Transformative change projects

Advancing transformative governance through Transboundary conservation and collaborative learning.

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, sociology

Enabling Transformative Actions to Leverage Sustainability of Eurasian Grasslands.

Topics: agricultural sciences, ecology, ecosystems, governance

In the heart of Africa’s lush forests lies a critical challenge: the delicate balance between preserving these ecosystems and lifting communities out of poverty. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) hold the key, but a lack of understanding has hindered their sustainable utilisation. In this context, the ERC-funded AFRIFOR project aims to bridge this knowledge gap. It […]

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

Builds an AI-powered training system to help farmers, advisors and rural workers gain the skills needed for the future.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, innovation management, sustainable agriculture

Uses AI and synthetic biology to unlock marine microorganisms as a source of new medicines and bioactive compounds.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biodiversity conservation, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, biomolecules, industrial biotechnology

Builds Europe's first innovation hub turning captured CO2 and hydrogen gas into sustainable food proteins.

Topics: biomolecules, business models, Food, industrial biotechnology, sustainability sciences

Strengthens research partnerships between Africa and Europe to support climate-resilient, agroecological farming systems.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, governance, innovation management, sustainable agriculture

Runs awareness campaigns and education programmes to build public understanding and trust in alternative proteins.

Topics: civil society, Food, proteins, public policies, social science

Demonstrates low-impact aquaculture combining fish, shellfish and algae to reduce environmental pressure on the sea.

Topics: agriculture forestry and fisheries, environmental sciences, fisheries, Food, sustainable agriculture

Our food system is a major driver of biodiversity loss. The concept of ‘restorative aquaculture’ entails a form of food production that also provides ecological benefits, potentially resulting in net positive environmental outcomes. A candidate sector in Europe is bivalve aquaculture. The implementation of restorative bivalve aquaculture practices involving flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) and mussels […]

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecology, ecosystems, sociology

Identifies and promotes farming practices that restore biodiversity while keeping farms economically viable.

Topics: agriculture, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, governance, sustainable agriculture

Participatory toolkit helping European regions balance land and sea biomass use with biodiversity and social needs.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, biomass, ecosystems, governance, natural resources management

BAMBOO aims at developing new technologies addressing energy and resource efficiency challenges in 4 intensive industries (steel, petrochemical, minerals and pulp and paper). BAMBOO will scale up promising technologies to be adapted, tested and validated under real production conditions focus on three main innovation pillars: waste heat recovery, electrical flexibility and waste streams valorisation. These […]

Topics: biofuels, biomaterials, engineering and technology, industrial biotechnology

Deploys sensors, genetic sampling and AI at large scale to build a next-generation biodiversity monitoring system.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biodiversity conservation, data science, ecology, governance

Studies how diet affects mental health, aiming to develop evidence-based nutrition guidelines.

Topics: biochemistry, biological sciences, environmental sciences, Food, social science

Combines behavioural science, AI forecasting and real-world pilots to help Europeans shift to circular consumption.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, business models, economics, social science, sustainability sciences

Builds a more integrated, community-inclusive observing system for tracking rapid environmental change in the Arctic.

Topics: earth and related environmental sciences, ecosystems, environmental sciences, governance, satellite technology

Pan-European project scaling up genomic data production and standards to support biodiversity taxonomy, monitoring and policy.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, biological sciences, databases, ecology, natural sciences

BioAgora is a European collaborative project connecting research results on biodiversity to the needs of policymaking in a targeted dialogue between scientists, other knowledge holders and policy actors. .

Topics: governance, social sciences, sociology

Develops an integrated, renewable-energy-powered process for turning agricultural biomass waste into valuable products.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biofuels, biomass, environmental engineering, industrial biotechnology

Reversing BIOdiversity decline in DENsification strategies: systemic solutions and CITY modelling for transformative change.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biodiversity conservation

A Roadmap for Fostering Human Wildlife Coexistance in Greening Cities (SE, ZA, DE, BE)

Topics: biological sciences, economics and business, natural sciences, social sciences

Biodiversa+ is the European co-funded biodiversity partnership supporting excellent research on biodiversity with an impact for policy and society.

