The Ministry of Environment and Water has published a public call for applications under the HORIZON EUROPE Program. The new funding opportunities are related to innovative actions for protection and improvement of the blue nature capital of Bulgaria and the European Union. The purpose of the funding is to support the implementation of the Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. By identifying needs, sharing innovations, and transferring knowledge and solutions between initiatives to create well-managed marine protected areas, the aim is the creation, expansion, and protection of healthy marine and coastal ecosystems.

The call for funding covers projects in five main areas. The conditions for application are published on the website of the Ministry at:

https://www.moew.government.bg/bg/priroda/aktualni-suobsteniya/.

Applicants are expected to focus on marine biodiversity hotspots and allow ecological corridors leading to a sustainable blue trans-European natural network, as well as offer to encourage and support investment in nature-friendly infrastructure.

The deadline for project proposal submission is April 12, 2022.