The second call for proposals under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme will mobilise more than €8 million to support 81 locally led biodiversity projects across the European Union’s outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
The results confirm strong interest in the Programme and mark an important milestone in the delivery of its overall €23.4 million budget, expected to support approximately 234 projects across four calls.
Building on the first call, which awarded 57 grants and mobilised €5.57 million, this second round expands both the number of supported initiatives and the diversity of organisations leading conservation efforts on the ground.
Portfolio results
The 81 projects recommended for funding reflect broad geographical coverage across ORs and OCTs. The call confirms continued interest from stakeholders across territories and demonstrates steady uptake as the Programme progresses through its implementation phase.
Together, the first and second calls represent a substantial portion of the Programme’s planned support, reinforcing BESTLIFE2030’s role in strengthening biodiversity conservation capacity in some of Europe’s most ecologically rich and vulnerable regions.
Thematic focus
The second call portfolio shows a strong emphasis on practical, on-the-ground ecological action.
Ecosystem restoration and species conservation emerge as the most prevalent action types, confirming a clear focus on addressing habitat degradation and safeguarding threatened and endemic species.
Key thematic categories include ecosystem restoration, species restoration, sustainable management, protected areas and invasive alien species management.
Overall, the portfolio demonstrates a concentration on direct biodiversity outcomes, aligned with the Programme’s objective to enhance ecosystem resilience and strengthen conservation efforts across the EU’s overseas territories.
Broad participation and local leadership
The second call reflects broad engagement from different types of organisations. Lead applicants include non-governmental organisations, research institutions, local authorities and other eligible entities.
The widening of eligibility between calls has enabled greater participation, supporting a diverse range of actors working at territorial level. This approach reinforces the Programme’s commitment to strengthening local ownership and decision-making in biodiversity action.
By enabling organisations embedded within the regions to lead projects, BESTLIFE2030 continues to advance a model that supports locally driven conservation initiatives tailored to specific ecological contexts.
Next phase
With two calls now completed and two additional calls planned, BESTLIFE2030 is progressing steadily towards full implementation of its €23.4 million budget.
The 81 recommended projects will now move towards the contracting and implementation phase. As activities begin on the ground, they will contribute directly to strengthening conservation action across ORs and OCTs and to advancing the EU’s biodiversity objectives.
The results of the second call demonstrate continued momentum and sustained interest in the Programme, reinforcing its role as a key mechanism for supporting biodiversity conservation in Europe’s overseas regions.
