Articles

Systemic circular solutions for a sustainable tourism | Deadline 22 February 2024

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Deadline: 22 February 2024
Budget: ‘€10.000.000 (allocation per project: 5.000.000)
Countries: Algeria,France, Italy, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia
More information: dedicated funding page from the European Commission

Scope

Proposals are expected to implement and demonstrate circular systemic solutions at the level of cities and regions, and include several sectors providing services for visitors and residents such as hospitality, transportation, culture, attractions, nature-based activities.

Tourism can consume large quantities of energy, water, and plastics, which degrade the environmental quality of destinations and ecosystems, affecting the lives of residents. Circular tourism should consider waste and water management, batteries and vehicles, electronics and ICT, packaging, plastics, construction and buildings, GHG emissions of local and long-distance mobility, accommodation and food services.

Proposals should address at least one of these above mentioned sectors.

The complexity of tourism ecosystem lies in the fact that industry is deeply interlinked with and dependent on multiple key resource and commodity chains. Travel and tourism actors can both act as enablers of circularity in a wider economic context, and at the same time benefit from circularity models in other industrial ecosystems. Proposals should develop and demonstrate new and circular business models and technological solutions to change the way tourism operates, enabling businesses and destinations to be sustainable. This includes developing systemic approaches that steer the behaviour of consumers, whether residents or citizens, towards circularity and makes them participate in circular practices.

The implemented circular systemic solutions should address economic, social and environmental dimensions of the transition towards circular tourism and include science, technology, behavioural and governance components. Proposals are expected to involve the relevant actors, which include public administrations, destination management organisations, private sector services and industries, citizens (residents and visitors), non-governmental organisations and new types of actors rising from collaborative economy platforms.

The development of systemic solutions needs to consider the costs of transition from the existing models into the new ones, analysing trade-offs and challenges related to their implementation and demonstration. As the tourism ecosystem is mostly composed of small actors, micro and SMEs, systemic solutions at the level of cities and regions should develop and test innovative and collaborative ways to create common objectives, targets and processes. The implementation of technologies such as AI, robotics, IoT and blockchain could also be considered in a context-sensitive manner. Proposals should however also investigate simple, low-cost and low-tech solutions. Projects should analyse the encountered obstacles and drivers and provide clear and precise policy recommendations for local authorities on how to improve circular tourism. Each circular systemic solution should address social, economic and environmental externalities and contribute to the well-being of the local communities while improving the circularity behaviour of the visitors.

The circular systemic solutions implemented and their business models should demonstrate a high replicability and scalability potential in order to contribute to the overall transition of tourism towards more sustainable and resilient practices. During their implementation and by the end of their lifecycle, the selected proposals are expected to prepare and share clear and comprehensive guidelines on the circular systemic solutions adopted, including their strengths and weaknesses experienced, mainly for the use of economic operators in the sector.

With regard to the territorial aspects of all proposed solutions, proposals should seek to contribute to the goals and cooperate with the services of the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). Joint activities with CCRI projects are encouraged.

Demonstration of sustainable wave energy farms | Deadline: 16 January 2024

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Deadline: 16 January 2024
Budget: €38.000.000
Countries: Algeria, France, Italy, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia
More information:   funding and tender opportunities portal by the European Commission 

Scope

Demonstration of sustainable wave energy pilot farms (minimum 2.0 MW installed capacity and at least 4 devices) in full operational conditions for long periods of time is essential to advance this sector. It is the way to bridge the gap from technology development to market development while reducing costs, reducing risks and attracting investors for future commercial projects. The farms should be composed of several devices of the same type.

The wave energy farms have to be connected to the electricity grid. To focus on the technologies with the greatest chances of success, the single wave energy device to be used in the array deployment is expected to be satisfactorily demonstrated at full scale before, with limited changes to incorporate the learnings. Any change on the wave energy device may be incremental but should not involve fundamental changes to the device design or composition. The innovation component should mainly lie on the pilot farm systems and supporting industrial manufacturing activities that enable a cost-effective and high-performance pilot farm. Where established, stage-gate processes can help ensure that this approach is followed.

The project is expected to deploy a wave energy farm with a minimum capacity of 2 MW and operate the farm at least 2 years in the lifetime of the project. After the project it is expected that the farm will continue to be operated for at least 8 years. The project should develop and execute an effective operation and maintenance programme.

Proposals are expected to address also all the following for both the supporting infrastructure for the farm and for the individual devices themselves:

  • Industrial design and manufacturing processes including set up of an industrial supply chain, circularity of (critical) raw materials, sustainability, scalability, installation methods, transport, operation & maintenance, supply chains and the related digital infrastructures.
  • Projects are requested to demonstrate the technologies at sea while respecting existing environmental regulatory framework. Necessary mitigation measures should be integrated to protect habitats and species. Present an environmental monitoring plan to be implemented during the demonstration action. Environmental monitoring data should be open source and be shared with EMODNET and the IEA OES environmental task.

The project has to include a clear go/no go moment ahead of entering the deployment phase. Before this go/no-go moment, the project has to deliver the detailed engineering plans, a techno-economic assessment, including key performance indicators based on international recognized metrics, a complete implementation plan and all needed permits for the deployment of the project., The project proposal is expected to present a clear and convincing pathway to obtaining necessary permits for the demonstration actions and allow for appropriate timelines to achieve these. The project is expected also to demonstrate how it will get a financial close for the whole action. For this the use of other EU/national/regional support mechanisms can be considered. Independent experts will assess all deliverables and will advise for the go/no-go decision.

The exploitation plans should include preliminary plans for scalability, commercialisation, and deployment (feasibility study, business plan, financial model) indicating the possible funding sources to be potentially used (in particular the Innovation Fund).

