HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-01:Large-scale demonstration for mapping the distribution and condition of marine habitats to implement the Nature Restoration Regulation

This topic aims at directly engaging and supporting relevant public authorities with mapping at large scale the conditions of marine habitats needed for implementing the Nature Restoration Regulation and for achieving one or several objectives of the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters 

Objectives: 

Expected outcomes from projects are:  

• Member States gain capacity and access to validated solutions for completing the mapping of distribution and condition of coastal and marine habitats listed in Annex II of the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) in waters under their jurisdiction, fulfilling obligations under Article 5 of the NRR within required deadlines, and obligations under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and Birds and Habitats Directive (BHD); 
• Substantial areas of habitats are mapped and their condition assessed, with priority given to Groups 1-6 of Annex II, followed by Group 7 of Annex II, in line with applicable deadlines 
• Member States have enhanced capacity to determine priority areas for restoring marine habitats and to prepare, update and implement their national restoration plans under the NRR, while contributing to implementation of marine strategies under the MSFD and obligations under the BHD. 

Successful applicants will be required to: 

• Leverage the best available operational knowledge, technologies and tools from previous EU projects to address gaps in marine habitat monitoring and mapping capabilities across the 22 coastal Member States;
• Test and demonstrate cost-effective methods for large-scale mapping and monitoring of EUNIS marine habitats covered by the NRR, prioritising Groups 1-6 in Annex II followed by Group 7;
• Implement demonstration activities in at least 4 large areas within one Mission basin-scale lighthouse, showing scalability and replicability while filling geographical coverage gaps;
• Develop a blueprint with national authorities for upscaling demonstrated approaches and enhancing Member State capacity for mapping and monitoring systems;
• Contribute to data collection and sharing through EMODnet and support the Digital Twin Ocean;
• Engage at least 4 'associated regions' to demonstrate solution effectiveness and provide technical assistance for capacity building and implementation.  

Eligible applicants: 

The conditions are described in General Annex B. The following exceptions apply: 

If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used). 

Budget: 

The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 31.00 million, with four projects to be funded under this topic. The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of between EUR 7.00 and 7.75 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts. 

Duration: 

The project is expected to start in early 2026, following grant agreement preparation, and should typically run for a duration of 3 to 4 years, depending on the scope of the proposed work. 

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