Request for Proposals: Nature Governance and Information

The European Commission is inviting proposals under the LIFE Programme to strengthen governance, awareness, compliance, and public participation for nature and biodiversity conservation. A total of EUR 7.5 million is allocated to the Nature Governance and Information topic within the wider LIFE call.

Eligible public and private legal entities in EU Member States and associated countries may apply for Standard Action Projects that support biodiversity protection, Natura 2000 awareness, legal compliance, and scaling of proven environmental solutions.

What Is the LIFE Nature Governance and Information Call?

This funding opportunity is part of the EU LIFE Programme, the European Union’s main environmental and climate funding instrument.

The specific topic supports projects that improve:

• Nature governance
• Biodiversity awareness
• Public participation
• Legal compliance
• Access to environmental justice
• Replication of successful solutions

The aim is to strengthen implementation of EU nature and biodiversity laws through practical and measurable actions.

Funding Overview

Topic Budget

• EUR 7.5 million for Nature Governance and Information

Wider Call Budget

• EUR 173.5 million total LIFE Programme budget for related calls

Project Type

• Standard Action Projects (SAPs)

Main Objectives of the Call

Projects should contribute to stronger biodiversity governance and smarter environmental implementation.

Core Goals

• Protect nature and biodiversity
• Raise awareness of conservation benefits
• Improve behavioural change
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement
• Support compliance assurance
• Improve access to justice under the Aarhus Convention
• Prepare conditions for scaling proven solutions

Priority Project Themes

1. Awareness and Behavioural Change

Projects can improve public understanding and encourage action.

Examples

• Biodiversity communication campaigns
• Citizen awareness programmes
• Nature education initiatives
• Stakeholder engagement platforms
• Public outreach on conservation benefits

Special Priority

Projects highlighting the value of the Natura 2000 network are especially encouraged.

2. Governance, Participation, and Access to Justice

Projects may strengthen democratic environmental governance.

Examples

• Public consultation mechanisms
• NGO participation in policy-making
• Legal awareness initiatives
• Access to environmental information systems
• Aarhus Convention implementation support

3. Compliance Assurance and Enforcement

Projects can improve implementation of environmental law.

Examples

• Monitoring systems
• Enforcement tools
• Inspector training
• Compliance networks
• Digital reporting systems
• Citizen monitoring initiatives

4. Replication and Upscaling Readiness

Projects may help successful models expand further.

Important Rule

These projects should create conditions for wider adoption, rather than directly replicate earlier projects.

Examples

• Scaling roadmaps
• Policy adoption models
• Financing frameworks
• Stakeholder adoption strategies
• Barrier analysis

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Public legal entities
• Private legal entities
• NGOs
• Universities
• Research institutions
• Companies
• Municipal bodies
• Public agencies

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be established in:

• EU Member States
• LIFE associated countries

Coordinator Rule

The project coordinator must be based in an eligible country.

Registration Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Registered in the Participant Register
• Validated before proposal submission

Why This Funding Matters

Strong governance is essential for biodiversity protection. Laws alone are not enough without awareness, participation, and enforcement.

Strategic Benefits

• Better biodiversity outcomes
• Stronger civic participation
• Improved legal compliance
• More effective public institutions
• Scalable conservation innovation
• Greater public support for nature protection

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

Examples include:

• Natura 2000 awareness campaigns
• NGO biodiversity governance platforms
• Environmental justice access tools
• Species protection compliance systems
• Conservation training programmes
• Digital biodiversity reporting tools
• Replication readiness plans for prior LIFE projects

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your entity is legally established in an eligible country.

Step 2: Define Project Theme

Choose one or more priority areas:

• Awareness
• Governance
• Compliance
• Upscaling readiness

Step 3: Prepare Proposal

Include:

• Problem statement
• Objectives
• Activities
• Expected measurable outcomes
• Sustainability plan
• Replication potential
• Budget and timeline

Step 4: Register Entity

Complete Participant Register validation.

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Apply through the official EU Funding & Tenders portal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Eligibility Errors

• Unregistered entity
• Ineligible coordinator location
• Incomplete legal validation

Proposal Errors

• No measurable biodiversity benefit
• Weak governance relevance
• No sustainability plan
• Generic awareness activities
• Poor scaling logic

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Show direct policy relevance
• Use measurable indicators
• Include stakeholder partnerships
• Demonstrate long-term impact
• Build replicable governance models
• Align clearly with LIFE priorities

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the LIFE Nature Governance and Information call?

It is an EU funding opportunity for projects improving biodiversity governance, awareness, compliance, and participation.

2. How much funding is available?

EUR 7.5 million is allocated to this topic.

3. What is the wider LIFE budget?

The broader related LIFE call totals EUR 173.5 million.

4. Who can apply?

Public or private legal entities established in eligible countries.

5. Are NGOs eligible?

Yes, NGOs are strongly relevant applicants.

6. What is Natura 2000?

The EU-wide network of protected areas supporting biodiversity conservation.

7. Can projects scale previous LIFE results?

Yes, by preparing conditions for wider uptake, not direct replication implementation.

Conclusion

The EU LIFE Programme Nature Governance and Information 2026 call is a major opportunity for organizations working in biodiversity policy, environmental governance, legal compliance, and conservation awareness. With EUR 7.5 million available, strong projects can drive systemic improvements across Europe.

Applicants should submit outcome-focused proposals with clear conservation value, governance relevance, and long-term sustainability.