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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

medium

This 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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

medium

The 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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 Ocean Pact

medium

The 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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.

European Water Resilience Strategy

medium

The 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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

medium

This 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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.

Vision for Agriculture and Food

medium

This 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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.

Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture towards 2040

medium

This 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.

💡

Evaluator focus:Focus on fisheries and aquaculture as drivers of marine species decline. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions promote sustainable fisheries and reduce biodiversity impacts.

Common Agricultural Policy (environmental objectives)

medium

The CAP includes environmental objectives to support biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable farming. The project must align with these objectives and propose solutions that can be integrated into CAP-funded measures.

💡

Evaluator focus:Demonstration of how the project’s solutions align with CAP environmental objectives, particularly eco-schemes and agri-environment-climate measures. Proposals should discuss potential integration with CAP funding.

Paris Agreement

medium

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming and enhance climate resilience. The project must demonstrate how its solutions contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation through biodiversity conservation.

💡

Evaluator focus:Focus on the role of biodiversity in climate mitigation (e.g., carbon sequestration) and adaptation (e.g., ecosystem-based adaptation). Proposals should highlight synergies with the Paris Agreement’s objectives.

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

medium

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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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.

EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production

low

The 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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)

low

The 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.

💡

Evaluator focus: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

low

The 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.

💡

Evaluator focus:Focus on biodiversity in outermost regions, if applicable. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions address the specific challenges of these regions.

📋 Additional Guidance

⚖ Eligibility rules

Minimum partners3

Minimum countries3

Maximum budget€3.0M

Specific requirements

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.

⚖ Eligibility — synthesis

General conditions

1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout Applicants submitting a proposal for a blind evaluation (see General Annex F) must not disclose their organisation names, acronyms, logos nor names of personnel in the proposal abstract and Part B of their first-stage application (see General Annex E). 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 — 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 — The first-stage proposals of this topic will be evaluated blindly. 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 — Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]]. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Specific conditions

described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA)

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 BLIND) 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 BLIND) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"

Additional documents

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 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme 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

🎯 Call process & Evaluation criteria (Pre-award)

Evaluators will prioritize proposals demonstrating: (1) rigorous, multi-disciplinary analysis of decline drivers (SC1), (2) innovative, tested solutions with measurable biodiversity outcomes (SC2, EO1), (3) concrete plans for long-term monitoring and stakeholder uptake (SC3, SC4, EO2), and (4) policy relevance and alignment with EU Green Deal objectives (SC5). Cross-regional applicability and engagement with local communities will be key differentiators.

📊 Coverage

Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.

See how your concept covers this call

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.

Scope activities5requirements

Expected outcomes2requirements

Other requirements5requirements

Expected impacts6requirements

Underlying policies5requirements

Requirements matrix

Coverage of the call requirements
Requirement	Covered by	Carried	Status
Scope activities
SC1assess and improve the understanding of the drivers of decline of common or widespread species (present in the EU or Horizon Europe Associated Countries) which current decline is not easily explained, to be identified and selected by the proposals. This topic is open to species from all types of ecosystems including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC2develop and test innovative approaches and actionable solutions to address the decline;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC3develop plans to support future uptake and upscaling after the research project and assess how tools, methods and solutions can be adapted and applied across different regions and contexts;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC4consider the need for long-term ecological monitoring of the selected species populations and associated habitats, e.g. provide recommendations and consider possible options for long-term monitoring;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC5if relevant, provide policy recommendations.	·	·	Sign up to track
Expected outcomes
EO1drivers behind the rapid decline of specific species are better understood;	·	·	Sign up to track
EO2policymakers, land, water and sea managers, national agencies and other stakeholders are provided with fast, practical and effective measures to prevent further decline and promote the recovery of affected species populations, thus contributing to the EU objectives of nature protection and climate mitigation and adaptation.	·	·	Sign up to track
Other requirements
REQ1Cooperation with EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity and Science ServiceProposals should foresee appropriate resources to ensure close cooperation with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) and its Science Service.	·	·	Sign up to track
REQ2Cooperation with European partnership Biodiversa+Cooperation with the European partnership Biodiversa+ should be ensured.	·	·	Sign up to track
REQ3International cooperation for migratory or transboundary speciesInternational cooperation is encouraged, when relevant, especially in the cases of migratory species or species with transboundary populations.	·	·	Sign up to track
REQ4Synergies with Water4All, Agroecology partnership, and LIFE projectsComplementarities and synergies will be ensured with activities supported by co-funded partnerships Water4All and Agroecology, as well as LIFE projects, particularly on nature restoration and protection.	·	·	Sign up to track
REQ5Involvement and R&I asset unlocking of EU outermost regionsThe destination supports unlocking the unique assets for research and innovation of the EU outermost regions, in line with the EU strategy for outermost regions.	·	·	Sign up to track
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 implementation of the EU Green DealThe EU Green Deal is the overarching framework for this call, aiming to transform the EU into a sustainable, climate-neutral economy. The project must demonstrate how it contributes to the Green Deal’s biodiversity and climate objectives, particularly through nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration.	·	·	Sign up to track
POL2EU biodiversity strategy for 2030This strategy sets ambitious targets to protect and restore EU biodiversity, including strict protection of 30% of land and sea, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and halting species decline. The project must directly contribute to these targets, particularly through species recovery and ecosystem restoration.	·	·	Sign up to track
POL3EU Nature Restoration RegulationThe Regulation establishes binding targets for ecosystem restoration, including specific obligations for habitats and species. The project must align with these legal requirements and provide tools or methodologies to support their implementation.	·	·	Sign up to track
POL4Kunming-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
POL5Sustainable Development GoalsThe project must contribute to multiple SDGs, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Cross-cutting contributions to SDGs 2, 11, and 17 are also relevant.	·	·	Sign up to track

