Deadline: 16-Apr-2026
The European Commission invites research and innovation projects to halt species decline, restore ecosystems, and support EU climate and biodiversity goals. Eligible projects focus on understanding drivers of decline, developing practical solutions, and informing policy to achieve measurable conservation outcomes. Funding of up to €3 million per project is available under Horizon Europe, with a total 2026 budget of €12 million.
About the Initiative
The European Commission’s 2026 biodiversity initiative targets rapid species decline across the EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. The program seeks projects that combine scientific research with practical solutions to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, restore degraded and carbon-rich habitats, and support EU climate and nature objectives. This initiative aligns with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to halt species extinction, protect genetic diversity, and manage human-wildlife conflicts.
Key Focus Areas
Projects funded under this initiative should address:
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Understanding Drivers of Species Decline: Identify causes affecting common and widespread species, study ecological, environmental, and human-related factors.
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Developing Practical Solutions: Design innovative, actionable interventions, test methods for effectiveness and scalability across regions.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement long-term ecological monitoring of species and habitats, provide recommendations for adaptive management.
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Policy Integration: Offer evidence-based policy guidance, align with EU biodiversity legislation.
Why This Matters
Global wild species populations have dropped by over 70% in 50 years. Europe faces major biodiversity losses, including significant declines in bird populations. Even species once considered common are now threatened or endangered. Projects help achieve EU 2030 biodiversity targets, including restoring degraded ecosystems, ensuring at least 30% of species show a positive conservation trend, and supporting climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible participants include any legal entity from EU or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, non-associated third countries, and international organizations. Requirements: registration in the Participant Register to obtain a validated Participant Identification Code (PIC) before signing the grant agreement. PIC validation is not required to submit a proposal. Funding: total 2026 budget €12,000,000, maximum funding per project €3,000,000.
How to Apply
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Check Call Requirements: Review specific Horizon Europe biodiversity call documents.
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Register Your Organization: Sign up in the Participant Register, obtain a PIC.
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Prepare Your Proposal: Define objectives aligned with EU biodiversity goals, outline innovative approaches and practical solutions, include monitoring plans and potential policy recommendations.
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Submit Application: Follow Horizon Europe submission portal instructions, ensure compliance with eligibility and documentation requirements.
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Evaluation & Funding: Projects assessed on impact, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with EU policies. Successful projects receive funding up to €3 million.
Common Tips for Applicants
Focus on practical, actionable solutions, include long-term monitoring strategies, highlight cross-regional scalability, ensure alignment with EU legislation and global biodiversity frameworks, engage relevant stakeholders such as policymakers, land managers, and national agencies.
FAQs
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Which species are the focus of this funding? Projects should target common or widespread species in the EU or associated countries experiencing population decline.
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Can organizations from outside the EU apply? Yes, non-associated third-country entities and international organizations are eligible if they meet Horizon Europe requirements.
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Is PIC validation mandatory to apply? No. Registration is required to sign the grant agreement, but validation is not needed to submit an application.
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What is the total budget and funding per project? Total 2026 budget is €12,000,000, maximum funding per project approximately €3,000,000.
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What outcomes are expected from funded projects? Practical measures for policymakers and managers, long-term monitoring plans, and recommendations to restore and protect biodiversity.
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How does this initiative support EU 2030 biodiversity goals? It restores degraded ecosystems, improves species conservation status, halts extinction, and manages human-wildlife conflicts.
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Are policy recommendations required? Yes, proposals should provide actionable guidance to inform EU and regional biodiversity policies.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s 2026 biodiversity funding presents a unique opportunity to address urgent species decline in Europe and associated countries. By combining research, innovation, and practical solutions, funded projects will contribute to achieving the EU 2030 biodiversity targets, support climate mitigation, and ensure long-term ecosystem restoration. Eligible organizations should apply promptly to leverage this funding and make a measurable impact on biodiversity conservation.
For more information, visit EC.
