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Applications open for Blue Economy and Green Sustainability Initiative – Lebanon

Deadline: 03-Apr-2026

The European Commission is inviting grant applications to boost Lebanon’s blue economy and green sustainability through economic growth, climate resilience, and environmental conservation. Funding supports projects under two lots: Lot 1 focuses on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy SMEs; Lot 2 targets forest restoration, wildfire prevention, and ecosystem management. Grants range from EUR 1.6 million to EUR 2.5 million per project, with a total budget of EUR 10 million.

Programme Overview

This initiative by the European Commission aims to strengthen Lebanon’s blue economy and green sustainability while promoting economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience. The programme encourages collaboration between NGOs, local communities, private sector actors, and governmental authorities to implement sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Key priorities include:

  • Enhancing sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine biodiversity protection

  • Promoting sustainable forestry, wildfire prevention, and ecosystem restoration

  • Supporting MSMEs and cooperatives in the blue economy

  • Encouraging women’s participation and leadership

  • Integrating circular economy principles to reduce pollution and maximise resource efficiency

  • Aligning with national strategies and strengthening regulatory frameworks

Funding Structure

  • Total Indicative Budget: EUR 10,000,000

  • Allocation per Lot: EUR 5,000,000

  • Grant Range: EUR 1,600,000 – EUR 2,500,000 per project

  • Grant Type: Cost reimbursement with defined eligible expenses

  • Added Value Considerations: Synergies across lots, income-generating activities, inclusion of universities and research centres, and Lebanese entities as lead or co-applicants

Funding Lots

Lot 1: Blue Economy

Focuses on marine and fisheries sustainability and economic empowerment through:

  • Restoration of depleted fisheries and protection of marine biodiversity

  • Promotion of sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture

  • Support for MSMEs and SMEs in the blue economy, including access to finance, markets, and innovation

  • Enhancing women’s participation in marine and fisheries initiatives

  • Development of sustainable value chains and community-based income-generating activities

Lot 2: Green Sustainability

Targets forestry, land, and ecosystem management, including:

  • Wildfire prevention, preparedness, and community response mechanisms

  • Forest and land restoration, reforestation, and pruning

  • Management and expansion of protected areas

  • Safeguarding water sources, high mountain ecosystems, and biodiversity

  • Providing in-kind and technical support to farmers and cooperatives

  • Promoting inclusive environmental practices through education and awareness

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Lead applicants: Lebanese entities (NGOs, research centres, or institutions)

  • Co-applicants and affiliated entities: Universities, research centres, NGOs, private sector entities

  • Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement projects aligned with national strategies and sustainability principles

Key Eligibility Considerations:

  • Lead applicant and co-applicants must meet institutional and financial requirements

  • Projects must comply with EU grant rules, including cost eligibility and reimbursement conditions

  • Actions should complement government initiatives and address regulatory gaps where relevant

How to Apply

  1. Identify Relevant Lot: Decide whether the project aligns with Lot 1 (blue economy), Lot 2 (green sustainability), or a combination with added value.

  2. Form Consortium: Include lead applicant, co-applicants, and any affiliated entities, ensuring Lebanese entities play a key role.

  3. Develop Proposal: Outline objectives, methodology, work plan, budget, expected outcomes, and alignment with national strategies.

  4. Include Innovation and Sustainability Measures: Highlight circular economy principles, income-generating activities, and capacity-building initiatives.

  5. Submit Application: Follow European Commission submission guidelines and ensure compliance with cost eligibility rules.

  6. Evaluation: Applications will be reviewed based on relevance, impact, feasibility, capacity, and sustainability.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with national strategies and Climate/Environmental policies

  • Show measurable economic, social, and environmental impacts

  • Highlight synergies between blue economy and green sustainability if applicable

  • Include women’s empowerment and community engagement initiatives

  • Ensure clear governance and monitoring structures for project implementation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a single project cover both blue economy and green sustainability?
Yes, proposals creating synergies between the two lots are encouraged and may receive added value.

2. What is the minimum and maximum funding per project?
Grants must range between EUR 1.6 million and EUR 2.5 million.

3. Who can lead a project?
A Lebanese entity, such as an NGO, university, or research centre, must serve as the lead applicant.

4. Are international partners allowed?
Yes, international research centres or NGOs can be co-applicants, but Lebanese entities must play a central role.

5. What activities are eligible under Lot 1?
Restoring fisheries, promoting sustainable fishing and aquaculture, supporting blue economy MSMEs, protecting marine biodiversity, and enhancing women’s participation.

6. What activities are eligible under Lot 2?
Wildfire prevention, forest and land restoration, managing protected areas, safeguarding water sources, supporting farmers and cooperatives, and enhancing community engagement in sustainability.

7. How will applications be assessed?
Evaluation considers relevance to EU objectives, feasibility, consortium capacity, sustainability, innovation, and expected impact.

Conclusion

The European Commission Blue Economy and Green Sustainability Grant empowers Lebanon to strengthen environmental stewardship, promote economic growth, and build climate resilience. By supporting well-planned, collaborative projects with measurable impacts, this initiative encourages sustainable practices, inclusive participation, and long-term benefits for communities, ecosystems, and local economies.

For more information, visit European Commission.