BESTLIFE2030: €9.6 million to protect biodiversity
On 7 October, the European BESTLIFE2030 programme launched its third call for projects to support local initiatives promoting biodiversity in European overseas territories. €9.6 million remains to be allocated.
Aimed at local authorities, public bodies, charities and small businesses, this scheme offers grants of up to €100,000 per project. The aim is to fund practical initiatives to restore ecosystems, protect endangered species, combat invasive species and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources.
In the French West Indies, 27 projects are already benefiting from this support. Among them is the ‘Lanj’ project, led by the Kap Natirel association, which works to conserve the leopard ray in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy. By bringing together fishermen, nature conservation managers and institutions, it aims, in particular, to draw up an initial regional action plan to protect this species.
Other initiatives include the restoration of the Perle-Rifflet coastline in Guadeloupe, with the creation of a nursery to halt coastal erosion (a loss of 60 metres since 1950), and the preservation of the mangroves at Volga-Plage, in Martinique.
Applicants have until 8 December to submit their concept notes and until 2 April 2027 to submit their full proposals. The winning projects may commence in July 2027.
Information and applications: https://bestlife2030.org/fr/candidats/.
