Large-scale demonstration of protection, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems in European sea basins
Large-scale demonstration of protection, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems in European sea basins funds teams restoring habitats for biodiversity and natural carbon storage.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: February 9, 2027 (Opening) | September 21, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Expected EU contribution €3.5–€3.975 million per project; €15.9 million total for four expected grants
Summary: Supports large-scale demonstrations protecting, restoring and sustainably managing blue forest ecosystems for biodiversity, fisheries and natural carbon storage.
Key Information: Each proposal must target exactly one Mission basin and explicitly identify it.
Description
This European Commission Horizon Europe Innovation Action supports multidisciplinary demonstrations of blue forest ecosystem protection, restoration and management under the Restore our Ocean and Waters Mission. Projects focus on marine and coastal vegetated habitats in European sea basins, improving habitat area and condition while maintaining or enhancing natural carbon storage, biodiversity and fisheries.
The topic combines active or passive restoration, conservation through marine protected areas, research on cumulative environmental pressures, and long-term ecological monitoring. Projects should integrate blue carbon ecosystems into marine biodiversity frameworks and national restoration plans under the Nature Restoration Regulation. They must also explore public-private financing and business models, engage local communities through education and participation, and support replication and scaling tailored to their selected basin.
