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RFPs: Ensuring Long-Term Effectiveness of Protected Areas Under Biodiversity Loss Pressures

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Grassroots Funding for Environmental Organizations in Portugal

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

The European Commission is inviting grant applications to improve the long-term conservation of habitats and species by addressing biodiversity loss drivers affecting protected ecosystems. The initiative supports advanced research, predictive modelling, ecological monitoring, adaptive management strategies, and policy-relevant conservation solutions across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

The programme aligns with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with a total funding budget of €13 million and approximately €6.5 million available per project.

Overview of the Funding Opportunity

The initiative supports research and innovation projects aimed at improving biodiversity conservation and protected area management.

The programme focuses on:

Projects should help strengthen long-term conservation effectiveness under growing environmental pressures.

Why This Initiative Matters

Protected ecosystems worldwide face increasing threats from:

These pressures are reducing the effectiveness of protected areas in conserving biodiversity.

The initiative supports science-based conservation approaches that improve ecosystem resilience and long-term species protection.

Alignment with Global and EU Biodiversity Goals

The programme contributes to:

The initiative supports the EU target of protecting:

Projects should contribute to evidence-based biodiversity policy and ecosystem management.

Key Objectives

The programme aims to:

Projects should generate practical and policy-relevant conservation outcomes.

Key Focus Areas

Supported projects may focus on:

Interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged.

Ecosystem Areas Covered

Projects must focus on one primary research area:

Freshwater ecosystems may also be included where relevant.

Applicants must clearly specify the selected ecosystem focus in their proposal.

Predictive Modelling Requirements

Projects are expected to develop predictive tools that assess:

These tools should support evidence-based conservation planning.

Adaptive Conservation Strategies

The initiative encourages development of innovative conservation approaches, including:

Projects should explore how conservation systems can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Ecological Monitoring and Indicators

The programme supports:

Projects should provide recommendations for sustainable monitoring systems.

Stakeholder Engagement Requirements

Strong stakeholder involvement is required.

Projects should engage:

Collaboration should ensure policy relevance and practical implementation potential.

Funding Details

Total Available Budget

Expected Funding Per Project

Funding supports large-scale collaborative biodiversity research and conservation initiatives.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is open to:

Applicants must comply with:

Expected Outcomes

Projects are expected to contribute to:

The initiative aims to improve conservation effectiveness under future environmental change.

How the Programme Works

The programme funds collaborative research and innovation projects focused on biodiversity conservation and protected ecosystems.

Application Process

  1. Identify key biodiversity conservation challenges
  2. Develop research and predictive modelling approaches
  3. Build interdisciplinary partnerships
  4. Engage stakeholders and policy actors
  5. Prepare Horizon Europe proposal
  6. Implement monitoring and conservation activities

Projects should combine scientific excellence with practical conservation application.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

Strong proposals usually include:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main goal of this programme?

The initiative supports long-term conservation of habitats and species by improving understanding and management of biodiversity loss drivers.

How much funding is available?

The programme has a total budget of €13 million, with around €6.5 million expected per project.

Which ecosystems can projects focus on?

Projects may focus on terrestrial or marine biodiversity and ecosystems, with freshwater ecosystems included where relevant.

Are climate change impacts included?

Yes, climate change impacts and ecosystem resilience are major focus areas.

What types of organizations can apply?

Universities, NGOs, research institutes, public bodies, companies, and international organizations may apply.

Is stakeholder involvement required?

Yes, projects must involve stakeholders such as public authorities, protected area managers, and civil society organizations.

What types of conservation strategies are encouraged?

Adaptive management, climate refugia identification, ecological monitoring, and assisted migration approaches are encouraged.

Conclusion

The European Commission Biodiversity Conservation Grant supports advanced research and innovation aimed at improving long-term conservation of protected habitats and species. By strengthening predictive modelling, adaptive management, ecological monitoring, and policy support systems, the initiative seeks to improve resilience and effectiveness of protected ecosystems under growing environmental pressures.

The programme also contributes to major European and global biodiversity goals by supporting science-based conservation strategies that protect ecosystems, strengthen resilience, and improve long-term biodiversity outcomes.

For more information, visit European Commission.

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