Scope activities

SC1Sign up

SC2Sign up

develop and test innovative approaches and actionable solutions to address the decline;

SC3Sign up

develop plans to support future uptake and upscaling after the research project and assess how tools, methods and solutions can be adapted and applied across different regions and contexts;

SC4Sign up

consider the need for long-term ecological monitoring of the selected species populations and associated habitats, e.g. provide recommendations and consider possible options for long-term monitoring;

SC5Sign up

if relevant, provide policy recommendations.

Expected outcomes

EO1Sign up

drivers behind the rapid decline of specific species are better understood;

EO2Sign up

Other requirements

REQ1Sign up

Cooperation with EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity and Science Service

REQ2Sign up

Cooperation with European partnership Biodiversa+

REQ3Sign up

International cooperation for migratory or transboundary species

REQ4Sign up

Synergies with Water4All, Agroecology partnership, and LIFE projects

REQ5Sign up

Involvement and R&I asset unlocking of EU outermost regions

Expected impacts

EI1Sign up

Knowledge on biodiversity status and trends and drivers of biodiversity loss is improved;

EI2Sign up

EI3Sign up

EI4Sign up

EI5Sign up

EI6Sign up

Progress towards international commitments worldwide on biodiversity is made.

Underlying policies

POL1Sign up

The implementation of the EU Green Deal

POL2Sign up

EU biodiversity strategy for 2030

POL3Sign up

EU Nature Restoration Regulation

POL4Sign up

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

POL5Sign up

Sustainable Development Goals

✅ Eligibility

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.

Minimum 3 partners

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Minimum 3 countries

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At least 1 Member State

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LMIC entities auto-eligible

Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.

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Project budget range

max €3.0M

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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.

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Consortium continuity

The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.

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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.

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Civil applications only

Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.

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🧭 Strategy

🏷 Keywords

Biodiversity decline driversSpecies conservationEcosystem restorationNature-based solutionsEcological monitoringClimate change adaptationHabitat fragmentationInvasive speciesPollution mitigationCitizen sciencePolicy recommendationsStakeholder engagementLong-term monitoringBiodiversity-friendly practicesEU Biodiversity Strategy 2030Nature Restoration RegulationKunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity FrameworkSustainable agricultureMarine biodiversityFreshwater ecosystems

🔬 Scientific Alignment

Suggested TRL Range

Scope Activities (5)

Expected Outcomes (2)

🌍 Impact Strategy

Target SDG Topics

Expected Impacts (6)

EU Policy Alignment

📋 Additional Guidance

⚖ Eligibility rules

⚖ Eligibility — synthesis

General conditions

Specific conditions

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA)

Additional documents

🎯 Call process & Evaluation criteria (Pre-award)

📊 Coverage

See how your concept covers this call

Requirements matrix

✅ Eligibility

🧭 Strategy

🏷 Keywords

🧩 Project backbone