In October 2021, Biodiversa+ launched its BiodivProtect call on “Supporting the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems across land and sea”. The call – aiming at supporting 3-years transnational research projects – was co-funded by the European Commission and addressed the three (non-exclusive) themes below:
- Knowledge for identifying priority conservation areas, establishing effective and resilient ecological networks, enhancing species-based protection and preserving genetic diversity.
- Multiple benefits and costs of biodiversity and ecosystem protection: synergies and trade-offs
- Effective management and equitable governance to deliver bold conservation outcome.
Out of 106 proposals, only 36 research projects have been selected for funding by the Biodiversa+ Call Steering Committee, with SponBIODIV being amongst them. SponBIODIV is anchored on the establishment of a trans-European and pan-Atlantic network of research organizations that will engage with key stakeholders to support evidence-based policies for management, conservation, and restoration of marine biodiversity (sponges), from coastal areas to mesophotic and deep-sea ecosystems, and will run for 3 years, starting April 2023. For more information on the call and its awardees, visit: https://www.biodiversa.eu/2022/10/07/2021-2022-joint-call/
