HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01-two stage – Living labs for co-creating solutions for the restoration of ecosystems

French Polynesia offers an exceptional real-world environment for Horizon Europe projects seeking robust Living Labs on ecosystem restoration (HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01) and invasive alien species management (HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-04). Its archipelagic configuration — linking mountain forests, watersheds, coastal zones and coral reef systems — forms a tightly connected socio-ecosystem where pressures and interventions can be observed across the entire “ridge-to-reef” continuum. This makes it a powerful demonstration site for integrated, nature-based solutions.

Existing initiatives such as the AMWI Living Lab already structure collaborative research, co-design with local stakeholders, and the development of biocultural indicators. This provides a strong operational foundation for Horizon-compatible Living Labs grounded in community participation, adaptive management, and cross-sector innovation.

French Polynesia is also a hotspot for invasive alien species, both terrestrial and marine, creating an urgent need for evidence-based eradication and control measures. Its island context enables clear experimental designs, rapid ecological responses, and high visibility for successful strategies that can be transferred to other vulnerable territories.

Overall, Polynesia combines ecosystem complexity, societal engagement, and research capacity — offering a strategic platform for impactful, scalable European collaborations on biodiversity restoration and IAS management.