[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 17, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)

Total budget €13,000,000; typical grant around €6,500,000; up to 2 projects funded.

Supports research to maintain and enhance the effectiveness of protected areas for habitats and species conservation amid intensifying biodiversity loss drivers.

--- ## Description This grant, funded under Horizon Europe, aims to support research that ensures protected areas remain effective in conserving habitats and species as the drivers of biodiversity loss—such as climate change, pollution, invasive species, and land-use change—intensify. Projects should analyze trends, develop predictive tools, assess future impacts, and propose adaptive management strategies for terrestrial, freshwater, and/or marine protected areas. The generated knowledge is expected to inform EU biodiversity policy (including the goal of protecting at least 30% of land and sea by 2030) and future climate policies. Proposals should address knowledge gaps identified by IPBES, involve public authorities and civil society, and ensure alignment with policy needs and societal expectations. Close collaboration with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity and the European partnership Biodiversa+ is encouraged. International cooperation, especially for transboundary protected areas, is also welcome. --- ## Due Dates - September 17, 2026: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this topic: €13,000,000 - Expected grant size: around €6,500,000 per project - Indicative number of grants: 2 - Funding is provided as a lump sum under the Horizon Europe framework. --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities (universities, research organizations, companies, NGOs, public authorities, etc.) from EU Member States and Associated Countries. - Some non-EU/non-Associated Country participants may be eligible if they secure their own funding (see [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Proposals must clearly indicate whether they address terrestrial (A) or marine (B) biodiversity and ecosystems (freshwater can be included in either). - Proposals must involve relevant SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) expertise. - Applications must include or closely involve public authorities/entities managing protected areas and civil society organizations. - See [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) for detailed eligibility rules. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Submission system opens April 17, 2026. - Deadline for full proposals: September 17, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. - Proposals must follow the format and page limit described in the application form (see [template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)). - Evaluation will ensure at least one top-ranked proposal from each research field (A or B) is funded, provided quality thresholds are met. - Further guidance: [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects should build on existing methods and indicators (e.g., LIFE PAME Europe), and consider long-term ecological monitoring. - Collaboration with European research infrastructures and international partners is encouraged. - Funding is provided as a lump sum (see [lump sum decision](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf)). - SSH disciplines and expertise must be effectively integrated. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (eligibility, evaluation, etc.)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [LIFE PAME Europe](https://www.europarc.org/about-us/europarc-projects/life-pame-europe/) - [ESFRI Research Infrastructures](https://ri-portfolio.esfri.eu/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Resource | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Contact | [+32 2 299 11 11](tel:+3222991111) | | EC Contact Page | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points| [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Help | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Ensuring continuous effectiveness of protected areas in conserving habitats and species while facing intensifying drivers of biodiversity loss - European Commission

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