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

Builds partnerships to strengthen bioeconomy research and innovation in Central and Eastern Europe and neighbouring countries.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, business and management, governance, innovation management, public policies

Enabling biodiversity-positive transformation of energy planning towards climate neutrality (AT, DE, PL, DK, NL)

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, ecosystem-based management, ecosystems, governance, sustainability sciences

Creates a joint EU roadmap to accelerate the adoption of biotechnology and bio-manufacturing across industries.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, business and management, industrial biotechnology, innovation management, public policies

Studies how Europeans perceive biodiversity to design better, more inclusive communication for nature policy.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, governance, public policies, social science, sociology

BIONEXT focuses on knowledge, tools, and guidance for mainstreaming biodiversity into policymaking and provides concrete options on how to initiate, accelerate and upscale biodiversity relevant transformative change in society.

Topics: biological sciences, computer and information sciences, databases, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

A high-level international conference held during Ireland's EU Presidency to advance the global bioeconomy agenda.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Food, governance, public policies, sustainability sciences

The BIOREFOREST project aims to initiate a societal transformation towards optimising reforestation strategies for forests and orchards, integrating biodiversity as a key factor in the planning process. The project focuses on European forest sites affected by natural disturbances and reforested as monospecific stands (including orchards) or mixed-species stands, as well as naturally regenerated sites with […]

Topics: agricultural sciences, biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

Explores how European bioeconomy initiatives can better balance environmental, social and economic trade-offs.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, biomass, economics, governance, sustainability sciences

It is not enough to become net zero; our world needs to become nature-positive. Based on this disruptive idea, all our activities not only minimise nature loss but actually enhance nature and ecosystems. In this context, the EU-funded BIOTraCes project will develop knowledge, tools and novel approaches to enable transformative changes necessary for achieving a […]

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, forestry, forestry and fisheries, natural sciences

Uses AI and digital twins to make Europe's bio-based industries more sustainable, data-driven and circular.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, big data, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, biomass, industrial biotechnology

Helps farmers boost income and resilience by sharing proven, ready-to-use farming practices for crops and residues.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, biomass, innovation management, sustainable agriculture

Evidence-Based Strategies for a Biodiversity-positive Renewable Energy Transition (SE, ES, NL, MD, SI)

Topics: earth and related environmental sciences, ecosystems, environmental engineering

Designs and tests schemes that make construction product manufacturers responsible for reducing waste and boosting recycling.

Topics: business models, economics and business, environmental engineering, governance, sustainability sciences

Turns EU bioeconomy sustainability principles into practical governance tools, indicators and policy roadmaps.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, biomass, governance, public policies, sustainability sciences

Pilots new circular business models to make the furniture industry less wasteful and more repair-friendly.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, business models, economics and business, governance, sustainability sciences

Develops practical, small-scale indicators to help municipalities, companies and households measure circular-economy progress.

Topics: business models, economics, environmental sciences, governance, sustainability sciences

Demonstrates circular, regenerative solutions for farming, local food and reusable packaging in European cities and regions.

Topics: agriculture, business models, governance, sustainability sciences, sustainable agriculture

Demonstrates safe, large-scale use of recycled and alternative water sources to make farming more resilient to drought.

Topics: agriculture, environmental engineering, hydrology, natural resources management, sustainable agriculture

Develops circularity indicators tailored specifically to the food service sector, from restaurants to canteens.

Topics: business models, data science, Food, governance, sustainability sciences

Creating leverage to enhance biodiversity outcomes of global biomass trade.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural sciences, agriculture, biological sciences, biomass, business and management, commerce, ecology, economics and business, ecosystems, forestry, forestry and fisheries, governance, natural sciences, social sciences, sociology

ClimateJusticeReady, funded by the European Research Council, focuses on predicting, mapping, and preventing climate gentrification in climate-adapting cities.

Topics: social inequalities, social issues, social sciences, sociology

Turns complex climate science into simple, field-level advice for farmers using a chatbot-style digital tool.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, earth and related environmental sciences, sustainable agriculture

AI-optimised plant cell culture platform that produces sustainable natural ingredients at scale, demonstrated with cocoa.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, biomolecules, Food, industrial biotechnology

Coevolutionary approach to unlock the transformative potential of nature-based solutions for more inclusive and resilient communities.

