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.