LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNaP-two-stage

Strategic Nature Projects (SNaPs) under the LIFE Programme support the coordinated implementation of biodiversity-related plans and strategies across Member States. They primarily target the implementation of Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) for Natura 2000 and National Restoration Plans developed under the Nature Restoration Regulation. SNaPs aim to improve the conservation status of protected habitats and species, mobilise complementary funding, and mainstream biodiversity objectives into other sectors and policies. 

Objectives: 

Strategic Nature Projects (SNaPs) under the LIFE Programme can contribute to the achievement of the Mission Ocean and Waters objectives by supporting the restoration and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems, improving biodiversity resilience, and reducing key environmental pressures. 

SNaPs fund the implementation of Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs), National Restoration Plans, and other approved biodiversity strategies, provided that marine and aquatic measures are included and directly contribute to achieving their objectives. Proposals must present comprehensive projects that not only deliver on the implementation of the target plans but also generate wider environmental benefits, such as improving ecosystem services, reducing the impact of fisheries, increasing agricultural contributions to biodiversity, and controlling invasive species. 

Eligible applicants: 

In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must: 

• be legal entities (public or private bodies); 
• be established in one of the eligible countries (i.e. EU Member States, including overseas countries and territories, or Non-EU countries from the European Economic Area (EEA) and other countries associated with the LIFE Programme); 
• ensure that the coordinator is established in an eligible country.  

Full details are in the call document. Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register.  

Budget: 

The total indicative budget for the LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNaP-two-stage call is EUR 72 million. It is expected that three to five projects will be funded. No specific budget allocation is foreseen among different plans or strategies within the SNaP call, and project selection will be based on the quality, relevance, EU added value, and alignment with the objectives and requirements outlined in the LIFE Programme. 

Duration: 

The LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNaP-two-stage call follows a two-stage submission process. Applicants must first submit a concept note by 4 September 2025 at 17:00 CET. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal by 5 March 2026 at 17:00 CET. 

Projects funded under this call are expected to have a duration of between 60 and 120 months, with extensions possible if duly justified and formally agreed through an amendment.  

LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNaP-two-stage call for proposals 

LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNaP-two-stage EU funding and tenders portal page 

LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNaP-two-stage Call document 

Support for applicants 

Online Manual: Step-by-step online guide through the Portal processes from proposal preparation and submission to reporting on your on-going project. Valid for all 2021-2027 programmes.  

Funding and Tenders Portal FAQ 

IT Helpdesk: Contact the IT helpdesk for questions such as forgotten passwords, access rights and roles, technical aspects of submission of proposals, etc.   

National Contact Points: Get in touch with your national contact point (NCP) for the LIFE programme. They can help you with your application and organise information/networking events and proposal writing workshops. They can also support you in communicating and disseminating your project results.