Topics: business and management, economics and business, entrepreneurship, governance, social sciences, sociology

Leveraging transformative capacities for the governance of human-bear-coexistence in Europe. An integrated socialecological-institutional approach.

Topics: ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences, social sciences

Maps the state of European plant breeding research and designs a roadmap to strengthen it for a resilient, sustainable bioeconomy.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural sciences, agriculture, innovation management, sustainable agriculture

Benchmarks composting plants across Europe to improve how compostable packaging is processed alongside food waste.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, biomass, environmental engineering, governance, sustainability sciences

Tests new schemes making manufacturers responsible for the end-of-life of their construction, furniture and ICT products.

Topics: business models, computer and information sciences, economics and business, governance, sustainability sciences

Develops digital tools to make small-scale and recreational fishing more transparent and sustainably managed.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, data science, fisheries, governance, public policies

Studies the psychological and social barriers stopping people from acting on biodiversity, and tests ways to overcome them.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, civil society, governance, social science, sociology

Turns satellite and AI data into practical intelligence supporting EU policy on ecosystems, water, cities and energy.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, data science, earth and related environmental sciences, public policies, satellite technology

This transdisciplinary project explores how the novel methodology and societal innovation of ‘Ecological Pilgrimage’ can transform the recreational use of hiking trails to meet biodiversity conservation objectives. Departing from historical connotations of colonial expeditions or religious ceremonies, pilgrimage is approached here as a reparative journey that enables meaningful engagement with non-human communities amid existential ecological […]

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, ecology, sustainability sciences

Builds an online decision-support tool that shows the true economic and social value of restoring nature.

Topics: ecological restoration, economics, ecosystems, governance, natural resources management

Develops economic models to measure the real costs, benefits and social impacts of restoring nature across Europe.

Topics: ecological restoration, ecologicaleconomics, economics, governance, natural resources management

Tests fairer, results-based ways to pay farmers for the environmental services their land provides.

Topics: agriculture, ecologicaleconomics, governance, public policies, sustainable agriculture

Develops and tests eco-design methods and AI tools to make footwear more durable, recyclable and sustainable.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, business models, engineering and technology, environmental sciences, sustainability sciences

Builds a platform to detect, monitor and reduce pollutants like microplastics and PFAS in food and drink production.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, Food, pollution

Turns war-damaged land and rubble in Ukraine into resources for green, community-led reconstruction.

Topics: biomaterials, civil society, ecological restoration, natural resources management, sustainability sciences

Studies how to make farming a more attractive career and builds tools to help more young people enter the profession.

Topics: agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, civil society, social science, sociology

Co-creates affordable digital farming tools tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized farms.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, data science, innovation management, sustainable agriculture

Converts captured industrial CO2 into food-grade proteins and ingredients through fermentation, cutting reliance on farmland.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biomolecules, Food, industrial biotechnology, sustainability sciences

Digitalises fisheries monitoring using AI, satellite tracking and DNA testing to catch illegal fishing practices.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, data science, fisheries, governance, satellite technology

Works with farmers across five regions to co-design and test practical biodiversity restoration methods for farmland.

Topics: agriculture, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, governance, sustainable agriculture

Develops future-proof technologies for controlled-environment farming (greenhouses, vertical farms) to grow healthier food sustainably.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, environmental engineering, sustainable agriculture

LOODTRAIN aims to advance transformative floodplain restoration by transferring knowledge between science and practice and offering a certified curriculum to restoration managers.

Topics: agriculture, ecosystems, social issues

Food systems are crucial to reduce hunger, but they are also causing increasingly severe damage to the environment and human health. The ERC project FLORA will provide essential evidence to identify and implement the necessary shifts in practices and behaviours to transform global agri-food production, trade and consumption towards sustainable and healthy food systems. The […]

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, agriculture forestry and fisheries, earth and related environmental sciences, ecohydrology, economics, economics and business, engineering and technology, environmental engineering, hydrology, natural resources management, natural sciences, social sciences, sustainability sciences, sustainable agriculture, sustainable economy

Restores flood-damaged ecosystems using nature-based methods to remove complex mixtures of pollutants from water and soil.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, environmental engineering, hydrology, pollution

Develops practical tools and campaigns to help people, businesses and cities actually adopt circular food habits.

