Increasing environmental resilience through a better knowledge and management of the soil-water nexus

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen environmental resilience against extreme events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. It focuses on restoring, conserving, and managing the connection between soil and water to address issues like soil degradation. The opportunity aims to improve understanding of how soil and water interact to reduce risks, highlight the importance of soil biodiversity, and develop practical tools and knowledge. Key focus areas include soil-water dynamics, risk assessment, and strategies for different types of land across the European Union and Associated Countries.

• Investigate how soil–water interactions influence resilience to extreme events (droughts, floods, wildfires), focusing on soil moisture retention, infiltration, and structure.

• Assess the role of soil biodiversity in supporting soil-water functionality (e.g. porosity, aggregation, buffering), integrating biological and physical factors.

• Develop and validate indicators or models for soil water holding capacity across different pedoclimatic zones and land uses (agricultural, urban, natural).

• Test strategies and practices (e.g. restoration, conservation) piloted in relevant living labs or projects (e.g. SpongeBoost, SpongeScapes) for improving soil–water resilience.

• Use robust experimental designs, considering conventional vs agroecological/organic farming contexts, and cover multiple biogeographical regions for generalizable results.

• Engage relevant stakeholders (land managers, taxonomists, decision-makers) and align with Mission Soil networks, EU Soil Monitoring planning and the Soil Observatory

Examples:

• A research project developing a new tool to predict flood risks in agricultural areas in Spain.
• A conservation initiative to improve soil biodiversity in urban parks in Germany.
• An integrated management plan for drought resilience in natural landscapes in Poland.

• Personnel costs related to project activities
• Purchase of equipment and materials needed for research or field work
• Subcontracting specific project tasks
• Travel and subsistence for project staff
• Costs for data collection and analysis
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Training and capacity-building expenses
• Project management and coordination
• Development of tools, models, or products
• Indirect costs covered within the lump sum

All eligible expenses are covered under a lump sum model; detailed breakdowns are not required, but costs must be necessary for project completion.

• Budget for this Call: 6.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be from eligible countries (EU or Associated Countries, or others with specific funding provisions).
• Proposals must be submitted according to the official guidelines and deadlines.
• Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to carry out the project, both financially and operationally.
• Projects must align with the thematic scope of soil-water management and resilience.
• Eligibility may depend on additional criteria outlined in the specific call documentation.
• Participation in a network or partnership may be required for some topics.
• Applicants should consult the official Programme Guide and call documents for full details.