The European Union’s BESTLIFE2030 Programme has announced a €5.57 million funding boost for biodiversity conservation across its Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories. The funding, through 58 grants in the first of four planned calls, targets small-scale initiatives critical to protecting the unique yet fragile ecosystems in these regions.
The actions will empower local actors to implement targeted conservation projects, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including Target 3, which aims for equitable and effective area-based conservation of 30% of the planet by 2030, also known as the ‘30×30’ goal.
“The connection between the BESTLIFE2030 Programme and helping EU countries’ commitments to the Global Biodiversity Framework underscores the contribution of a community-driven approach to protecting biodiversity”, said James Hardcastle, the Head of the Protected and Conserved Areas Team, highlighting the importance of these grants. “They are not just about conservation; they are about ensuring that local communities in these regions have ownership of the actions they are implementing, and thrive socially and economically, thus meeting international standards for human well-being and prosperity.”
Regional targeted support
The grants will be distributed across seven key regions, each facing distinct biodiversity challenges:
- Amazonia: €420K will be directed towards species conservation and protected areas in French Guiana, addressing critical issues such as human-wildlife coexistence and habitat loss.
- Dutch Caribbean: €551K will support sustainable management, species conservation, and ecosystem restoration, including nature-based solutions and sustainable agroforestry practices.
- French Caribbean: With €989K allocated, this region will prioritise ecosystem restoration, species conservation, and invasive alien species management, tackling habitat degradation and enhancing conservation strategies.
- Indian Ocean: Receiving €1.18M, the grants will fund ecosystem restoration, species conservation, sustainable management, and invasive species management, including agroecological infrastructure and coastal pollution management.
- Macaronesia: €697K will be used for species conservation, invasive species management, and protected areas, with efforts to control predators and raise public awareness.
- North Atlantic: €299K, including €100K for Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, will focus on species conservation, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration, addressing sustainable fisheries and combating eutrophication.
- Pacific: The largest allocation of €1.39M will be directed towards species conservation, ecosystem restoration, invasive species management, sustainable management, and protected areas, with projects on ocean traffic management and climate change adaptation.
The evolution of the BEST initiative
Since 2011, the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas (BEST) Initiative has strengthened biodiversity conservation in the EU’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Territories, providing over €17.73 million through 153 grants.
The initiative originated from the “Message from Réunion Island,” beginning with the BEST Preparatory Action, which laid the groundwork for regional conservation strategies. It has since evolved into the BEST 2.0, BEST RUP, LIFE4BEST, and BEST 2.0+ Programmes, expanding support for on-the-ground conservation efforts.
The momentum continues with 58 new grants under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme, further advancing species protection and ecosystem management.
A second call for proposals is expected in the first trimester of 2025, further enhancing local involvement in global biodiversity efforts.
For more information, please contact: Margaux Ysebaert, Communications Officer
Phone: +3227393001
Email: margaux.ysebaert@iucn.org
