Understanding the perceptions of and improving communication on the biodiversity crisis and nature restoration benefits to sustain citizen engagement and democratic governance

The main goal of this opportunity is to tackle the biodiversity crisis and support nature restoration by improving how we communicate the benefits of biodiversity and involve citizens in these efforts. The focus is on raising awareness, understanding public and stakeholder perceptions, and designing innovative ways for people to take part in protecting and restoring nature. Projects should develop new communication strategies and co-creation processes that empower society to act collectively for ecosystem protection. International cooperation is encouraged, especially with Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as alignment with global biodiversity commitments.

• Projects must follow the page and layout requirements set by the programme.
• They must use a multi-actor approach, involving different types of stakeholders.
• Only applicants from eligible countries can participate; specific rules apply for some non-EU countries.
• Consortia may include the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a member.
• Proposals should demonstrate collaboration with relevant biodiversity knowledge centres.
• All costs must fit the lump sum funding model.

Examples:

• A cross-country project that brings together scientists, local communities, and policymakers to co-create biodiversity awareness campaigns in Latin America.
• An initiative that partners with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity to develop new citizen engagement tools for ecosystem restoration in Europe.
• A collaborative project involving NGOs and universities to test innovative deliberative processes for climate adaptation in Caribbean regions.

• Personnel costs for project staff and participants
• Costs for organizing workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagement events
• Development and production of communication materials
• Travel and accommodation for project-related activities
• Subcontracting of specific services (e.g., external evaluation, facilitation)
• Costs for digital tools and platforms to support co-creation and communication
• Dissemination and outreach activities
• Purchase of small equipment directly related to project objectives
• Administrative and management costs

Note: All expenses must comply with the lump sum model and be directly linked to the project activities.

• Budget for this Call: 6,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per Grant: 3,000,000€

• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined by the programme.
• Projects must use a multi-actor approach, engaging various stakeholders.
• Consortia can include the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a partner.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Proposals must follow all specific requirements and conditions set out in the programme guidelines and topic description.