Call for Proposals: Biodiversity Restoration Grants (Austria)

The Biodiversity Fund has launched its Sixth Call for Proposals to support projects that restore ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen nature protection across Austria. The programme provides funding of up to 100% of eligible project costs for initiatives that contribute to Austria’s National Biodiversity Strategy through habitat restoration, species conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and ecosystem connectivity.

About the Biodiversity Fund Sixth Call for Proposals

The Biodiversity Fund’s Sixth Call for Proposals provides financial support for projects that restore degraded ecosystems, protect endangered species, improve habitat quality, and enhance biodiversity across Austria.

The programme was established to address the increasing loss of habitats caused by land consumption, intensive land use, environmental degradation, and climate change. It complements existing conservation initiatives under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Forest Fund, while supporting the implementation of Austria’s National Biodiversity Strategy.

Projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits and long-term conservation outcomes are strongly encouraged.

Funding Information

Applicants may receive:

• Funding of up to 100% of eligible project costs
• Minimum eligible project cost: €15,000
• Support for implementation-focused conservation projects
• Limited funding for biodiversity surveys related to project impact assessment

The funding aims to remove financial barriers for biodiversity restoration and conservation initiatives across Austria.

Priority Areas for Funding

The sixth call prioritizes projects that deliver practical conservation measures and ecological restoration.

Priority activities include:

• Restoration of degraded ecosystems
• Rewetting of drained peatlands
• Wetland restoration
• Restoration of dry grasslands
• Conservation of sand dune habitats
• Habitat rehabilitation
• Ecosystem restoration projects
• Biodiversity conservation
• Habitat connectivity initiatives
• Nature-based solutions
• Protected area management
• Species recovery programmes

Projects producing tangible conservation outcomes on the ground will receive the highest priority.

Grassland Butterfly Monitoring Programme

A key component of this funding opportunity is the establishment and implementation of a grassland butterfly monitoring system.

Supported activities include:

• Development of nationwide monitoring systems
• Citizen science initiatives
• Butterfly population monitoring
• Biodiversity data collection
• Ecological monitoring
• Community participation in conservation
• Long-term biodiversity assessment

Citizen science plays an important role in improving biodiversity knowledge while encouraging public participation in conservation efforts.

Programme Objectives

The Biodiversity Fund seeks to strengthen biodiversity conservation through multiple complementary actions.

Key objectives include:

• Restore degraded ecosystems.
• Improve the conservation status of endangered species.
• Protect threatened habitats.
• Expand protected areas.
• Strengthen strictly protected conservation areas.
• Establish a nationwide biodiversity monitoring programme.
• Restore peatlands and wetlands.
• Improve habitat connectivity.
• Develop ecological corridors.
• Protect endemic species.
• Restore ecosystem functions.
• Improve biodiversity knowledge.
• Strengthen ecosystem services.
• Support long-term ecological resilience.

Why This Fund Matters

Austria’s biodiversity faces increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change, land consumption, and intensive agricultural practices.

This fund helps:

• Reverse biodiversity loss.
• Restore degraded natural ecosystems.
• Protect endangered wildlife.
• Improve climate resilience.
• Enhance ecosystem services.
• Support sustainable land management.
• Strengthen protected area networks.
• Increase public participation through citizen science.
• Contribute to national and European biodiversity targets.

The programme supports practical conservation actions that generate measurable ecological benefits for future generations.

Who Is Eligible?

Funding is available to a wide range of applicants.

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Environmental organizations
• Companies
• Municipalities
• Local authorities
• Research institutions
• Conservation organizations
• Community groups
• Other eligible legal entities involved in biodiversity conservation

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project.

Eligible Projects

Projects should contribute directly to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Examples include:

• Peatland restoration
• Wetland rehabilitation
• Dry grassland restoration
• Sand dune conservation
• Habitat restoration
• Biodiversity monitoring
• Ecological corridor development
• Protected area management
• Endangered species conservation
• Habitat enhancement
• Ecosystem recovery
• Nature conservation planning
• Citizen science biodiversity programmes
• Ecological surveys supporting conservation projects

Projects located within biodiversity hotspots or protected landscapes are particularly encouraged.

Priority Consideration

The Biodiversity Fund will give particular priority to:

• Implementation projects with measurable outcomes
• Projects located in biodiversity hotspots
• Projects within Natura 2000 sites
• Habitat connectivity projects
• Ecosystem restoration initiatives
• Large-scale conservation measures
• Projects supporting endangered species
• Nature-based restoration activities

These priorities ensure funding is directed toward projects with the greatest ecological impact.

Project Requirements

Applicants must ensure that their projects meet all programme requirements.

Projects must:

• Contribute to Austria’s National Biodiversity Strategy.
• Be implemented by qualified and authorized persons.
• Be carried out within Austria or through international biodiversity cooperation.
• Be submitted before irreversible project commitments are made.
• Meet the minimum eligible project value of €15,000.
• Obtain all required permits before the first funding payment.
• Secure nature conservation approvals where applicable.
• Comply with all national environmental regulations.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in an application being declared ineligible.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility requirements and funding priorities.
2. Design a project that contributes to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
3. Ensure the project aligns with Austria’s National Biodiversity Strategy.
4. Prepare a detailed project proposal, implementation plan, and budget.
5. Obtain any required environmental or nature conservation permits.
6. Submit the application before making any irreversible project commitments.
7. Await the funding decision before commencing funded project activities.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve the likelihood of receiving funding:

• Focus on practical conservation outcomes.
• Demonstrate measurable ecological benefits.
• Align the project with national biodiversity objectives.
• Include strong habitat restoration activities.
• Highlight benefits for endangered species.
• Incorporate biodiversity monitoring where appropriate.
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability.
• Include partnerships with local stakeholders where relevant.
• Present a realistic implementation timeline and budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Starting project activities before submitting the application.
• Making irreversible financial commitments before approval.
• Submitting projects below the €15,000 minimum threshold.
• Failing to obtain required environmental permits.
• Providing incomplete budgets or project plans.
• Weak demonstration of biodiversity benefits.
• Poor alignment with Austria’s National Biodiversity Strategy.
• Missing required supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Biodiversity Fund Sixth Call for Proposals?

It is a funding programme that supports biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, habitat protection, and environmental monitoring projects across Austria.

How much funding is available?

Eligible projects may receive funding covering up to 100% of eligible project costs, with a minimum eligible project value of €15,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include individuals, NGOs, companies, municipalities, conservation organizations, research institutions, and other qualified organizations involved in biodiversity conservation.

What types of projects are prioritized?

Priority is given to ecosystem restoration, peatland rewetting, wetland restoration, habitat connectivity, biodiversity monitoring, Natura 2000 projects, and initiatives protecting endangered species and habitats.

What is the Grassland Butterfly Index?

The Grassland Butterfly Index is a biodiversity monitoring indicator that uses butterfly populations to assess the health and quality of grassland ecosystems. The programme encourages citizen science participation to collect valuable monitoring data.

Can projects outside Austria receive funding?

Projects are generally expected to be implemented within Austria. However, international cooperation projects related to biodiversity conservation may also be eligible where permitted under the programme.

When should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted before any irreversible project commitments are made, and all required permits must be secured before the first funding payment is issued.

Conclusion

The Biodiversity Fund Sixth Call for Proposals provides a valuable opportunity for individuals, organizations, municipalities, and conservation groups to undertake impactful biodiversity restoration projects across Austria. By supporting ecosystem restoration, habitat conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and endangered species protection with funding of up to 100% of eligible costs, the programme plays an important role in advancing Austria’s National Biodiversity Strategy, strengthening ecological resilience, and preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.