Topics: business models, Food, social science, sociology, sustainability sciences

FORESTPOLICY examines whether company policies to stop sourcing products associated with deforestation have helped to slow forest clearing and encourage restoration.

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, governance, natural sciences, social sciences, sociology

FutureNature shifts the focus from minimising impacts to maximising contributions of translocated species to novel ecosystems by studying the contribution of non-invasive alien species to ecosystem functioning.

Topics: big data, biodiversity conservation, biological sciences, computer and information sciences, data science, ecology, invasive species, natural sciences

There is a worldwide decline in wild species and ecosystems. However, we can reverse biodiversity loss by addressing consumption patterns and values, as well as leveraging digitalisation and emerging technologies. The EU-funded GoDigiBioS project aims to promote positive changes in biodiversity using new digital and emerging technologies to help reverse this decline. The project will […]

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, governance, natural sciences, social sciences, sociology

GoNaturePositive! seeks to pave the way for a nature-positive economy (NPE), through transdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement related to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Nature-based Enterprises (NBEs).

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture forestry and fisheries, astronomy, biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, forestry, governance, natural sciences, physical sciences, planetary sciences, planets, social sciences, sociology

Connects farmers, industry and researchers to better manage and reward the environmental benefits of grass-based livestock farming.

Topics: agriculture, ecosystems, natural resources management, sociology, sustainable agriculture

Studies Europe's grasslands to develop tools helping farmers manage them for both food and environmental benefits.

Topics: agriculture, ecosystems, governance, natural resources management, sustainable agriculture

Develops standardised rules for measuring the environmental footprint of home textiles and foam products.

Topics: business models, economics and business, environmental engineering, governance, sustainability sciences

Studies how mixtures of chemical pollutants and climate stress harm marine ecosystems and human health.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biological sciences, environmental sciences, governance, pollution

Uses storytelling, art and evidence to change how the public sees farming and make it a more attractive career.

Topics: agriculture, civil society, humanities, social science, sociology

Builds regional hubs that turn bio-based and construction waste into new building materials.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, biomaterials, business models, environmental engineering, governance

ICE BRIDGE will contribute to transformative governance change, providing policy recommendations that align Arctic climate interventions with the Convention on Biological Diversity and EU strategies.

Topics: ecosystems, governance

Build a comprehensive global database on plant invasions, integrating ecological, social and economic information.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, biomass, forestry

Strengthens the global system that tracks greenhouse gas sources and sinks to support better climate decisions.

Topics: data science, earth and related environmental sciences, governance, pollution, public policies

Solar energy is a key pillar of Europe’s climate mitigation strategy, but its rapid expansion is transforming rural landscapes where biodiversity, agriculture, and cultural heritage intersect.

Topics: ecologicaleconomics, economics, ecosystems

LAND-POLICY sheds light into the causal impacts of public policies on land conditions, comparing their cost-benefit ratios, and identifying factors influencing their performance.

Topics: computer and information sciences, databases, earth and related environmental sciences, ecology, economics, economics and business, ecosystems, environmental sciences, natural sciences, political policies, political sciences, pollution biological sciences, production economics, productivity, public policies, social sciences

Helps African countries produce their own therapeutic and supplementary foods locally to treat child malnutrition.

Topics: agricultural sciences, Food, human rights, public policies, social issues

LEVER aims to develop and implement a theory and practice that supports the production of transformational knowledge.

