Networking to scale up living labs for nature restoration solutions and to address bottlenecks to implementation
Networking to scale up living labs for nature restoration solutions and to address bottlenecks to implementation supports living labs through European networking to share and scale up restoration solutions.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: October 13, 2026 (Opening) | January 14, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: €4 million total topic budget; one grant expected at €4 million, funded as a lump sum
Summary: Supports a European network of nature restoration living labs and lighthouses to share knowledge and scale up restoration solutions.
Key Information: Proposals must apply the multi-actor approach and include effective social sciences and humanities contributions.
Description
This Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action funds a European network of living labs and lighthouses dedicated to nature restoration. Run by the European Commission, it aims to connect research, practice and policy, strengthen local ownership, and overcome implementation bottlenecks. The network should improve access to shared, validated deployment and governance frameworks and support cooperation across EU Member States and Associated Countries.
Activities include mapping existing and emerging labs, developing common methodologies and impact frameworks, building capacity, and translating scientific results into practical recommendations and policy outputs. The network should share restoration legislation and financing opportunities, facilitate alliances with buyers of certified carbon farming credits with biodiversity benefits, and prepare for future nature credits. Knowledge sharing and cultural exchanges should strengthen restoration’s legitimacy, support intergenerational communication, and counter misinformation.
