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Strategic Analysis
To craft a winning proposal for HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-04, the consortium must establish at least three transboundary Living Labs across at least three EU Member States or Associated Countries, comprising 10 to 20 real-life experimental sites each (@SC1). The winning angle relies on integrating high-tech monitoring tools (eDNA, remote sensing, AI) with co-created nature-based and bio-engineered management solutions (@SC3, @SC4), while embedding social sciences and humanities (SSH) to evaluate socio-economic costs, gender-differentiated impacts, and policy alignment with frameworks like EASIN and Biodiversa+ (@SC7, @SC8).
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
set up at least three living labs, composed each of 10 to 20 experimental sites, following the 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 living labs are expected to be located in at least three different EU Member States and/or Associated Countries;
establish a detailed work plan of the activities to be undertaken in a transdisciplinary way, ensuring the co-design, co-development, and co-implementation of locally adapted innovative solutions. Where appropriate, activities should advance knowledge on invasive alien species to support the development of solutions;
conduct participatory and transdisciplinary research and innovation in living labs with the objectives of: building on existing methods (including ensuring the integration of existing solutions) or developing new ones for detecting and monitoring invasive alien species, such as the use of citizen science, eDNA, remote sensing and machine learning algorithms, and test them at scale. Proposals could build on pilots developed by the European partnership Biodiversa+;
designing and testing innovative eradication and management strategies and methods which may include, for instance, physical removal and the use of biological control or chemical control. Innovative tools such as bio-engineering might be explored in conjunction with more traditional methods. Range shifts induced by climate change should be considered;
monitor and carry out an assessment of the innovative strategies, methods and tools and their effectiveness. Measures to ensure the prevention of re-invasion should be considered as well, to secure the continued effectiveness of the proposed solutions;
disseminate the newly developed solutions, to facilitate their uptake by practitioners;
provide data and experience usable for decision-makers, to assess socio-economic impacts of invasive alien species, side-effects of the management, the cost of inaction and the benefits of eradication or effective management, with effective contribution from social sciences and humanities;
address challenges with scaling up and transferability of solutions. A gender-sensitive and inclusive approach should be integrated, examining how invasive alien species affect individuals’ livelihoods and well-being differently.
the capacities and integrated governance of researchers, decision-makers, practitioners, local communities and other stakeholders to effectively collaborate to prevent, eradicate or manage invasive alien species (IAS) are enhanced;
native ecosystems are better protected, leading to improved resilience and continuous provision of ecosystem services including for climate mitigation and adaptation.
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.
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.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
highAdopted at COP15 in 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets global targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Target 6 specifically focuses on eliminating, minimizing, reducing, and mitigating the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Evaluators expect proposals to align living lab management strategies with Target 6 of the framework, demonstrating international ambition and measurable contributions to controlling invasive species threats.
EU regulation on invasive alien species
highRegulation (EU) No 1143/2014 lays down rules to prevent, minimize, and mitigate the adverse impacts of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species on biodiversity across the EU. It establishes framework actions including prevention, early detection, rapid eradication, and ongoing management.
Evaluators expect proposals to directly address species listed as Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern, establishing living labs that test concrete, scalable tools for early detection, rapid eradication, and long-term population management.
EU Nature Restoration Regulation
mediumMandates 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.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive
mediumThe Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC) aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU's marine waters by 2020 and protect the marine environment. It requires Member States to develop strategies to protect and restore marine ecosystems, prevent pollution, and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
Proposals should demonstrate, if applicable, how managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques, particularly in coastal rural areas, could indirectly contribute to the objectives of the MSFD. This could involve improving the quality and quantity of freshwater flows to coastal and marine environments, thereby reducing land-based pollution or mitigating saltwater intrusion that impacts coastal ecosystems. Any link should be clearly articulated and justified.
EU Climate Adaptation Strategy
mediumThe 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.
Paris Agreement
lowThe 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.
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that directly contribute to the achievement of African countries’ NDCs by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience. The project should include measurable climate impacts, such as tCO2e emissions reduced, and align with decarbonization and renewable energy deployment goals. Demonstrating how the REV accelerates Africa’s transition to low-carbon energy systems will be critical.
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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.
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.
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.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
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)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (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 – 15. General Annexes
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
Evaluators will rigorously scrutinize the authentic execution of Living Lab principles (@SC1), demanding evidence of true multi-actor co-creation with local communities and end-users rather than top-down dissemination. Particular attention will be given to the transboundary transferability of innovative eradication methods (@SC4, @SC8), robust long-term monitoring against re-invasion (@SC5), and actionable integration with European platforms such as the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC).