Topics: earth and related environmental sciences, environmental sciences, natural sciences

Studies how coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass work together as connected ecosystems to guide better coastal protection.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, ecosystems, governance, natural resources management

MANANDNATURE creates a body of research on natural resource management and energy use in developing countries with a focus on forest and ocean conservation…

Topics: aerospace engineering, earth and related environmental sciences, economics, economics and business, engineering and technology, environmental sciences, mechanical engineering, natural sciences, pollution, production economics, productivity, satellite technology, social sciences, vehicle engineering

Develops trustworthy monitoring systems to verify whether ocean-based carbon removal actually works and is safe.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, ecology, environmental sciences, governance, public policies

Biodiversity and Offshore Wind: Understanding Transformative Impacts on Marine Ecosystems.

Topics: biological sciences, earth and related environmental sciences, ecology, economics and business, ecosystems, governance, natural sciences

Develops affordable sensors and methods to accurately measure farm-level methane and other harmful gas emissions.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, environmental engineering, pollution, public policies

Builds computer models to guide effective, climate-resilient restoration of Europe's marine habitats and species.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, ecosystems, environmental sciences, natural resources management

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a proven Nature-based Solution that can simultaneously support biodiversity recovery, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being through sustainable fisheries.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, fisheries

Transformative changes in societies’ relationships with nature are urgently needed to halt and reverse biodiversity decline, yet such change remains elusive. Biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change are interlinked challenges that are cross-scale, dynamic, and intertwined with societies that themselves are characterised by multiple understandings, values, interests, and needs. Existing governance approaches are failing to […]

Topics: biodiversity conservation, governance

N-EXTLAW tackles the current extractive economic model proven to have enormous destructive impacts on both the environment and society.

Topics: law, social sciences

Builds flexible ecological models to help EU countries design better national plans for restoring nature.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, ecology, governance, natural resources management

Nature-based solutions are interventions designed to use the properties of nature to address multiple sustainability challenges. As they are increasingly used across cities and their surrounding rural and coastal areas, our landscapes are changing. The focus of the NATURESCAPES project is nature-based solutions from a landscape perspective. We are exploring how this is happening and […]

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, governance, human rights, law, natural sciences, social sciences, sociology

Measures the full social, economic and ecological benefits of restoring nature to support smarter restoration decisions.

Topics: ecological restoration, ecologicaleconomics, economics, ecosystems, governance

NetworkNature platform can help you understand how working with nature can address real world challenges.

Topics: business and management, business models, economics and business, innovation management, social sciences

Builds a tiered, next-generation network combining genetics, satellites and field data to track biodiversity across Europe.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, data science, ecology, governance, satellite technology

Develops locally sourced, non-dairy therapeutic foods to treat and prevent child malnutrition more sustainably.

Topics: agricultural sciences, Food, human rights, proteins, public policies

AI and Earth observation platform delivering water-related intelligence to support EU and global water and biodiversity policy.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, ecosystem-based management, hydrology, public policies, satellite technology

Uses advanced climate models to predict tipping points in ocean systems and their impact on marine life and society.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, earth and related environmental sciences, ecosystems, environmental sciences, governance

Investigates emerging threats to deep and open ocean ecosystems to guide safer, science-based ocean management.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecology, ecosystems, environmental sciences, governance

Uses AI and digital tools to discover new marine-derived compounds for sustainable cosmetic ingredients.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biodiversity conservation, biological sciences, biomolecules, industrial biotechnology

Forest restoration and agroforestry are key nature-based solutions to biodiversity loss, climate change, and declining rural livelihoods. In the Albertine Rift of Central and East Africa – a global biodiversity hotspot – forest plantations have largely relied on a few exotic tree species, leading to landscape homogenisation, reduced ecosystem resilience, and limited benefits for biodiversity […]

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, forestry

Builds AI-powered tools that make it easier for companies to measure and reduce their products' environmental footprint.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, business models, environmental engineering, governance, sustainability sciences

AI-driven bioproduction platform that replaces wild-harvested natural ingredients with sustainable, fermentation-made alternatives for cosmetics, food and pharma.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, biodiversity conservation, biomolecules, industrial biotechnology

PaCE will bring together a transnational and interdisciplinary group of researchers with Southeast Asia geographical expertise, to assess the ecological and socio-economic impacts of geopolitical conflict in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea on biodiversity, regional trade systems, and the livelihoods of coastal and neighbouring communities.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, social issues

Uses AI to speed up development of sustainable, cellulose-based flexible packaging as an alternative to plastic.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biomaterials, engineering and technology, industrial biotechnology, sustainability sciences

European wetlands are of high ecological value for societies. At the same time, they are increasingly under threat.

