Deadline Date: September 3, 2026
The European Commission is offering to support the achievement of European Union nature and biodiversity objectives through coordinated and large-scale implementation of environmental plans and strategies.
The focus areas, of the initiative include implementation of nature and biodiversity policies, Prioritised Action Frameworks, national restoration plans, biodiversity strategies, pollinators initiatives, invasive alien species regulation, habitat and species conservation, ecosystem restoration, integration of biodiversity into other policies, mobilisation of complementary funding, monitoring and assessment of species and habitats, and long-term environmental sustainability.
These projects are designed to facilitate the implementation of key environmental plans adopted at various governance levels, ensuring that biodiversity objectives are effectively integrated into broader policy frameworks and funding instruments. They play a critical role in advancing coordinated actions that contribute to measurable conservation outcomes within defined timelines and budgets.
Strategic Nature Projects must target the implementation of approved plans such as Prioritised Action Frameworks or other relevant strategies. A proposal cannot be submitted without a formally adopted or draft plan that meets the required standards. Where plans are undergoing updates or revisions, applicants are required to provide both current and updated versions along with justification for any expected changes.
The geographical scope of a project depends on the coverage of the targeted plan, which may include national, regional, or multi-regional territories. In some cases, projects may extend across multiple plans or even neighboring countries, provided there is alignment in objectives and implementation strategies.
Projects are expected to include a combination of direct actions that contribute to achieving the targets outlined in the plans, along with horizontal actions that support overall implementation. This includes facilitating access to additional funding sources and ensuring that conservation objectives are embedded across different sectors and financial mechanisms.
Applicants must demonstrate the expected impact of their projects, including improvements in the conservation status of species and habitats, especially those considered at risk or in unfavorable conditions. Projects should also enhance long-term monitoring and assessment capacities and contribute to expanding conservation measures across relevant areas and sites.
The total funding available for Strategic Nature Projects is €75,000,000. Eligible applicants must be legal entities, either public or private, established in EU Member States or other countries associated with the LIFE Programme.
For more information, visit European Commission.
