The European Union’s BESTLIFE2030 Programme has announced a significant funding boost, unveiling €5.57 million to support biodiversity conservation in its Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories. This initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard fragile ecosystems through targeted local projects, and it marks a pivotal step in the EU’s commitment to global environmental goals.
The funding, distributed across 58 grants in the first of four planned calls, will back small-scale conservation initiatives that are critical for preserving unique habitats. These projects align with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), specifically Target 3, which aims to protect 30% of the planet by 2030—also known as the ‘30×30’ goal.
Regional Focus: Macaronesia at the Front
Leading the program in the Macaronesia region—which includes the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira—is Consulta Europa, the Regional Focal Point. The program will fund over 220 projects across six regions over the next eight years. James Hardcastle, Head of the Protected and Conserved Areas Team, highlighted the importance of these grants, saying, “They are not just about conservation; they are about ensuring that local communities in these regions have ownership of the actions they are implementing and thrive socially and economically.”
In our region, 7 innovative projects have been approved, covering important areas of biodiversity in Macaronesia. Of these, 2 will be implemented in the Canary Islands, 4 in Madeira, and 1 in the Azores. The projects address key themes in biodiversity conservation, such as the protection of endangered species like the Tenerife Giant Lizard and the Madeira Bat, the recovery of stream and marine ecosystems, and scientific strategies for the preservation of sharks and rays. These initiatives represent a decisive step toward safeguarding the fragile ecosystems of Macaronesia, ensuring a sustainable future for the region’s rich biodiversity.
Targeted Funding Across Seven Regions
The grants will be distributed across seven key regions, each with its own set of biodiversity challenges:
- Amazonia: €420K for species conservation and protected areas in French Guiana, focussing on human-wildlife coexistence and habitat loss.
- Dutch Caribbean: €551K to support sustainable management, species conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
- French Caribbean: €989K for ecosystem restoration, species conservation, and invasive alien species management.
- Indian Ocean: €1.18M for ecosystem restoration, sustainable management, and coastal pollution control.
- Macaronesia: €697K for species conservation and public awareness campaigns to control invasive species.
- North Atlantic: €299K, including €100K for Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, focussing on species conservation and sustainable fisheries.
- Pacific: The largest allocation of €1.39M for ocean traffic management, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem restoration.
The Continuing Legacy of BEST Initiatives
The BEST Initiative, which began in 2011, has become a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation in EU territories, disbursing over €17.73 million across 153 grants. The BESTLIFE2030 Programme continues this legacy with its new funding and commitment to biodiversity.
The next call for proposals is expected in early 2025, offering further opportunities for local communities to contribute to this global conservation effort.
For more information or to get involved in preserving the biodiversity of EU Overseas, contact bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com.