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

September 4, 2025 (Stage 1) | March 5, 2026 (Stage 2)

€72,000,000 total budget for this call; large-scale, multi-year projects expected

Funds strategic, large-scale projects to implement EU and national biodiversity and nature restoration plans, leveraging partnerships and resources for long-term impact.

Two-stage application process; strong stakeholder involvement and alignment with EU policy required.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs) under the LIFE Programme, focusing on the full implementation of key nature and biodiversity plans at national, regional, or multiregional levels. The aim is to catalyse the implementation of Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) for Natura 2000, national restoration plans, and other strategies directly linked to EU nature and biodiversity policies. Projects should mobilise supplementary funding, build institutional capacity, and actively coordinate with relevant stakeholders and funding sources. SNAPs may include concrete conservation and restoration actions, capacity building, and policy adaptation to ensure long-term sustainability and effective delivery of biodiversity strategies. --- ## Due Dates - Stage 1 Proposal Deadline: September 4, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) - Stage 2 Full Proposal Deadline: March 5, 2026 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget for this call: €72,000,000 - Projects are expected to be large-scale, multi-annual, and strategic in scope - Grant size and duration will vary based on the project plan and scope --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible countries (EU Member States and certain associated countries; see call document for full list) - Eligible applicants include: - Public authorities (national, regional, local) - Non-profit organisations - Private entities (where relevant to the project scope) - Projects must directly support the implementation of: - Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) for Natura 2000 - National restoration plans under EU regulations - Other relevant and measurable biodiversity strategies/policies with clear timelines and budgets - Projects must actively involve key stakeholders in both design and implementation For detailed eligibility, see section 6 of the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/life/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_life-2025-strat-two-stage_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Two-stage submission: 1. **Stage 1:** Concept note submission by September 4, 2025 2. **Stage 2:** Full proposal submission (if invited) by March 5, 2026 - Applications must be submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNAP-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=13&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - Required documents include: - Standard application form - Detailed budget table - Implementation overview for the plan/strategy - Complementary funding plan and declaration - Proposals must demonstrate: - Substantial contribution to the implementation of the targeted plan/strategy - Mechanisms for long-term sustainability and full implementation after project end - Active stakeholder involvement and capacity building Refer to the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for step-by-step guidance. --- ## Additional Information - SNAPs do not need to cover all actions in a strategy/plan but must catalyse the process toward full implementation. - Co-funding within SNAPs cannot come from other EU funding sources, but coordination with other funding streams for complementary actions is encouraged. - Projects are expected to use a phased, adaptive approach, with each phase typically lasting at least 3 years. - Associated beneficiaries and stakeholder engagement are strongly encouraged. - For partner search and additional applicant support, contact your [National Contact Point (NCP)](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life/life-european-countries_en). --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNAP-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=13&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call document (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/life/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_life-2025-strat-two-stage_en.pdf) - [Standard application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/life/temp-form/af/af_life-sip-snap_en.pdf) - [Detailed budget table](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/life/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_life_en.xlsx) - [FAQs for LIFE applicants](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life/life-support-applicants_en#ecl-inpage-1377) - [Online Manual for EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | National Contact Point| [Find your National Contact Point (NCP)](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life/life-european-countries_en) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Strategic Nature Projects

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