Topics: governance

Biodiversity loss and increasing human-wildlife interactions are among the most pressing challenges in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Topics: ecology, economics and business, ecosystems, governance, sociology

Develops a data-driven platform to help authorities predict and manage plant pest outbreaks more effectively.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, data science, public policies, sustainable agriculture

Understanding Plural values, intersectionality, Leverage points, Attitudes, Norms, behaviour and social lEarning in Transformation for Biodiversity decision making.

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems

Despite ambitious global commitments to halt biodiversity loss, conservation efforts often struggle to deliver equitable and lasting outcomes.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecology

A Danish EU Presidency event exploring how bioeconomy and governance can support food systems and biodiversity together.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Food, governance, public policies

Coastal ecosystems face escalating threats from biodiversity loss, endangering communities reliant on their resources. Human activities such as pollution and overfishing exacerbate these challenges, jeopardising the delicate balance of marine life. As coastal populations bear the brunt of these impacts, urgent action is imperative to safeguard both livelihoods and biodiversity. In response, the EU-funded PRO-COAST […]

Topics: biological sciences, civil society, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences, political policies, political sciences, social sciences

Every month, governments around the world gather to make important decisions to solve global environmental problems. However, their decisions often lead to new, and sometimes even more chronic and severe, environmental problems – what is known as global environmental problem-shifting. With over 800 international environmental treaties in force, the scale and complexity of environmental problem-shifting […]

Topics: governance, law, social sciences, sociology

Develops European plant-protein sources to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen farm resilience.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural sciences, agriculture, proteins, sustainable agriculture

The Pro-Coast project is about the riches of nature (biodiversity) in European coastal ecosystems. Around 40% of Europeans live within 100km of the coast, where there is continuing loss of natural services that provide food, water, health and recreation.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, ecology

This project pursues the development and testing of a novel production system that transforms predominantly monocultured rice (Oryza sativa) paddies into multifunctional sustainable ecosystems.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural sciences, agriculture, Agriculture and Environment, ecosystems

Develops resilient, high-protein European crop varieties to reduce reliance on imported soybean for animal feed.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural sciences, agriculture, proteins, sustainable agriculture

Studies pollution in the food and drink industry and demonstrates better ways to detect and reduce it.

Topics: environmental engineering, environmental sciences, Food, pollution, public policies

RAINFOREST contributes to enabling, upscaling and accelerating transformative change to reduce biodiversity impact of food and biomass value chains.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, agriculture forestry and fisheries, ecosystems, forestry, forestry and fisheries, governance

The first core objective of Regreening Africa is to scale-up evergreen agriculture, using locally appropriate techniques including Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration, tree planting and other forms of agroforestry and complementary sustainable land management interventions. The second core objective of the program focuses on strategic decision making for scaling which entails working across the eight countries to […]

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, forestry

The overall objective of RECON is to foster biodiversity conservation through systemic societal transformation driven by nature reconnection.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, governance, social sciences

This project aims to deliver interdisciplinary insights into how past, present, and future depopulation processes across Europe affect biodiversity.

Topics: biodiversity conservation

Strengthens the global network monitoring gases that damage the ozone layer, supporting the Montreal Protocol.

Topics: earth and related environmental sciences, governance, political policies, pollution, public policies

Develops new economic models that value nature not just for money, but for wellbeing, culture and community resilience.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecologicaleconomics, governance, social science, sociology

Develops a bio- and nature-based platform to clean up sites contaminated with 'forever chemicals' (PFAS).

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, environmental engineering, pollution

Studies demographic decline in rural Europe and co-designs local strategies to help communities adapt and thrive.

Topics: governance, humanities, social issues, social science, sociology

Resilience investigates how ecosystems’ tipping points can be prevented through structural processes and spatial patterns.

