BESTLIFE2030 Call for Proposals: Empowering conservation action in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands 

We are pleased to announce the second Call for Proposals under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme. This is more than just a funding opportunity—it’s a call to action for initiatives that will deliver tangible conservation results in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. Initiatives that directly address local biodiversity challenges can submit their proposal until 30 May 2025. 

Headerphoto: A diver and research submarine in the Caribbean Sea © Queen Conch hatchery 

The Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands harbours a rich biodiversity including coral reefs, wet and dry tropical forest and scrublands, salt panes, mangroves and sea grass. The region’s biodiversity is phasing multiple threats including soil erosion, excess nutrients due to poor waste water management, climate change impacts and a variety of invasive alien plant and animal species, including feral cats, goats and donkeys. 

So far, the EU funded BESTLIFE2030 Programme disbursed 551.163 euros to six nature conservation projects in Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Curaçao and Bonaire. The initiatives granted range from supporting the reintroduction of the endangered queen conch – a keystone species which controls algae growth on coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems –, to strengthening law enforcement to safeguard the unique nature of Klein Bonaire. And from introducing syntropic farming methods on Sint Eustatius offering a sustainable alternative for unsustainable livestock practices, to combating soil erosion and increasing the protection of sharks and rays around Sint Maarten.  

Building on the momentum of efforts like this, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme seeks to fund additional local initiatives that provide practical, scalable solutions benefiting both ecosystems and communities.  

Nature conservation in the European Union’s overseas countries and territories 

The BESTLIFE2030programme provides funding for nature conservation and restoration initiatives in the European Union’s overseas countries and territories, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. Many of the overseas territories are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are exposed to numerous environmental pressures. In these areas Bestlife2030 aims to contribute to the goals of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 by helping to stop and reverse the loss of biodiversity. 

Europe’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories hold over 80% of Europe’s biodiversity. These unique and fragile ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change, invasive alien species, habitat loss, and overexploitation. The Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 3 calls for the protection of 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, and marine areas by 2030. By supporting community-driven conservation efforts, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme plays a pivotal role in helping EU countries meet this commitment and drive impactful, lasting change.  

Why should you apply?  

• Support biodiversity hotspots: Your initiative will help protect ecosystems that are home to rare and endangered species, from marine habitats to rainforests.  

• Deliver tangible results: We seek initiatives with clear, actionable plans that lead to measurable conservation outcomes, such as habitat restoration and species conservation.   

• Scale-up impact: Funding will help expand successful conservation models or develop innovative approaches that can be replicated elsewhere.  

To further strengthen conservation efforts, we are broadening the Programme’s reach by bringing territorial governments into the fold. By co-applying with local actors, these partnerships can foster stronger collaborations, help create synergies across sectors and enhance capacity strengthening. This approach fosters more efficient use of resources, long-term sustainability, and meaningful change at local and regional levels.  

We strongly encourage applications for sites located within Ecologically Sensitive Areas, such as Protected and Conserved Areas, Natura 2000 sites, Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Ramsar Sites, World Heritage Sites, Green Listed Sites or Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). By targeting these crucial ecosystems, your initiative will contribute directly to the 30×30 goal—ensuring at least 30% of the planet is effectively conserved by 2030.  

What we are looking for:  

• Initiatives that directly address local biodiversity challenges through hands-on conservation actions. Initiatives that build upon or enhance existing conservation efforts, including those supported by previous BEST initiatives, the first BESTLIFE2030 Call for Proposals, or other LIFE Programme projects. We can facilitate direct contact with these existing projects upon request.   

• Proposals with clearly defined goals aligned with BEST indicators to effectively track progress and measure success.  

What we offer:  

• Guidelines and resources to help you craft a strong proposal, available on the BESTLIFE2030 website.  

• Capacity-building opportunities through our regional hubs, providing tailored support to maximise your project’s success.  

The deadline for submitting your proposal is the 30^th of May 2025. We encourage you to start preparing early and take full advantage of the support and resources available to you.