Standard Action Projects (SAPs) for Nature and Biodiversity - Nature

Type

LIFE Project Grants (Standard Action Project)

About the call

The historical core of the programme: since 1992, LIFE has been the main funding instrument for implementing the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and without it the Natura 2000 network would not exist in its current form. This is the largest standard call in the entire programme by budget - EUR 166 million, funding around 40-50 projects.

Objectives

• Develop, demonstrate, promote and encourage the scaling-up of innovative techniques, methods and approaches - including nature-based solutions and ecosystem approaches - to achieve the objectives of EU nature and biodiversity legislation.
• Improve the knowledge base and support the application of best practices, including through support for the Natura 2000 network.
• Catalyse the large-scale deployment of successful solutions by replicating results, mainstreaming objectives into other policies, and mobilising investment.

What is funded

• Practical restoration of habitats and species populations, including physical on-site measures.
• Management of Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas.
• Implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.
• Combating invasive alien species.
• Measures against illegal killing, trapping and trade in wild species.
• Pilot and demonstration approaches to species and habitat conservation suitable for replication.

Conditions

• Call budget: EUR 166 million
• Co-financing rate: up to 60% of eligible costs; up to 67% for projects working with priority habitats and species
• Duration: usually 3-5 years (up to 10 possible)
• Applicants: public authorities, NGOs, research institutions, companies registered in the EU or associated countries (Ukraine is included)
• Consortium: not mandatory, submission by a single applicant is possible

Deadline

22 September 2026, 17:00 CEST (single-stage procedure)