Technical innovation to protect ecosystems and to scale up their restoration

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

The topic funds innovation actions that design and test machines, low-tech and digital tools for protecting and restoring ecosystems. It is described as particularly relevant for SMEs.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

Restoration and protection of ecosystems often relies on agricultural machinery or equipment that is not always effective, and dedicated tools are usually missing. The topic funds the design, development and testing of technical innovations that answer identified needs in specific protection and restoration activities.

Eligible activities

• New or adapted machines, low-tech solutions, digital innovations or combinations of them.
• Solutions for terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystem types, for example temporary protection of plants or removal of invasive species and their seeds.
• Attention to effectiveness, ease of use, durability and environmental sustainability, including potential risks, trade-offs and unintended consequences.

Expected outcomes

Protection and restoration work by stakeholders becomes easier and more effective, and conditions improve for scaling up implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, improving ecosystem services including for climate mitigation and adaptation.

Other conditions

The topic is described as particularly relevant for SMEs. Proposals should foresee resources for close cooperation with the Commission Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity and its Science Service. Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-7 by the end of the project.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

22 de septiembre de 2027 (321 días)

22 September 2027 (single-stage call).