The ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus and marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR)

The main goal of this opportunity is to support scientific research that advances climate neutrality and ocean sustainability. It focuses on improving our understanding of ocean climate interventions, their impacts, and the development of monitoring and response measures. Projects should address innovative solutions related to Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) or other marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques. The initiative emphasizes the importance of environmental, legal, socio-political, and governance aspects, as well as sustainability, intergenerational justice, and international collaboration. The geographic scope includes European and certain non-European countries, with a strong encouragement for global cooperation.

• Proposals must follow the specified page limits and layout requirements.
• Participants from eligible countries, including some non-EU nations with special funding provisions, can apply.
• International organizations may participate and receive funding.
• If using satellite-based earth observation or navigation data, Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services must be used.
• Projects must align with the specific research topic and use the official application templates.
• Proposals should integrate sustainability, international cooperation, and local knowledge, while following precautionary and inclusive research principles.

Examples:

• A multinational project measuring the effects of ocean alkalinity enhancement in the Atlantic using Copernicus satellite data.
• An international research initiative developing governance models for marine carbon dioxide removal in collaboration with indigenous communities.
• A consortium testing new monitoring technologies for mCDR projects, ensuring compliance with sustainability and international cooperation guidelines.

• Personnel costs for researchers and project staff
• Equipment and materials required for research activities
• Travel and accommodation for fieldwork and international collaboration
• Data acquisition, including access to satellite and earth observation services
• Costs related to stakeholder engagement and public outreach
• Workshops, conferences, and dissemination activities
• Subcontracting of specialized services
• Monitoring and evaluation expenses
• Project management and administrative support

All expenses are covered as a lump sum, and must be directly related to the approved project activities. Other restrictions may apply as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme.

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

• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined in the Horizon Europe Programme.
• International organizations are allowed and can receive funding.
• Proposals must follow the official templates and guidelines.
• Projects using satellite-based data must utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services.
• Applicants should demonstrate integration of sustainability principles and international cooperation.
• Proposals must show alignment with the specific research topic and objectives.
• Inclusion of indigenous and local knowledge is encouraged.