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CFAs: Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Funding Programme

Deadline: 22-Sep-2026

The European Commission’s LIFE Nature and Biodiversity Standard Action Projects (SAP) fund large-scale conservation and restoration initiatives across Europe. With an indicative budget of €166 million, the programme supports projects that protect habitats, restore ecosystems, and safeguard threatened species in line with EU biodiversity legislation. It prioritises measurable, long-term biodiversity impact, sustainability, and replication of successful conservation models.

The LIFE Nature and Biodiversity Standard Action Projects (SAP) are part of the LIFE Programme, the European Union’s flagship funding instrument for environment and climate action.

This funding stream supports ambitious, outcome-driven conservation projects across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, aligned with EU environmental policies and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Purpose and Core Objectives

The programme focuses on restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity at scale.

Core Objectives

  • Protect and restore natural ecosystems across Europe
  • Improve conservation status of species and habitats
  • Support implementation of EU biodiversity legislation
  • Strengthen ecological resilience and connectivity
  • Promote sustainable and scalable conservation models
  • Deliver measurable, long-term biodiversity outcomes

Funding Overview

Total Budget

  • Total call budget: €173,500,000
  • Nature and Biodiversity allocation: €166,000,000

Project Type

  • Standard Action Projects (SAP)
  • Large-scale, implementation-focused initiatives

Funding Focus

Strategic Framework

Projects must align with key EU environmental policies.

Policy Alignment

  • EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
  • EU Birds Directive
  • EU Habitats Directive
  • EU environmental and conservation legislation

Scope of the Programme

The programme supports targeted conservation actions across ecosystems.

Ecosystem Coverage

  • Marine ecosystems
  • Freshwater ecosystems
  • Terrestrial ecosystems

Key Requirement

Projects must deliver measurable biodiversity outcomes and demonstrate:

  • Clear conservation impact
  • Long-term sustainability
  • Replication and scalability potential

Intervention Areas

Projects must align with one or both of the following priority areas.

1. Space for Nature

Focus: Habitat restoration and ecosystem connectivity

Supported Actions

  • Habitat restoration and rehabilitation
  • Protected area development and expansion
  • Creation of ecological corridors
  • Development of green infrastructure
  • Reduction of environmental pressures
  • Landscape-scale conservation initiatives

2. Safeguarding Our Species

Focus: Species protection and threat reduction

Supported Actions

  • Conservation measures for threatened species
  • Infrastructure supporting species protection
  • Awareness and behaviour change initiatives
  • Actions addressing human–wildlife conflict
  • Recovery programmes for declining species

Priority Species

  • Species under EU Birds and Habitats Directives
  • Species with declining conservation status
  • Endangered species listed in EU or IUCN Red Lists

Expected Impact

Projects must demonstrate strong, quantifiable outcomes.

Impact Requirements

  • Clearly defined conservation objectives
  • Measurable biodiversity improvements
  • Evidence-based intervention strategies
  • Long-term sustainability of results
  • Potential for replication and scaling
  • Contribution to EU ecological networks

Eligible Applicants

The programme is open to a wide range of organisations.

Eligible Entities

  • Public legal entities
  • Private legal entities
  • Non-governmental organisations
  • Research institutions
  • Environmental organisations

Geographic Eligibility

  • EU Member States
  • Overseas Countries and Territories
  • European Economic Area (EEA) countries
  • Countries associated with the LIFE Programme

Additional Requirements

  • Coordinating organisation must be based in an eligible country
  • All applicants must be registered in the EU Participant Register

Why the Programme Matters

The LIFE Nature and Biodiversity SAP is a cornerstone of EU environmental action.

Key Importance

  • Supports large-scale biodiversity conservation
  • Enables implementation of EU environmental policies
  • Protects endangered species and critical habitats
  • Promotes ecosystem restoration and resilience
  • Strengthens cross-border ecological networks
  • Encourages innovation in conservation practices

Long-Term Impact

  • Improved biodiversity and ecosystem health
  • Stronger ecological connectivity across Europe
  • Reduced species extinction risks
  • Scalable conservation solutions
  • Enhanced climate resilience through ecosystem restoration

How the Programme Works

Application Process Flow

  1. Develop conservation project aligned with EU priorities
  2. Define measurable biodiversity outcomes and impact
  3. Register organisation in EU Participant Register
  4. Submit proposal under LIFE-2026-SAP-NATNATURE call
  5. Evaluation based on impact, feasibility, and policy alignment
  6. Funding awarded to selected projects
  7. Project implementation and monitoring
  8. Reporting on outcomes and replication potential

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lack of measurable biodiversity impact
  • Weak alignment with EU legislation or strategy
  • Insufficient long-term sustainability planning
  • Limited scalability or replication potential
  • Inadequate focus on priority species or habitats
  • Poorly defined intervention strategy

Best Practices for Applicants

  • Align clearly with EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
  • Focus on high-impact, large-scale conservation outcomes
  • Use data-driven and evidence-based approaches
  • Demonstrate ecosystem-level benefits
  • Include long-term sustainability and maintenance plans
  • Design projects with replication and scalability in mind
  • Address priority species and habitats explicitly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the LIFE Nature and Biodiversity SAP?

It is a European Union funding programme supporting large-scale conservation and biodiversity restoration projects.

How much funding is available?

Approximately €166 million is allocated to Nature and Biodiversity projects under this call.

What types of projects are funded?

Projects focused on habitat restoration, species conservation, ecosystem protection, and biodiversity enhancement.

Who can apply?

Public and private legal entities from EU Member States and associated countries.

What are the main priority areas?

“Space for Nature” (habitat and ecosystem restoration) and “Safeguarding Our Species” (species protection).

What is required for project impact?

Projects must demonstrate measurable biodiversity outcomes, sustainability, and replication potential.

Do projects need to align with EU policies?

Yes, alignment with EU biodiversity legislation and strategies is mandatory.

Conclusion

The LIFE Nature and Biodiversity Standard Action Projects provide substantial funding for large-scale conservation initiatives across Europe. By supporting habitat restoration, species protection, and ecosystem resilience, the programme plays a critical role in achieving EU biodiversity goals. Its focus on measurable impact, sustainability, and scalability ensures that funded projects contribute meaningfully to long-term environmental protection and ecological recovery.

For more information, visit European Commission.