Mainstreaming and scaling-up evidence-based Nature-Based Solutions towards a nature positive and climate-resilient economy

The EU-funded call “Mainstreaming and scaling-up evidence-based Nature-Based Solutions” aims to promote nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and biodiversity protection on a broad scale and to validate them at pilot and large project levels. Companies, non-profit organizations, public and educational institutions from all EU member states and associated countries can apply via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 16/04/2026 (Phase 1 concept note) and 23/09/2026 (Phase 2 full application). The total budget of €6 million will be awarded as grants with a funding rate of 100%. Eligible costs include personnel and material costs, travel, and subcontracting expenses. The objective is to establish large-scale pilot projects and collaborate with decision-makers and practitioners from municipalities, NGOs, businesses, and administrations, as well as political decision-makers, to promote evidence-based policy integration. Evaluation criteria include innovation, scaling potential, contribution to climate and biodiversity protection, as well as interdisciplinary competence and partnership.

The two-stage, competitive process relies on ambitious, interdisciplinary approaches that compare cost-benefit effects, climate risks, and biodiversity gains. In Phase 1, concept approaches for system integration and governance of NbS are assessed; Phase 2 requires detailed pilot and monitoring plans. Applicants must submit, in addition to the project description (Part B), CVs of key personnel, a financing plan, and consortium mandate. Through close cooperation with the European Commission and the Horizon Europe framework (“Horizon Lump Sum Grant”), promising models are to be tested, validated, and made transferable to EU policy levels, thereby paving the way toward a nature-positive and climate-resilient economy.