Blue Parks - Towards a coherent European network of strictly protected areas for restoring healthy and productive marine ecosystems

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the creation of a strong European network of strictly protected marine areas, called "Blue Parks," to help restore healthy and productive marine ecosystems. It aims to protect and restore both marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, prevent pollution, and promote a sustainable, carbon-neutral, and circular blue economy. Key focus areas include identifying and designating strictly protected areas, closing data gaps about marine habitats, and promoting cooperation across borders. The opportunity also encourages compatibility with activities such as fisheries, offshore wind energy, and shipping. Proposals that address the unique natural assets of the EU Outermost Regions and promote transboundary collaboration are especially encouraged.

• Must align with the goal to legally protect at least 30% of EU seas and strictly protect 10% by 2030.
• Focus on science-based conservation planning at a sea basin or sub-basin level.
• Address data gaps about where habitats are and their condition.
• Prioritize areas for strict protection based on scientific evidence.
• Consider and address trade-offs with marine activities such as fisheries, energy, and transport.
• Promote transboundary cooperation and interdisciplinary research.
• Contribute to the Mission ocean and waters' objectives on protection and restoration.

Example projects:

• Mapping and prioritizing areas for new marine protection zones in the North Sea, involving partners from several EU countries.
• Assessing the impact of offshore wind farms on marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean and proposing strict protection measures.
• Developing a transboundary action plan for the recovery of habitats and species in the Atlantic basin, addressing data gaps and involving multiple stakeholders.

Personnel costs
Subcontracting
Travel and subsistence
Equipment (depreciation or rental)
Consumables and materials
Dissemination and communication
Access to research infrastructure
IPR and certification
Audit costs
Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 5,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 5,000,000€

• Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions set out in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
• Specific eligibility conditions may apply depending on the topic of the Work Programme.
• Applicants are typically research organizations, public or private entities, or consortia.
• Projects are encouraged to involve partners from different countries, especially for transboundary actions.
• Proposals should align with the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
• Applicants should demonstrate capacity for interdisciplinary research and cooperation.
• Eligibility may depend on forming networks or partnerships, especially for large-scale or cross-border projects.