Topics: agricultural sciences, Agriculture and Environment, ecosystems, sustainable agriculture

Builds better computer models to guide the restoration of forests, wetlands and grasslands across Europe.

Topics: ecological restoration, ecology, ecosystems, governance, natural resources management

Scales up payment schemes that reward farmers for delivering environmental benefits like biodiversity and clean water.

Topics: agriculture, economics, governance, public policies, sustainable agriculture

REWILDING is an environmental anthropological project contributing to the budding field of environmental humanities. It focuses on the shifting entanglements between people, flora, and fauna in the worlds largest conservation landscape, the southern African Kavango-Zambezi Transboundary Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).

Topics: biological sciences, ecological restoration, ecology, ecosystem-based management, ecosystems, engineering and technology, environmental engineering, natural sciences

Research on Indigenous Data Governance Protocols

Topics: governance, social sciences, sociology

Supports community kitchens that combine local food sourcing with care for people facing food insecurity.

Topics: civil society, Food, social issues, sociology, sustainable agriculture

Develops innovation pathways to help rural European regions cope with population decline and climate pressures together.

Topics: governance, humanities, social issues, sociology, transformation

Combines genetics, environment and management to breed cattle and sheep that cope better with climate change.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural sciences, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture

Studies rural housing problems and develops practical, community-based solutions for affordable, resilient homes.

Topics: civil society, governance, humanities, social issues, sociology

Studies ocean acidification's effects on marine life and develops tools to help societies adapt.

Topics: earth and related environmental sciences, ecosystems, environmental sciences, governance, public policies

Tracks complex mixtures of marine pollutants across four ocean regions and studies their impact on health and fisheries.

Topics: biological sciences, data science, environmental sciences, governance, pollution

The global decline of marine biodiversity due to human-related pressures, especially pollution, climate change, and overfishing, is our time’s critical emergency.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, biological sciences, ecosystems

Develops an early-warning system combining sensors, AI and new treatments to detect and control crop diseases.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Food, sustainable agriculture

Uses genetics and low-cost technology to breed sheep that better withstand rising temperatures.

Topics: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural sciences, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, data science

The SKETCH project focuses on empowering Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to protect coastal ecosystems through equitable, interdisciplinary conservation strategies.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, ecosystems, social sciences, transformation

Builds digital 'twin' models of villages to help rural communities plan for climate risks and access funding.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, governance, natural resources management, sociology, sustainability sciences

Rapid increases in food production to meet the growing needs of a growing population worldwide is resulting in water and land scarcity.

Topics: astronomy, biochemistry, biological sciences, biomolecules, natural sciences, planetary sciences, planets, proteins

Explores alternative economic models — beyond constant growth — that could better protect biodiversity and social equity.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, degrowth, ecologicaleconomics, governance, social science

Develops and tests measurable design criteria to make textiles and footwear more sustainable and repairable.

Topics: business models, engineering and technology, environmental engineering, governance, sustainability sciences

Analyses and improves farmers' negotiating power within EU food supply chains.

Topics: agriculture, commerce, economics and business, governance, social science

Connects and strengthens existing European bioeconomy networks to boost collaboration and investment.

Topics: Bioeconomy Natural Resources, business and management, governance, innovation management, sustainability sciences

With the world facing a looming polycrisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and growing inequalities, there is an urgent need to enable societal transformation for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people (NCPs).

Topics: ecology, social sciences

Our global economy is intrinsically dependent on nature, and at the same time is playing a major role in its degradation.

Topics: biological sciences, computer and information sciences, databases, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

Builds shared, science-based tools to assess the environmental impact of crops used in bio-based industries.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, databases, environmental sciences, sustainability sciences

Builds a coordinated observation network to monitor the Southern Ocean's role in regulating global climate.

Topics: earth and related environmental sciences, ecosystems, environmental sciences, governance, satellite technology

Agricultural biodiversity includes all wild and domesticated forms of life found on farms – from plants and animals to soil organisms, pests and pollinators.

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, governance, history, history and archaeology, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, sociology

Creates digital replicas of rural areas to help communities and planners design better strategies for agriculture and forestry.

