Strategic Nature Projects — Horizon Europe

🔬 Scientific Alignment

🚀

Suggested TRL Range

TRL 5 → 9

Based on programme defaults

Scope Activities (9)

SC1

By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.

SC2

After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.

SC3

The Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) pursuant to Article 8 of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) and;

SC4

National restoration plans pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and the Council on nature restoration and;

SC5

Other plans or strategies adopted at international, national, regional or multiregional level by nature and biodiversity authorities and intrinsically linked to the implementation of EU nature and/or biodiversity policy or legislation (biodiversity strategy, pollinators initiative, invasive alien species regulation) and which foresee specific and measurable actions, or targets, with a clear timeline and budget.

SC6

Institutional support and capacity building actions;

SC7

Mobilisation and coordination of additional finance for complementary actions, in particular from other EU funding instruments and programmes.

SC8

Should also include concrete conservation and restoration measures, in particular where these cannot be supported through other EU funding programmes;

SC9

Shall also work to change (when applicable) the rules for other funds or adapting other policies/actions which might be leading to failure of the target plan/strategy.

Expected Outcomes (2)

EO1

By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.

EO2

After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.

🌍 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 (2)

EI1

By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.

EI2

After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.

EU Policy Alignment

Council Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive)

high

The call directly references the Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) under Article 8 of the Habitats Directive, making it a core focus for proposals. PAFs outline conservation priorities for Natura 2000 sites and must be implemented to achieve favorable conservation status of habitats and species.

💡

Evaluator focus:Proposals must demonstrate how they will contribute to PAF implementation, including concrete actions for habitat/species conservation, monitoring, and reporting. Alignment with PAF targets and indicators is critical.

Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 (Nature Restoration)

high

The call explicitly targets national restoration plans under Article 14 of the Nature Restoration Regulation, which sets binding targets for ecosystem restoration across the EU. Proposals must support the development or implementation of these plans.

💡

Evaluator focus:Proposals should outline how they will help achieve national restoration targets, including restoration of degraded ecosystems, improved connectivity, and integration with other sectoral policies. Quantifiable contributions to restoration targets are essential.

EU Biodiversity Strategy

high

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It includes targets for protected areas, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems, which are directly linked to the call’s objectives.

💡

Evaluator focus:Proposals should align with the strategy’s targets, such as restoring 25,000 km of rivers or planting 3 billion trees. Demonstrating how the project contributes to these targets will strengthen the proposal.

LIFE Regulation 2021/783

high

The LIFE Regulation establishes the framework for the LIFE programme, including its objectives, budget, and types of actions. It emphasizes the integration of environmental and climate objectives into other policies and funding programmes.

💡

Evaluator focus:Proposals should demonstrate how they align with the LIFE programme’s objectives, particularly in leveraging other EU funds, mainstreaming biodiversity, and ensuring long-term sustainability of actions. Compliance with LIFE’s financial and administrative rules is mandatory.

EU Pollinators Initiative

medium

The EU Pollinators Initiative aims to address the decline of pollinators, which are critical for biodiversity and agriculture. It includes actions to improve knowledge, tackle causes of decline, and raise awareness.

💡

Evaluator focus:Proposals targeting pollinator conservation (e.g., habitat restoration, pesticide reduction, or monitoring) should highlight their contribution to the initiative’s objectives. Specific actions for pollinator recovery will be viewed favorably.

Invasive Alien Species Regulation

medium

Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on invasive alien species (IAS) aims to prevent, minimize, and mitigate the adverse impacts of IAS on biodiversity. It includes lists of priority species and requirements for management and eradication.

💡

Evaluator focus:Proposals addressing IAS should demonstrate how they will contribute to the regulation’s objectives, such as preventing introductions, early detection, or eradication. Alignment with the EU list of IAS and national action plans is critical.

📋 Additional Guidance

⚖ Eligibility rules

Maximum budget€72.0M

⚖ Eligibility — synthesis

1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout described in section 5 of the call document . Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.

2. Eligible Countries — described in section 6 of the call document .

3. Other Eligibility Conditions — described in section 6 of the call document .

4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in section 7 of the call document . 5a. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes described section 8 of the call document and the Online Manual . 5b. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds described in section 9 of the call document .

5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in section 4 of the call document .

6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — described in section 10 of the call document . Call document and annexes: Call document Application form templates Standard application form (LIFE SIP and SNAP) — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Detailed budget table (LIFE) Participant information (LIFE) Maps (LIFE) Description of sites (LIFE) Description of species and habitats (LIFE) Implementation overview for the plan/strategy/action plan (LIFE SIP and SNAP) Complementary funding plan (LIFE SIP and SNAP) Complementary funding declaration (LIFE SIP and SNAP) Model Grant Agreements (MGA) LIFE MGA

Additional documents

LIFE Multiannual Work Programme 2025-2027 LIFE Regulation 2021/783 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

🎯 Call process & Evaluation criteria (Pre-award)

Evaluators will prioritize proposals that: (1) directly address the implementation gaps in targeted plans/strategies (SC3-SC5), (2) include concrete conservation/restoration measures (SC8) and institutional capacity building (SC6), (3) mobilize additional finance (SC7), and (4) propose systemic changes to policies/funds hindering plan success (SC9). Quantifiable contributions to EU biodiversity targets and cross-sectoral collaboration will be critical.

