Deadline: 24-May-2026
The Nordic Climate Adaptation Programme (NCAP) supports collaborative Nordic projects on climate adaptation financing and biodiversity impacts. It offers grants of DKK 450,000–800,000 from a total fund of DKK 3 million, requiring partnerships across at least three Nordic countries. The programme focuses on private sector climate investment and ecosystem resilience research.
The Nordic Climate Adaptation Programme (NCAP) is a regional funding initiative supporting collaborative projects that address climate adaptation and biodiversity challenges across the Nordic region.
The programme strengthens cooperation between Nordic countries by promoting shared solutions to climate-related risks affecting ecosystems, economies, and communities.
Program Objectives
NCAP aims to:
- Strengthen Nordic cooperation on climate adaptation
- Improve climate risk integration in private sector investments
- Enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience research
- Identify knowledge gaps in climate adaptation
- Support scalable climate adaptation financing solutions
It focuses on translating research into practical, policy-relevant action.
Key Focus Areas
Theme A: Climate Adaptation Finance and Private Sector Engagement
- Integrating climate risks into investment decisions
- Increasing incentives for adaptation financing
- Developing climate-resilient investment models
- Exploring financial instruments for adaptation
- Policy and regulatory frameworks for climate investment
- Sector focus: infrastructure, construction, and related industries
Theme B: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impacts
- Climate change impacts on Nordic ecosystems
- Biodiversity monitoring and data systems
- Identification of knowledge gaps
- Ecosystem management and climate resilience strategies
- Role of climate refugia in biodiversity protection
- Translating research into policy and practice
Programme Features
- Cross-country Nordic collaboration
- Applied research and policy integration
- Focus on scalable solutions
- Strong emphasis on knowledge sharing
- Practical impact for governments, businesses, and communities
Funding Details
- Total funding pool: DKK 3,000,000
- Individual grants: DKK 450,000–800,000
- Number of projects: 2–3 per theme (approx.)
Funding supports multi-country collaborative research and implementation projects.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Research institutions
- Government agencies
- Municipalities
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Consultancies
- Industry associations
- International organisations
Partnership Requirements
- Minimum of 3 Nordic countries per project
- Optional inclusion of 1 non-Nordic partner
Why It Matters
This programme is important because it:
- Strengthens regional climate adaptation cooperation
- Improves private sector climate resilience investment
- Supports biodiversity protection across Nordic ecosystems
- Bridges research, policy, and financial systems
- Enhances shared climate risk preparedness
It promotes coordinated action across countries facing similar environmental challenges.
How It Works / How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Form Nordic Consortium
Ensure partners from at least three Nordic countries. - Select Theme
Choose Theme A (finance) or Theme B (biodiversity). - Develop Project Proposal
Define objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. - Align with Programme Goals
Ensure strong relevance to climate adaptation and regional cooperation. - Submit Application
Apply through official NCAP submission channels. - Evaluation Process
Projects are assessed based on relevance, impact, and collaboration quality.
Tips for Strong Applications
- Ensure strong multi-country collaboration
- Clearly align with either Theme A or Theme B
- Demonstrate practical policy or financial impact
- Include clear data or evidence-based approach
- Highlight scalability and regional relevance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak Nordic collaboration (fewer than 3 countries)
- Mixing both themes without focus
- Lack of practical application or policy relevance
- Poor definition of climate adaptation outcomes
- Limited stakeholder engagement
FAQs
What is the NCAP programme about?
It supports Nordic collaboration on climate adaptation financing and biodiversity research.
How much funding is available?
DKK 450,000 to 800,000 per project from a total pool of DKK 3 million.
Who can apply?
Research institutions, NGOs, governments, consultancies, and other organisations.
How many countries must be involved?
At least three Nordic countries per project.
Can non-Nordic partners participate?
Yes, one additional non-Nordic partner is allowed.
What are the main themes?
Climate adaptation finance (Theme A) and biodiversity/ecosystem impacts (Theme B).
How many projects will be funded?
Approximately two to three projects per theme.
Conclusion
The Nordic Climate Adaptation Programme (NCAP) is a strategic funding opportunity that strengthens regional cooperation on climate resilience and biodiversity protection. By supporting cross-border collaboration, it enables practical solutions in climate finance and ecosystem management that benefit governments, businesses, and communities across the Nordic region.
For more information, visit Nordic Climate Adaptation Programme.