Topics: agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, forestry, governance, sociology

Builds a decision-support tool to help balance competing uses of land and sea, like food, energy and nature protection.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, ecologicaleconomics, ecosystems, governance, natural resources management

Builds a scalable, EU-wide digital system for identifying and classifying species (taxonomy) to support nature policy.

Topics: biological sciences, data science, databases, governance, natural sciences

Builds a coordinated system connecting everyday citizens to biodiversity monitoring efforts across Europe.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, civil society, ecosystems, governance, social science

Sandy beaches, from the surf zone to the dunes, connect land and sea. They support unique biodiversity and provide benefits people rely on, including recreation and tourism, coastal protection, and fisheries. Yet management often prioritises appearance and short-term convenience, which can degrade habitats and accelerate biodiversity loss.

Topics: ecologicaleconomics, economics and business, ecosystems

Develops AI-powered tools that tell farmers what will still grow well on their land as the climate shifts.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, earth and related environmental sciences, public policies

Develops a real-time monitoring system to accurately track and report farm-level methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

Topics: agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, data science, pollution, public policies

Small-scale fisheries represent a significant source of food and livelihood for millions globally. In developing countries, they also play a central role in poverty eradication. To understand the cultural and economic significance of Latin American small-scale fisheries requires the engagement of archaeology and history. The EU-funded TRADITION project will investigate a 4 000-year-old record of […]

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, agriculture forestry and fisheries, archaeology, fisheries, history, history and archaeology, humanities

One way to adapt to the impacts of climate change and slow further warming is to work with nature in its capacity to restore and protect ecosystems. Nature-based solutions (NBSs) is an umbrella term that covers different approaches, spanning ecosystem-based management, sustainable forest management and blue-green infrastructure. In this context, the EU-funded TRANS-lighthouses project will […]

Topics: Agriculture and Environment, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, ecology, ecosystems, Food

As the world accelerates the shift to renewable energy to combat climate change, biodiversity loss remains an often-overlooked risk.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, biological sciences, governance

Translitigate is an EU-funded (ERC Starting Grant 2021) multidisciplinary research project that aims to how transnational collaboration networks contributes to environmental litigation.

Topics: earth and related environmental sciences, environmental sciences, governance, law, natural sciences, pollution, social sciences, sociology

The global biodiversity and climate crises cannot be solved in isolation or by merely ramping up what is already being done.

Topics: biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

TwinPolitics seeks to address concerns surrounding the socio-technical aspects of the creation of a digital twin of the ocean (DTO), which is leveraged by the European Commission.

Topics: governance, social sciences, sociology

Urban sites can implement green infrastructures to encourage food production, promote air quality and temperature, and reduce environmental impact.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, agriculture forestry and fisheries

Sets up city-based living labs where citizens co-design healthier, more sustainable local food systems.

Topics: civil society, Food, governance, sociology, sustainable agriculture

Urbanization of the sea: assessing and managing the impact of Offshore Wind developments on open ocean biodiversity (SE, NO, DK, BE, DE, IT)

Topics: ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

Transform urban flowerbeds for future: sustainable use and pollinator conservation (FR, DE, ES, CH)

Topics: agricultural sciences, ecosystems, natural sciences

Combines sensors, AI and citizen data to give cities real-time information on air pollution for better decisions.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, data science, environmental engineering, pollution, public policies

WaterSmartLand tackles the significant threat posed to water bodies, as nutrient run-off from intensive farming practices and increased fertiliser use degrades water quality, by pinpointing high-risk areas and proposing targeted solutions.

Topics: agricultural sciences, agriculture, agriculture forestry and fisheries, biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, natural sciences

WildHarvest, through transdisciplinary action research and strong science-practitioner partnerships, will empower indigenous knowledge holders in two highly diverse biomes, the Cape Floristic Region and Dry savanna woodlands.

Topics: ecologicaleconomics, ecology, economics, ecosystems, sustainable economy

Bearded fireWORM invaSiOn: UnderwaTer monitoring, biodiversity and social impacts, PotentiaL indUstrial application and mitigation Strategies.

Topics: ecological restoration, ecology, ecosystems, fisheries