The BestLife2030 programme, funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme, has launched its second call for proposals to support biodiversity conservation projects in the EU’s Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). This call is not just a funding opportunity but a call to action to protect unique and threatened ecosystems that play a key role in achieving global conservation goals.
Eligible Projects and Territorial Focus
This call will fund small-scale, high-impact projects that provide practical solutions to local biodiversity challenges. Actions may include habitat restoration, species conservation, tackling invasive species, or measures to enhance ecosystem and community resilience.
Projects should last between 18 and 36 months and can receive up to €100,000, with a 95% co-financing rate.
The call is open to civil society organisations, NGOs, local authorities, research centres, SMEs, and other relevant stakeholders. Priority will be given to projects located in ecologically sensitive areas, such as:
- Protected areas
- Natura 2000 sites
- Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
- Ramsar wetlands
- UNESCO World Heritage sites
- IUCN Green List sites
- Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)
The programme also encourages collaboration between territorial governments and local actors to strengthen the impact and sustainability of conservation actions.
Deadlines and Available Resources
The first phase of the call requires applicants to submit a concept note by 30 May 2025 at 14:00 (CET). Pre-selected proposals will then be invited to submit a full application in the second phase.
Guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application forms are available at:
https://bestlife2030.org/applicants
Support in Macaronesia
In the Macaronesia region (Madeira, Azores, and Canary Islands), Consulta Europa acts as the regional hub for the programme, providing technical support throughout both the proposal preparation and project implementation phases.
A dedicated informative webinar will soon be organised for potential applicants in the region.
Contact
For further information, please contact:
bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com
