Aims and Focus Areas

This theme supports initiatives that foster practical, results-driven enforcement of EU environmental regulations, particularly the nature and biodiversity laws, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Projects must exclusively target wild species and natural or semi-natural ecosystems and should align with at least one of the two core thematic tracks:

1. “Space for Nature” Focus Area

Projects falling under this area should center on enhancing the state of natural habitats or species through site-specific conservation or restoration actions. Eligible activities may include:

• Rehabilitating or strengthening ecosystems or habitats—either within recognized protected sites or in other areas;

• Establishing new protected zones or enhancing biodiversity objectives in existing ones through improved stewardship;

• Creating ecological linkages or advancing green infrastructure that supports the Trans-European Nature Network’s resilience;

• Testing innovative management strategies for nature conservation sites;

• Addressing environmental pressures that affect key habitats or species, regardless of their location in or outside the Natura 2000 network.

2. “Safeguarding the Species” Focus Area

This area targets projects that aim to improve species conservation—including mitigating the impact of invasive alien species—through means other than habitat-based interventions. Given the variety of pressures species face beyond habitat degradation, projects here may encompass anything from technical solutions and physical infrastructure to educational campaigns and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Proposal Priorities

Funding preferences will be given to projects aligned with the following strategic priorities:

A. EU Nature and Biodiversity Legislation

Proposals are particularly valued when they:

• Contribute directly to national or regional Prioritized Action Frameworks (PAFs) under the EU Habitats Directive, national restoration programs, or other recognized strategies or action plans that define measurable goals, timelines, and funding details;

• Advance the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites, or similar designated areas in countries not covered by the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, especially where specific biodiversity targets are clearly defined;

• Work to prevent the intentional or accidental harm to protected species (e.g., poaching, poisoning, by-catch), reduce human-wildlife conflict, and promote coexistence with vulnerable wildlife.

For projects tackling invasive alien species, priority will be given to those addressing:

• Species listed under EU Regulation 1143/2014 as being of Union-wide or Member State concern;

• Other non-native species that threaten protected habitats or wildlife populations, including those on EU or global red lists.

B. EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

Projects will also receive priority if they contribute to any of the following strategic goals:

• Building a cohesive network of conservation areas;

• Achieving the EU’s nature restoration goals for species and ecosystems;

• Reviving degraded, carbon-rich landscapes and lessening the damage from natural disasters;

• Boosting the vitality and adaptive capacity of forested landscapes;

• Halting and reversing the decline of pollinator populations;

• Promoting biodiversity on agricultural lands;

• Restoring functioning ecosystems in both urban and rural environments;

• Recovering the ecological integrity of freshwater and marine systems.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 23 September 2025 17:00:00 Brussels time.