📊 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 activities9requirements

Expected outcomes2requirements

Other requirements0requirements

Expected impacts2requirements

Underlying policies4requirements

Requirements matrix

Coverage of the call requirements
Requirement	Covered by	Carried	Status
Scope activities
SC1By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.	·	·	Sign up to track
SC2After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.	·	·	Sign up to track
SC3The Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) pursuant to Article 8 of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) and;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC4National restoration plans pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and the Council on nature restoration and;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC5Other plans or strategies adopted at international, national, regional or multiregional level by nature and biodiversity authorities and intrinsically linked to the implementation of EU nature and/or biodiversity policy or legislation (biodiversity strategy, pollinators initiative, invasive alien species regulation) and which foresee specific and measurable actions, or targets, with a clear timeline and budget.	·	·	Sign up to track
SC6Institutional support and capacity building actions;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC7Mobilisation and coordination of additional finance for complementary actions, in particular from other EU funding instruments and programmes.	·	·	Sign up to track
SC8Should also include concrete conservation and restoration measures, in particular where these cannot be supported through other EU funding programmes;	·	·	Sign up to track
SC9Shall also work to change (when applicable) the rules for other funds or adapting other policies/actions which might be leading to failure of the target plan/strategy.	·	·	Sign up to track
Expected outcomes
EO1By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.	·	·	Sign up to track
EO2After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.	·	·	Sign up to track
Other requirements
No other requirements in this call.
Expected impacts
EI1By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.	·	·	Sign up to track
EI2After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.	·	·	Sign up to track
Underlying policies
POL1Council Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive)The call directly references the Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) under Article 8 of the Habitats Directive, making it a core focus for proposals. PAFs outline conservation priorities for Natura 2000 sites and must be implemented to achieve favorable conservation status of habitats and species.	·	·	Sign up to track
POL2Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 (Nature Restoration)The call explicitly targets national restoration plans under Article 14 of the Nature Restoration Regulation, which sets binding targets for ecosystem restoration across the EU. Proposals must support the development or implementation of these plans.	·	·	Sign up to track
POL3EU Biodiversity StrategyThe EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It includes targets for protected areas, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems, which are directly linked to the call’s objectives.	·	·	Sign up to track
POL4LIFE Regulation 2021/783The LIFE Regulation establishes the framework for the LIFE programme, including its objectives, budget, and types of actions. It emphasizes the integration of environmental and climate objectives into other policies and funding programmes.	·	·	Sign up to track

Scope activities

SC1Sign up

By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.

SC2Sign up

After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.

SC3Sign up

The Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) pursuant to Article 8 of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) and;

SC4Sign up

National restoration plans pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and the Council on nature restoration and;

SC5Sign up

SC6Sign up

Institutional support and capacity building actions;

SC7Sign up

Mobilisation and coordination of additional finance for complementary actions, in particular from other EU funding instruments and programmes.

SC8Sign up

Should also include concrete conservation and restoration measures, in particular where these cannot be supported through other EU funding programmes;

SC9Sign up

Shall also work to change (when applicable) the rules for other funds or adapting other policies/actions which might be leading to failure of the target plan/strategy.

Expected outcomes

EO1Sign up

By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.

EO2Sign up

After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.

Other requirementsNo other requirements in this call.

Expected impacts

EI1Sign up

By the end of the project: at least substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy, and mechanisms established to ensure full implementation of the plan/strategy.

EI2Sign up

After the project: Full implementation of the plan/strategy.

Underlying policies

POL1Sign up

Council Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive)

POL2Sign up

Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 (Nature Restoration)

POL3Sign up

EU Biodiversity Strategy

POL4Sign up

LIFE Regulation 2021/783

🧭 Strategy

🏷 Keywords

Nature restorationBiodiversity conservationPrioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs)Habitats DirectiveNatura 2000Ecosystem servicesInvasive alien speciesStakeholder engagementPolicy mainstreamingSustainable financingClimate change adaptationSpecies recoveryHabitat managementEU Biodiversity StrategyPollinator conservationLand degradation neutralityMarine biodiversityGovernance capacity buildingMonitoring and reportingCross-sectoral collaboration

🧩 Project backbone

0%Concept coverage

Build your project backbone 🧩

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

Problems & target groups

The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.

✨ Problems to be solved

Implementation gaps in nature/biodiversity plans

Despite the adoption of PAFs, national restoration plans, and other strategies, their full implementation is hindered by lack of technical capacity, funding, or political will.

👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity

Insufficient financing for conservation/restoration

Existing EU funds (e.g., CAP, ERDF) are not fully leveraged for nature actions, and private financing for biodiversity remains limited.

👤 Financial institutions and fund managers👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity

Conflicting policies and funds

Rules governing other EU funds or sectoral policies (e.g., agriculture, infrastructure) often contradict or undermine biodiversity objectives, leading to counterproductive outcomes.

