European natural lakes: demonstration of integrated approaches for protection and restoration of natural lake ecosystems and their biodiversity

Last updated: 21.7.2025
Grant

This Horizon Europe Innovation Action addresses the critical need to restore and protect European natural lake ecosystems and their biodiversity. It funds integrated and replicable demonstration projects aimed at significantly improving the ecological and chemical status of lakes, aligning with the broader EU Mission 'Restore our ocean and waters by 2030'. The program emphasizes nature-based solutions, collaborative governance, and citizen engagement to drive sustainable transitions in lake management.

Who is Funded

This section details the eligibility criteria for applicants, the geographical scope of the program, and its overarching objectives to restore and protect European natural lake ecosystems. It outlines who can apply and where the project activities must take place to qualify for funding.

What is Funded

This section outlines the types of projects, thematic areas, and activities eligible for funding under the program. It clarifies the scope of interventions, focusing on the restoration and protection of natural lake ecosystems and their biodiversity through integrated and nature-based solutions.

Type and Scope of Funding

This section provides details on the financial support available, including the type of financial instrument and the maximum funding amount per grant.

Conditions and Requirements

This section outlines the essential rules, regulations, and specific conditions that applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to throughout the application and project implementation phases.

Application Procedure

This section describes the application submission process, including the availability of forms and guidelines, and outlines the method by which proposals are evaluated and selected.

This section identifies the foundational legal documents and key regulations that establish and govern the funding program, ensuring transparency and providing a framework for its operations.

Similar Programs

#European natural lakes#lake restoration#freshwater ecosystems#biodiversity protection#Horizon Europe Mission#Water Framework Directive#nature-based solutions#pollution reduction#climate action#sustainable blue economy#ecosystem-based approach#environmental conservation#societal engagement#FAIR data#Digital Twin Ocean

Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

4,000,000 €

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

Total budget for this topic (HORIZON-MISS-2023-OCEAN-01-04) is 12,000,000 €. Individual grants are expected to be 4,000,000 €.

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2030

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

European natural lakes located in EU Member States and Associated Countries. Demonstration activities must be carried out in at least three different countries, involving partners from those countries. Projects are also expected to engage with 'associated regions' (areas with relevant ecosystems or less-developed regions) in EU Member States and Associated Countries other than those of the consortium partners.

Sectors

Sectors:

Environmental and Climate Protection, Water and Waste Management, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Research and Development

Application Type

Application Type:

Consortium Required

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Pilot Testing, Scaling, Implementation, Applied Research, Experimental Development

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Commission

0 x 0
XS