HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-04: Ensuring continuous effectiveness of protected areas in conserving habitats and species

Objective:

To support the EU commitment to legally protect EU’s land and sea areas, and to inform deliberations on EU biodiversity policy after 2030 and the design and implementation of climate policies.

Background:

Protected areas are key to ensure the conservation of species and habitats. However, the intensification of the main drivers of biodiversity loss is raising questions on how their effectiveness will be maintained in the future.

Expected Outcome:

• the effectiveness of the protection of habitats and species in protected areas is maintained even under intensifying impacts of the drivers of biodiversity loss

• managers of protected areas are able to anticipate the future impacts of drivers of biodiversity loss and can take better informed decisions for the protection of terrestrial, freshwater and/or marine habitats and species.

Actions:

• analyse trends over time of the effects of drivers of biodiversity loss and their possible cumulative impacts

• develop predictive tools to anticipate how the intensity of impacts will develop in the medium and long terms, taking into account relevant possible cumulative impacts

• assess expected future impacts on the conservation status of protected habitats and species in protected areas;

• assess whether novel adaptive approaches for protection are needed and if so, explore options

• define best practices and test innovative management approaches of protected areas, with performance indicators

• long-term ecological monitoring of protected habitats and species, provide recommendations and consider possible options

• involve public authorities and/or entities which manage protected areas, and civil society organisations to ensure that the processes and outcomes of the R&I align with the needs