BESTLIFE2030 launches its third call for proposals

We are pleased to announce that the third BESTLIFE2030 call for proposals is now open, providing new funding for locally led biodiversity conservation across Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. Initiatives can submit their proposal until 8 December 2026.

Header photo: Children planting mangrove trees © Sabine Engel

The third BESTLIFE2030 call for proposals comes at a significant moment for the EU’s outermost regions and Overseas Countries and Territories, as the European Union strengthens its strategic approach to these territories and their resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable development priorities. Within this evolving policy landscape, BESTLIFE2030 provides a practical mechanism for turning broader priorities for biodiversity and resilience into locally led action.

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

IUCN NL is the regional hub and focal point for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. The BESTLIFE2030 programme provides funding for nature conservation and restoration initiatives in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. These islands have a high biodiversity, but are among the places that are the most vulnerable to climate change and 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.

Following the first two calls, IUCN NL has been responsible for supporting eightteen BESTLIFE2030 projects on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten. These include projects that focus on preventing and combating invasive species and erosion, establishing marine protected areas, restoring coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests, and actively protecting sea turtle nesting beaches.

Building on what works

The third call builds on the experience and lessons generated across the BESTLIFE2030 portfolio. It seeks projects that can deliver tangible, measurable, and sustainable conservation outcomes, while making effective use of existing knowledge, experience, and approaches. This includes adapting, scaling up or replicating approaches that have demonstrated their value, where relevant.

Projects should respond to clearly identified biodiversity needs and establish a clear connection between the challenges identified, the activities proposed and the conservation results they expect to achieve.

Who should apply?

The third call is open to eligible applicants seeking to implement biodiversity conservation projects in in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten.

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: we facilitate capacity-building opportunities through our regional hubs, providing tailored support to maximise your project’s success. 

The deadline for submitting your concept note is the 8th of December 2026.

We encourage you to start preparing early and allow sufficient time to complete the eligibility stage and prepare your proposal.

Guidance and support

The guidelines for applicants, available in English and French, provide detailed information on the call and application process. Additional resources and guidance are available on the BESTLIFE2030 website.

BESTLIFE2030’s regional hubs can also provide guidance to prospective applicants during the application period.