Strategic Nature Projects (two-stage)

Objective

Support the full implementation of the following plans and strategies:

• The Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) under Article 8 of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC)
• National restoration plans under Article 14 of the Nature Restoration Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991)
• Other plans or strategies adopted at international, national, regional or multi-regional level by nature and biodiversity authorities, intrinsically linked to the implementation of EU nature and biodiversity policy or legislation (biodiversity strategy, pollinators initiative, Invasive Alien Species Regulation) and which include specific measurable actions or targets with a clear timeline and budget

Areas of intervention

A SNaP must include strategic actions to catalyse a process and mobilise supplementary commitments and funding leading to full implementation of the plan. Eligible activities include:

• Institutional support and capacity-building actions
• Mobilisation and coordination of additional finance for complementary actions, in particular from other EU funding instruments and programmes
• Concrete conservation and restoration measures, particularly where these cannot be supported through other EU funding programmes
• Working to change the rules of other funds or to adapt other policies and actions that might be impeding the success of the targeted plan or strategy

What this means for cities and regions

The flagship vehicle for nature and biodiversity authorities implementing PAFs, national restoration plans, or major biodiversity strategies. The €75M topic budget funds 3–5 projects of €10–30 million each over 5–10 years — the largest budget envelope in LIFE 2026. The authority responsible for the targeted plan or strategy must lead the consortium. Regional protected-area managers, environment ministries and biodiversity agencies typically coordinate, with municipalities, NGOs and research bodies as partners. Co-financing 60%, with a higher rate available in some cases for priority habitats under the Habitats Directive.