The second call for proposals under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme will allocate over €8 million to support 81 locally led biodiversity projects across the European Union’s outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). This achievement highlights strong interest in the Programme and marks an important step in delivering its overall €23.4 million budget, which aims to fund around 234 projects across four calls.
Building on the first call, which awarded 57 grants and mobilised €5.57 million, the second round expands both the number of supported initiatives and the diversity of organisations leading conservation work on the ground. The 81 projects recommended for funding cover a wide geographical area across ORs and OCTs, reflecting sustained stakeholder engagement and steady uptake as the Programme moves through its implementation phase.
The portfolio demonstrates a strong focus on practical, on-the-ground ecological action. Ecosystem restoration and species conservation are the most prevalent activities, addressing habitat degradation and safeguarding threatened and endemic species. Other key areas include sustainable management, protected areas, and invasive alien species control. Overall, the projects are concentrated on direct biodiversity outcomes, supporting BESTLIFE2030’s goal of enhancing ecosystem resilience across Europe’s overseas territories.
The second call also showcases broad participation and local leadership, with lead applicants including non-governmental organisations, research institutions, local authorities, and other eligible entities. By widening eligibility, the Programme has enabled more organisations to participate, reinforcing local ownership and decision-making in biodiversity initiatives. This model ensures that conservation actions are tailored to the specific ecological contexts of each territory.
With two calls completed and two more planned, BESTLIFE2030 is steadily moving toward full implementation of its €23.4 million budget. The 81 projects now advance to the contracting and implementation phase, where activities on the ground will directly strengthen conservation efforts and support the EU’s biodiversity objectives. The success of the second call reflects ongoing momentum and sustained interest in the Programme, underscoring its role as a key driver of biodiversity conservation in Europe’s overseas regions.
