The first wave of 57 BESTLIFE2030 projects is coming to life, turning local conservation efforts across the EU’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories into tangible action.
Building on this strong foundation, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme is preparing to launch its second call for proposals by the beginning of Spring 2025. This next phase underscores the Programme’s dedication to supporting local conservation, fostering collaboration, and enhancing capacity-building in Europe’s Overseas biodiversity hotspots for sustainable, long-term impact.
Highlights from the first call
The first call awarded €5.52 million in grants to address critical biodiversity challenges across seven key regions.
- Amazonia (€462K): The funds support species conservation and the management of protected areas in French Guiana. Projects use innovative approaches to address human-wildlife coexistence issues and habitat loss.
- Dutch Caribbean (€551K): Initiatives focus on sustainable management, species conservation, and ecosystem restoration including Nature-based Solutions and sustainable agroforestry practices to enhance resilience in insular systems.
- French Caribbean (€989K): Efforts centre on ecosystem restoration, species conservation, and the management of invasive alien species, addressing habitat degradation and working toward global restoration goals.
- Indian Ocean (€1.08M): Grants support ecosystem restoration, species conservation, invasive species management, agroecological infrastructure development, sustainable management of natural resources and coastal pollution management.
- Macaronesia (€697K): Projects emphasise species conservation, predator control, public awareness campaigns, and improved governance of protected areas, alongside invasive species management.
- North Atlantic (€299K, including €100K for Saint-Pierre et Miquelon): Key activities include sustainable fisheries management, addressing eutrophication, species conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
- Pacific (€1.39M): The largest allocation funds initiatives addressing ocean traffic management, climate change adaptation, species conservation, and ecosystem restoration, tailored to the region’s unique challenges.
These projects showcase the Programme’s capacity to support innovative, region-specific solutions to pressing environmental issues, providing valuable insights for future conservation efforts.
Looking ahead
With its second call, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme aims to strengthen conservation foundations and increase visibility to inform policies that drive impactful change where it is most needed.
Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and guidelines for applicants for the concept note and full proposal phases. Proposals are encouraged to:
- Complement existing projects: Build on the groundwork laid by the first BESTLIFE2030 call for proposals or other complimentary LIFE Programme projects to enhance or expand ongoing local conservation actions.
- Foster long-term impact: Demonstrate potential for sustainability and scalability, ensuring benefits extend beyond the funding period.
- Result in tangible conservation results
To assist applicants, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme offers:
- Comprehensive resources available in the “For Applicants” section on the BESTLIFE2030 website*.
- Capacity exchange sessions and tailored support through the Programme’s regional hubs in partnership with IUCN.
For more information or assistance on the application process, please contact us at bestlife2030@iucn.org.
*Please note that the updated Guidelines for Applicants will be made accessible upon the official launch of the second call.
