Integrated and coordinated approaches for coral reefs and associated ecosystems (mangroves and seagrass beds) conservation, restoration, and climate mitigation and adaptation

The main goal of this opportunity is to support coordinated efforts for the conservation, restoration, and climate adaptation of coral reefs and related ecosystems, such as mangroves and seagrass beds. It focuses on increasing ecosystem protection and resilience, improving management and planning, and fostering international collaboration. The opportunity aims to empower local and indigenous communities, develop actionable knowledge and tools, and promote the valuation of natural capital. Special attention is given to regions such as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and EU outermost and overseas territories.

• Deliver integrated conservation and restoration strategies for coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, with ecosystem-specific attention to biodiversity and structural integrity.

• Customize approaches that support both climate mitigation (e.g., carbon sequestration) and climate adaptation (e.g., coastal protection), particularly in regions dependent on these ecosystems.

• Foster coordination and clustering, link proposals with other ongoing Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 projects in marine biodiversity, ecosystem services, mapping, monitoring, and restoration science.

Example projects:

• A project led by organizations in Fiji, Madagascar, and the Maldives to restore coral reefs using both local knowledge and satellite data.
• An initiative involving partners from three SIDS to develop community-based monitoring tools for mangrove health.
• A multi-country team from different LDCs working together to create training materials for local actors on ecosystem management and climate adaptation.

• Personnel costs for researchers, technical staff, and project management
• Costs for equipment, tools, and materials needed for fieldwork or monitoring
• Travel and accommodation for field visits, collaboration, or training
• Workshop and training expenses for local communities and stakeholders
• Data acquisition, including satellite imagery and scientific datasets
• Development and dissemination of educational materials
• Subcontracting of specialized services or expertise
• Costs for communication, outreach, and stakeholder engagement
• Project management and administrative expenses

Restrictions: All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding model used by the Horizon Europe Programme. Only costs directly linked to the project’s objectives are eligible.

• Budget for this Call: 12.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 6.000.000€

• Proposals must follow the official application format, including page limits and layout requirements.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries, with at least three independent legal entities from different LDCs or SIDS.
• Projects using satellite data must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services.
• All international organizations are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have adequate financial and operational capacity to implement the project.
• Costs must be claimed as a lump sum, as defined by Horizon Europe.
• Collaboration with local communities, international partners, and inclusion of social sciences and humanities is encouraged.