👤 Policy-makers and legislators👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity

Limited institutional capacity

Public authorities and stakeholders lack the technical, administrative, or financial capacities to effectively implement, monitor, and enforce nature/biodiversity plans.

👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity👤 Conservation and restoration practitioners

Degradation of habitats and species

Critical habitats and species continue to decline due to insufficient on-the-ground conservation/restoration actions, invasive alien species, and other pressures.

👤 Conservation and restoration practitioners👤 Landowners and land managers

Lack of stakeholder engagement

Insufficient involvement of local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders in the design and implementation of nature/biodiversity plans reduces their effectiveness and sustainability.

👤 Local communities and indigenous groups👤 Landowners and land managers

✨ Target Groups

Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversityDirect

National, regional, and local authorities tasked with implementing PAFs, national restoration plans, or other biodiversity strategies (e.g., environmental ministries, nature protection agencies).

Conservation and restoration practitionersDirect

NGOs, protected area managers, and private entities involved in habitat restoration, species conservation, and invasive alien species management.

Financial institutions and fund managersDirect

Public and private entities managing EU funds (e.g., CAP, ERDF) or investments that can be mobilized for complementary nature actions.

Landowners and land managersIndirect

Farmers, foresters, and other landowners whose practices impact biodiversity and who may benefit from or contribute to plan implementation.

Local communities and indigenous groupsIndirect

Communities living in or near priority conservation/restoration areas, whose engagement is critical for long-term success.

Policy-makers and legislatorsIndirect

EU and national policymakers responsible for designing or amending policies/rules that affect biodiversity (e.g., agricultural, infrastructure, or energy policies).

Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept

The change you want to make

The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.

I1Improved conservation status of habitats and speciesEnvironmental

Direct contribution to the recovery of habitats and species targeted by PAFs and national restoration plans, measurable through improved conservation status and biodiversity indicators.

📏 Number of species with improved conservation status (UN Indicator 15.5.1)

EI2👤 Conservation and restoration practitioners👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity

I2Increased area of restored ecosystemsEnvironmental

Expansion of restored habitats (e.g., wetlands, forests, grasslands) that contribute to EU biodiversity targets and climate change mitigation/adaptation.

📏 Hectares of habitats restored or under improved management (UN Indicator 15.1.1)

EI2👤 Conservation and restoration practitioners👤 Landowners and land managers

I3Enhanced institutional capacity for biodiversity governancePolicySocial

Strengthened technical, administrative, and financial capacities of public authorities and stakeholders to implement, monitor, and enforce nature/biodiversity plans.

📏 Number of public authorities with improved capacity to implement biodiversity strategies (Commonly used, adapted from IRIS)

EI1👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity

I4Mobilized additional financing for nature actionsEconomicPolicy

Leveraged funds from EU programmes, private sources, and other stakeholders to finance complementary conservation/restoration measures.

📏 Euros mobilized from complementary sources for biodiversity actions (Commonly used)

EI1👤 Financial institutions and fund managers👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity

I5Reduced policy conflicts undermining biodiversityPolicy

Amended rules or policies (e.g., agricultural subsidies, infrastructure projects) to align with biodiversity objectives and remove barriers to plan implementation.

📏 Number of policies or fund rules revised to support biodiversity targets (Commonly used)

EI2👤 Policy-makers and legislators👤 Public authorities responsible for nature/biodiversity

I6Increased stakeholder engagement in biodiversity actionsSocial

Greater involvement of local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders in the design, implementation, and monitoring of nature/biodiversity plans.

📏 Number of stakeholders engaged in participatory processes for biodiversity planning (Commonly used)

EI1👤 Local communities and indigenous groups👤 Landowners and land managers

I7Reduced invasive alien species threatsEnvironmental

Decreased impact of invasive alien species on native biodiversity through control, eradication, or prevention measures.

📏 Number of invasive alien species controlled or eradicated (UN Indicator 15.8.1)

EI2👤 Conservation and restoration practitioners

I8Improved ecosystem services provisionEnvironmentalSocial

Enhanced delivery of ecosystem services (e.g., water purification, carbon sequestration, pollination) due to restored habitats and species.

📏 Number of ecosystem services improved or restored (Commonly used, adapted from Ecosystem Services Assessment)

EI2👤 Local communities and indigenous groups👤 Landowners and land managers

🔬 Scientific Alignment

Suggested TRL Range

Scope Activities (9)

Expected Outcomes (2)

🌍 Impact Strategy

Target SDG Topics

Expected Impacts (2)

EU Policy Alignment

📋 Additional Guidance

⚖ Eligibility rules

⚖ Eligibility — synthesis

Additional documents

🎯 Call process & Evaluation criteria (Pre-award)

📊 Coverage

See how your concept covers this call

Requirements matrix

✅ Eligibility

🧭 Strategy

🏷 Keywords

🧩 Project backbone

Build your project backbone 🧩

Problems & target groups

✨ Problems to be solved

✨ Target Groups

The change you want to make