Applications for project funding in 2024 – biodiversity

The assessment of which projects receive funding is based on annual priorities. In 2024, NBM will prioritise applications from projects working towards the new biodiversity targets, as well as projects dealing with nature and wildlife crime, the sustainable use of existing buildings, forestry and consideration of cultural environments/nature.

Applications that fall within the scope of NBM’s remit but outside of these priorities may also be considered. Where relevant, applicants are encouraged to build on the foundation of previous projects funded by NBM or other working groups.

In terms of biodiversity, NBM has two main focus areas for 2024: the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework Agreement in a Nordic perspective; and nature, wildlife crime and biosecurity.

• The Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework Agreement in a Nordic perspective: In 2024, NBM will prioritise projects that help the Nordic Region meet the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s new targets, as specified in the Kunming-Montreal Framework Agreement. The projects can have either a broad or specific approach to this criterion. They may be centred on subject-specific issues and issues relevant to public administration or address political challenges of particular Nordic relevance. Applications that clearly and directly refer to the Kunming-Montreal Agreement will be prioritised.

• Nature, wildlife crime and biosecurity: NBM wishes to expand the knowledge base relating to the negative impacts on biodiversity, including, for example, Nordic cross-border challenges such as invasive species and nature and wildlife crime. Within these themes, NBM will prioritise projects that have either clear relevance to public administration or a specific focus on the dissemination of information.

In terms of the cultural environment, in 2024, NBM will focus on forestry and the sustainable use of existing heritage buildings.

• Sustainable use of existing heritage buildings rather than new construction – climate considerations: In 2024, NBM wishes to expand the knowledge base relating to how refurbishing, rehabilitating and reusing existing buildings (and building materials) can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preserving cultural-environment values.   The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes that the construction sector has great potential for greenhouse gas reduction. Important work therefore needs to be done as the sector transitions to a more circular, climate-friendly economy. This will requires the development of new knowledge, practices and climate-friendly materials. The continued use and adapted reuse of existing heritage buildings also help cut greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector. Innovation must therefore be combined with traditional materials, methods and craftsmanship. Priority will be given to projects that focus on Nordic experiences of instruments, regulations and best practices aimed at promoting the continued use and reuse of existing buildings and parts thereof. In addition, priority will be given to projects that focus on how the use and reuse of existing buildings and parts of buildings can promote distinctive architecture, historical context and place identity.

• Forestry and consideration for cultural environments and nature In 2024, NBM wishes to gather knowledge about the forestry industry’s management of biodiversity and cultural heritage. This includes investigating the existing regulations and how they are implemented and expanding the knowledge base relating to biodiversity and cultural heritage, including the forestry industry’s impact on these areas. All initiatives that involve depleting or interfering with the forest’s soil surface can exacerbate the damage or destruction of biodiversity and cultural heritage. This may be due to planned initiatives such as forest vehicle roads, felling sites, drainage ditches, soil preparation, or damage to roads as a result of felling trees.  Climate change poses additional challenges, as warmer winters and wetter summers heighten the risk of damage to and/or loss of biodiversity and cultural heritage caused by heavy vehicles. In order to share experiences between the Nordic countries, it is necessary to review the existing instruments and regulations and how they are applied in the various countries. The same applies to national practice and guidance on working together. NBM prioritises projects that highlight gaps, challenges and good practices, so that the countries can build on each other’s knowledge. Projects should also be able to provide recommendations or solutions based on new technology and mapping tools, new and improved forestry practices and training-based skills enhancement.

Applications should be submitted to NBM@us.fo by Friday, 9 June 2023.

• a signed copy of the application in PDF format
• a copy of the application in Word.

Only the application form should be submitted. By applying, you consent to Umhvørvisstovan (The Environment Agency of the Faroe Islands) and the Nordic Council of Ministers processing the application and any personal data in the application electronically.

Application form:

Local, regional or national authorities, universities and colleges, research institutes, and other non-profit organisations are eligible to apply for funding. Although businesses may not be the main applicants and recipients of funding, they may, for example, be included as project participants, participate in the project group, or work on the project on behalf of the project owner.

At least three Nordic countries must be represented in the project, or two Nordic countries if the third country is Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania. Additional countries may also participate.

Funding is available in the following countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Åland.

In processing applications, NBM will look in particular at whether the project:

• is well organised;
• has a balanced budget;
• is well rooted in national natural and cultural heritage administrative bodies;
• communicates project activities and results in an active and preferably innovative manner;
• is related to the Nordic countries’ input in international processes;
• contributes to increased knowledge of the topic in a Nordic context and/or has transfer value;
• builds on the knowledge gained from Nordic projects in recent years; and
• seeks co-operation/co-financing with other relevant working groups. 

NBM only grants funding for one year at a time.

Funding is not provided for research projects. Research projects must apply to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Department for Education, Research and the Labour Market or directly to NordForsk or the Nordic Innovation Centre.

For further information, please contact:

• NBM Coordinator Fía Niclasen, fian@us.fo +298 23 43 41
• NBM Chair Hákon Ásgeirsson, hakon.asgeirsson@ust.is

Please also read the funding guidelines relating to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ co-operation on the environment and climate: