The ocean-climate-biodiversity-people nexus: uncovering safe operating space for safeguarding the integrity and health of the global ocean

A Research & Innovation Action (RIA) exploring the interconnections between ocean systems, climate dynamics, biodiversity preservation, and human well-being. Projects should assess the concept of a “safe operating space” for the ocean, integrating scientific, socio-economic, and governance perspectives. The goal is to build actionable knowledge that supports sustainable ocean management, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and coastal community adaptation.

Proposals are expected to:

• Assess ocean–climate–biodiversity–society interdependencies, including planetary boundary thresholds.
• Develop indicators or metrics to define a safe operating space for ocean integrity.
• Integrate natural sciences, social sciences, and stakeholder engagement (e.g. coastal communities, fisheries, policymakers).
• Provide policy‑relevant recommendations for sustainable ocean resilience and biodiversity conservation.

• 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: 19.500.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Budget per project: 6.500.000€

• Consortium of at least 3 legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries, including at least one EU Member State.
• Entities must demonstrate financial and operational capacity as per Horizon Europe General MGA Annexes B & C.
• Multi‑actor approach required: inclusion of interdisciplinary research teams and stakeholders such as coastal users, NGOs, policy bodies.
• Strong integration across natural and social sciences, with stakeholder engagement and knowledge translation for policy-making.
• Proposals must align with EU policies on marine protection, biodiversity strategy, climate adaptation, Blue Growth, and the Green Deal.