Conservação da natureza, biodiversidade e património natural - ITI Água e Ecossistemas de Paisagem Algarve e Alentejo

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructures, while reducing pollution. It focuses on investments that ensure ecological connectivity and contribute to conserving natural heritage in Portugal, specifically in the Algarve and Alentejo regions. Key areas include nature and biodiversity conservation, development of green infrastructures, and activities that promote awareness and communication. The program is aligned with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals. Support is provided as a non-reimbursable grant.

• Projects must pursue the specific objectives set out in the notice and align with the ITI Água e Ecossistemas de Paisagem strategy and action plan.
• Projects cannot be materially completed or fully executed before submitting the funding request.
• They must demonstrate readiness, such as having approved documentation for works or acquisitions (e.g., execution projects, licenses).
• Projects must comply with eligibility conditions and contribute to program indicators and objectives.
• Infrastructure or productive projects must ensure sustainability after completion and meet environmental and technical standards (e.g., energy efficiency, climate adaptation).
• All projects must adhere to the "Do No Significant Harm" principle and contribute to climate change mitigation, sustainable resource use, and pollution prevention.

Example Projects:

• Restoration of a local wetland area to enhance biodiversity and ecological connectivity.
• Construction of green corridors linking protected areas in Alentejo, ensuring wildlife movement and climate resilience.
• Implementation of an awareness campaign on pollution prevention in the Algarve, including educational workshops and local outreach.

• Acquisition of services for studies and architectural/engineering projects directly linked to eligible actions
• Civil construction and engineering works
• Supervision and safety coordination services during construction
• Price revisions for executed works, as per contract terms
• Tests and trials related to project implementation
• Acquisition of equipment, monitoring systems, technology, and software essential for the project
• Non-recoverable VAT applicable to eligible costs
• Acquisition of land necessary for the project, by expropriation or negotiation (within set limits)
• Indirect costs at a fixed rate of 7% of total eligible direct costs

Restrictions: Expenses must be incurred and paid between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2029, and must comply with principles of economic rationality, efficiency, and cost-benefit. Some costs are excluded as per EU and national rules.

• Total budget for this grant: 500,000€
• Co-financing rate: 85%.
• Other financial details:
  • Payments are made as advances, reimbursements, and/or final payments. The project is concluded when all work is completed, delivered, and fully paid.
  • For projects costing over €10,000,000, a communication activity is required. For those over €500,000, a video presentation is mandatory.
  • Projects under €200,000 are funded using simplified cost regimes.
  • Beneficiaries must show financial resources to support costs after the investment, especially for infrastructure.
  • Eligible expenses must be incurred between 01/01/2025 and 31/12/2029.
• Maximum project duration: 24 months

• Applicants must register and authenticate in the Balcão dos Fundos platform and complete their entity profile for Portugal 2030 applications.
• Projects must not be completed or fully executed before submitting the funding request, and must show readiness (e.g., approved documentation for works or acquisitions).
• Expenses must comply with national and EU rules, be incurred and paid within the eligibility period, and follow principles of economic rationality, efficiency, and cost-benefit.
• Applicants must present opinions from nature conservation authorities and align with relevant territorial or strategic plans.
• Projects must comply with technical standards and contribute to the strategy and action plan of ITI Água e Ecossistemas de Paisagem.
• Projects must achieve minimum merit scores as defined in the evaluation criteria.