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Horizon Europe · European Union

Large-scale demonstration of protection, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems in European sea basins

Opens 9 Feb 2027

The EU's Horizon Europe programme expects to make 4 awards of €3.5 million – €3.98 million each, from a total budget of €15.9 million. Applications close on 21 Sep 2027 (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time). Organisations in EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries such as Türkiye can usually take part; the topic conditions control.

Expected outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

• Increased area and improved condition of marine and coastal vegetated habitats within EU waters through effective on-site conservation, restoration and management of activities to help deliver on the objectives of the Nature Restoration Regulation;

• Maintained and enhanced capacity of blue carbon ecosystems to naturally store carbon, supporting EU climate mitigation goals;

• Enhanced capacity of marine vegetated habitats/blue carbon ecosystems to support biodiversity and fisheries;

• Established novel financing and incentive mechanisms that support conservation, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems projects;

• Raised public awareness and improved community participation in blue forest ecosystems protection, restoration and management activities, ensuring long-term involvement.

Scope

This topic seeks innovative multidisciplinary projects that will advance large-scale demonstration of protection, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems, focusing on the assessment of ecological interactions, restoration of degraded ecosystems, conservation, and sustainable management within European sea basins. Projects are required to develop collaborations with EU Member States and Associated Countries national and regional agencies and authorities and policy makers and engage with local communities, researchers and NGOs. The direct involvement of relevant authorities and stakeholders in the consortium is strongly encouraged.

Proposals should target the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies that integrate blue carbon ecosystems into marine biodiversity frameworks, in particular in the implementation of the national restoration plans under the Nature Restoration Regulation.

Who can apply

Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries, at least one in a Member State (Horizon Europe standard rule).

Applicant categories are a starting point. The official call decides eligibility.

Topics

Democratic engagement and civic participation Integrated Coastal Zone Management / Integrated C International Ocean Governance Marine Conservation Marine Ecosystems Restoration Marine Environment Marine Protected Areas/Mpas Marine Reserves Marine Strategy Framework Directive Marine and Ocean Management Ocean Ocean and Climate Change Oceanography (physical, chemical, biological, geological) Valorisation and capacity building Community engagement Marine restoration

Timing

Single-stage call. Next deadline 2027-09-21. The portal states the exact cut-off time (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time).

How to apply

1. Read the full topic on the Funding & Tenders Portal: expected outcome, scope, type of action and the topic conditions, including any country restrictions.
2. Register each participating organisation in the Funding & Tenders Portal to get a PIC.
3. Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries (Horizon Europe standard rule; Türkiye is associated). Confirm in the topic conditions.
4. Prepare Part A (administrative forms and budget, completed in the portal) and Part B (the technical description on the official template for this type of action).
5. Submit in the portal before the cut-off time on the deadline day. Late submissions are not accepted.

From the call text

Who can apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Company stage

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Single applicant or consortium

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where applicants must be based

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where to apply

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Read the EU application guide

Where these facts come from

Official sources

Official call page

Facts on this page come from the funder’s official data, taken on 14 Nov 2026. The funder's own documents, including later amendments, always take precedence.

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