Deadline: 09-Jun-2023
The Nordic Working Group for Biodiversity (NBM) is inviting applications for collaborative projects aimed at stemming the loss of biodiversity.
Priorities
Implementation of the new targets for biodiversity and projects dealing with nature and wildlife crime, sustainable use of existing buildings, forestry and consideration of cultural environments/nature.
- In terms of biodiversity, NBM has two main focus areas for 2024: The Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework Agreement in a Nordic perspective; and nature, wildlife crime and biosecurity.
- The Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework Agreement in a Nordic perspective: In 2024, NBM will prioritise projects that help the Nordic Region meet the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s new targets, as specified in the Kunming-Montreal Framework Agreement. The projects can have either a broad or specific approach to this criterion. They may be centred on subject-specific issues and issues relevant to public administration or address political challenges of particular Nordic relevance. Applications that clearly and directly refer to the Kunming-Montreal Agreement will be prioritised.
- Nature, wildlife crime and biosecurity: NBM wishes to expand the knowledge base relating to the negative impacts on biodiversity, including, for example, Nordic cross-border challenges such as invasive species and nature and wildlife crime. Within these themes, NBM will prioritise projects that have either clear relevance to public administration or a specific focus on the dissemination of information.
- In terms of the cultural environment, in 2024, NBM will focus on forestry and the sustainable use of existing heritage buildings.
- Sustainable use of existing heritage buildings rather than new construction – climate considerations: In 2024, NBM wishes to expand the knowledge base relating to how refurbishing, rehabilitating and reusing existing buildings (and building materials) can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preserving cultural-environment values. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes that the construction sector has great potential for greenhouse gas reduction. Important work therefore needs to be done as the sector transitions to a more circular, climate-friendly economy. This will requires the development of new knowledge, practices and climate-friendly materials.
- Forestry and consideration for cultural environments and nature: In 2024, NBM wishes to gather knowledge about the forestry industry’s management of biodiversity and cultural heritage. This includes investigating the existing regulations and how they are implemented and expanding the knowledge base relating to biodiversity and cultural heritage, including the forestry industry’s impact on these areas. All initiatives that involve depleting or interfering with the forest’s soil surface can exacerbate the damage or destruction of biodiversity and cultural heritage. This may be due to planned initiatives such as forest vehicle roads, felling sites, drainage ditches, soil preparation, or damage to roads as a result of felling trees. Climate change poses additional challenges, as warmer winters and wetter summers heighten the risk of damage to and/or loss of biodiversity and cultural heritage caused by heavy vehicles.
Funding Information
- Total Approx.: DKK 5 Million
- NBM only grants funding for one year at a time.
Eligible Countries
- At least three Nordic countries must be represented in the project, or two Nordic countries if the third country is Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania. Additional countries may also participate.
- Funding is available in the following countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Åland.
Eligibility Criteria
- Local, regional or national authorities, universities and colleges, research institutes, and other non-profit organisations are eligible to apply for funding.
- Although businesses may not be the main applicants and recipients of funding, they may, for example, be included as project participants, participate in the project group, or work on the project on behalf of the project owner.
Ineligible
- Funding is not provided for research projects. Research projects must apply to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Department for Education, Research and the Labour Market or directly to NordForsk or the Nordic Innovation Centre.
What is NBM looking for when it processes applications?
In processing applications, NBM will look in particular at whether the project:
- is well organised;
- has a balanced budget;
- is well rooted in national natural and cultural heritage administrative bodies;
- communicates project activities and results in an active and preferably innovative manner;
- is related to the Nordic countries’ input in international processes;
- contributes to increased knowledge of the topic in a Nordic context and/or has transfer value;
- builds on the knowledge gained from Nordic projects in recent years; and
- seeks co-operation/co-financing with other relevant working groups.
For more information, visit Nordic Working Group on Biodiversity (NBM).