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 | |||
| SC1set up at least three living labs, composed each of 10 to 20 experimental sites, following the 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 living labs are expected to be located in at least three different EU Member States and/or Associated Countries; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2establish a detailed work plan of the activities to be undertaken in a transdisciplinary way, ensuring the co-design, co-development, and co-implementation of locally adapted innovative solutions. Where appropriate, activities should advance knowledge on invasive alien species to support the development of solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3conduct participatory and transdisciplinary research and innovation in living labs with the objectives of: building on existing methods (including ensuring the integration of existing solutions) or developing new ones for detecting and monitoring invasive alien species, such as the use of citizen science, eDNA, remote sensing and machine learning algorithms, and test them at scale. Proposals could build on pilots developed by the European partnership Biodiversa+; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4designing and testing innovative eradication and management strategies and methods which may include, for instance, physical removal and the use of biological control or chemical control. Innovative tools such as bio-engineering might be explored in conjunction with more traditional methods. Range shifts induced by climate change should be considered; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5monitor and carry out an assessment of the innovative strategies, methods and tools and their effectiveness. Measures to ensure the prevention of re-invasion should be considered as well, to secure the continued effectiveness of the proposed solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6disseminate the newly developed solutions, to facilitate their uptake by practitioners; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7provide data and experience usable for decision-makers, to assess socio-economic impacts of invasive alien species, side-effects of the management, the cost of inaction and the benefits of eradication or effective management, with effective contribution from social sciences and humanities; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8address challenges with scaling up and transferability of solutions. A gender-sensitive and inclusive approach should be integrated, examining how invasive alien species affect individuals’ livelihoods and well-being differently. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1the capacities and integrated governance of researchers, decision-makers, practitioners, local communities and other stakeholders to effectively collaborate to prevent, eradicate or manage invasive alien species (IAS) are enhanced; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2native ecosystems are better protected, leading to improved resilience and continuous provision of ecosystem services including for climate mitigation and adaptation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1FAIR data principles and FAIR-by-design workflowsConcrete efforts must be made to ensure data produced is FAIR, particularly for real-time data feeds, by exploring workflows that provide FAIR-by-design data from generation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Effective contribution of Social Sciences and HumanitiesThis topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines to assess socio-economic impacts, costs of inaction, management side-effects, and enhance societal impact. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Gender-sensitive and inclusive approachProposals must integrate a gender-sensitive and inclusive approach, examining how invasive alien species affect individuals' livelihoods and well-being differently. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Cooperation with JRC and EASINProposals should cooperate with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to use resources from and make results available to the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Cooperation with Biodiversa+ and EC Knowledge Centre for BiodiversityProposals should ensure cooperation with relevant initiatives of the Biodiversa+ partnership and foresee appropriate resources for close cooperation with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) and its Science Service. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Utilization of European Open Science Cloud infrastructureProposals should consider possibilities offered by the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) to store and give access to research data. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Citizen science approach for data generationA citizen science approach should be considered where appropriate to produce, collect, and analyze data for detecting and monitoring invasive alien species. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Living Labs stakeholder co-creation and end-user involvementProposals must set up living labs based on co-creation with a large set of stakeholders, execution in real-life settings, and direct involvement of end-users. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Transboundary Living Labs geographic distributionLiving labs are expected to be located across at least three different EU Member States and/or Associated Countries, with transboundary living labs encouraged. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ10Synergies with EU Partnerships and LIFE projectsComplementarities and synergies should be ensured with activities supported by co-funded partnerships (Biodiversa+, Water4All, Agroecology) and LIFE projects, particularly on nature restoration and protection. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ11Unlocking research assets of EU outermost regionsActions are encouraged to unlock the unique research and innovation assets of the EU outermost regions in alignment 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 | |||
| POL1eu 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 |
| POL3kunming-montreal global biodiversity frameworkAdopted at COP15 in 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets global targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Target 6 specifically focuses on eliminating, minimizing, reducing, and mitigating the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu regulation on invasive alien speciesRegulation (EU) No 1143/2014 lays down rules to prevent, minimize, and mitigate the adverse impacts of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species on biodiversity across the EU. It establishes framework actions including prevention, early detection, rapid eradication, and ongoing 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.
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. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
5 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
The proposal must explicitly structure exactly or at least three transboundary Living Labs, with each lab containing 10 to 20 real-life experimental sites. A consortium that fails to secure and detail this massive scale of 30 to 60 total experimental sites across at least three Member States or Associated Countries will fail the core scope requirements.
Source: Scope / Expected Outcomes
Evaluation will rigorously scrutinize the authentic execution of Living Lab principles. Proposals that treat local communities and end-users merely as audiences for top-down dissemination, rather than active participants in multi-actor co-creation, will be severely penalized during scoring.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Technical eradication methods alone are insufficient. The proposal must embed Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) to quantify the socio-economic cost of inaction and integrate a gender-sensitive approach to assess how invasive species differently affect individuals' livelihoods. Missing these dimensions violates explicit scope requirements.
Source: Scope / Expected Outcomes
Evaluators are explicitly instructed to look for actionable data integration with European platforms, specifically the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). Structuring the JRC as a zero-funding beneficiary or associated partner provides a direct structural advantage to satisfy this requirement.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The call explicitly authorizes Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) up to EUR 60,000 per party. Given the mandate to establish 30 to 60 local experimental sites, utilizing FSTP is the most strategic mechanism to fund local land managers and citizen science groups without creating an unmanageable core consortium.
Source: Eligibility rules
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.
Conventional monitoring methods are often slow, isolated, and fail to detect invasive species before populations become uncontrollable or economically unfeasible to eradicate.
Existing eradication practices rely heavily on chemical controls or static protocols that fail to account for climate-driven range shifts and risk unintended non-target side effects.
IAS management interventions frequently ignore local livelihood impacts, gender-differentiated resource access, and the socio-economic valuation needed to justify early intervention to decision-makers.
Farmers, foresters, protected area managers, and river basin authorities directly involved in testing and applying day-to-day IAS eradication and control protocols on site.
Public officials responsible for implementing the EU IAS Regulation, regional biodiversity strategies, and ecosystem restoration plans.
Local civic groups, volunteers, and community members participating in co-creation workshops, biological monitoring, and crowdsourced IAS reporting.
Academic researchers, ecologists, and data scientists utilizing open-access research outputs, datasets, eDNA methodologies, and ecological modeling tools generated by the project.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
Enhanced ecosystem resilience and recovery of native species habitats achieved through effective, non-disruptive IAS eradication and long-term re-invasion prevention.
Empowered multi-stakeholder networks and regional authorities utilizing unified decision-support workflows and co-created IAS management frameworks.
Robust socio-economic models quantifying the cost of inaction and benefits of early intervention to guide evidence-based policy implementation under the EU Biodiversity Strategy.