Data from the pilot structures should be collected to understand the performance and behaviour of the structure and the surrounding environmental condition to optimise the concept and understand the environmental impact of wave energy harvesting.

The selected projects are expected to contribute to the BRIDGE initiative[1], actively participate to its activities and allocate up to 2% of their budgets to that end. Additional contributions to the ‘Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation’ (AIOTI) and other relevant activities (e.g. clusters of digital projects and coordinating actions) might be considered, when relevant.

System approach for grid planning and upgrade in support of a dominant electric mobility (vehicles and vessels) using AI tools | Deadline: 10 October 2023

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Deadline: 10 October 2023
Budget: €11.000.000
Countries: Algeria,France, Italy, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia
More information: funding and tender opportunities portal by the European Commission 

Expected outcomes

  • AI-based prediction of most convenient locations that optimize grid resources and upgrades around recharging pools for EVs and electric HDVs.
  •  Developing of spatial mapping models and software tool for location decision-making with a comprehensive focus, including major highways, industrial zones (depot charging), urban nodes (e.g., for overnight charging) and less-densely populated areas.
  • Simulation, analysis, design, test and demonstration of smart and bidirectional charging schemes and their integration into flexibility markets that allow to minimise the impact on grid planning and connection of high-power recharging pools for recharging EVs, and especially HDVs on more cost-intensive locations, and that ensure benefits to consumers based on smart charging energy service models.
  • Exploration of the impact of different charging methods, including cable-charging, wireless charging and electric road systems covering either catenary as inductive coils embedded in the road.
  • Analysis, design, testing and developing of a cyber security model that can simulate and accurately represent attack propagation from recharging infrastructure entry vectors, informing the development of efficient strategies and lines of defence to mitigate these vulnerabilities for the different relevant stakeholders.

Horizon Europe: EUR 64.6 million available for projects in sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply | Deadline 10 October

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Deadline: 10 October, 2023
Budget: €64.400.000
Countries: France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain

Scope:

Following the adoption of the Horizon Europe 2023-2024 work programme, the European Commission has launched a new call for project proposals to support research and innovation under efficient, sustainable and inclusive energy use. This Destination includes activities targeting a sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply. This includes activities in the areas of renewable energy; energy system, grids and storage; as well as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)

The total indicative budget available is EUR 64.6 million. The deadline for submissions is 10 October 2023 17:00 CET Time.

The call covers 8 topics:

You can find all the information required, including the call text and application forms on the Funding and Tenders Portal using the call reference: HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-03

More information on the dedicated funding page from the European Commission

MedFund/ MedPAN Call for Interest – Managing MPAs | Deadline 30 June 2023

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Deadline: 30 June, 2023
Budget: USD 50-60K
Countries: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia – Albania, Lebanon, Montenegro

Scope:
The MedFund’s mission is to support the long-term recurrent costs of managing Marine Protected Areas.

Eligible activities:

  • Co-management activities,
  • Salaries1(excluding administrative salaries),
  • Equipment and infrastructure maintenance, and small equipment purchases,
  • Surveillance and enforcement,
  • Active governance and stakeholder participation,
  • Awareness raising and communication,
  • Scientific monitoring (3 conservation targets),
  • Management activities for the protection of the conservation targets,
  • Promotion/support of socio-economic activities,
  • Consideration of climate change,
  • Gender approach: how to promote gender equality,
  • Establishment of income-generating activities for the MPA

 

For information and elgibility criteria visit the dedicated MedFund webpage

 

UfM Grant Scheme to Promote Employment and Entrepreneurship in the Green Economy | Deadline 29 May 2023

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Deadline: 29 May, 2023
Budget: €150.000-300.000
Countries: Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia

Scope:
With the Grant Scheme to Promote Employment and Entrepreneurship in the Green Economy, the UfM is actively supporting not-for-profit organisations that work to advance the green transition of economies in the Southern Mediterranean in an inclusive and socially just way.

Building on the previous UfM Grant Scheme, which supported employment promotion projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Grant Scheme focuses on sustainable approaches to job creation, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship in the green economy.

More information on the dedicated page from the UfM Sceretariat website

Business Partnership Facility – Enterprises for SDGs 2023A

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Deadline: 31 January, 2023
Budget: €50.000 – €200.000
Countries: algeria, Morocco, Tunisia

Scope:

The BPF is initiated and financed by the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGD) to stimulate private sector involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals  in developing countries.

The BPF supports viable, entrepreneurial business initiatives with a strong social impact.

Each applicant is preferably a partnership that brings together actors from the private sector, civil society, academia and/or the public sector. The partnership consists of a minimum of one business partner.


In this call, priority will be given to projects around three themes:

  • Climate, environment and biodiversity
  • Gender and female entrepreneurship
  • Decent work and social protection

More information on the dedicated funding page

 

MedPAN Call for Small Projects to strengthen the level of effective protection in Mediterranean MPAs | Deadline: 5 February 2023

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Deadline: 5 February 2023
Budget: a max of €25.000 per project (category 1: çlassic) or a max of € 45.000 per project (category 2: ‘cooperation’) 
Countries: Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus and Malta, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Monaco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.

Scope:

MedPAN is launching a Call for Small Projects to support the actions led in Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the Mediterranean. This Call aims to strengthen the level of effective protection in Mediterranean MPAs.

The MedPAN Call for Small Projects is open to:

  • Organisations in charge of the management of Mediterranean MPAs;
  • Other organisations (NGOs, private companies, scientific institutions, etc.) working with authorities that are in charge of the management of Mediterranean MPAs.

The MPA management authorities and the organisations who wish to participate will need to send the Grant Application Form to the MedPAN Secretariat by February 5, 2023 at the latest.
You will find all the details regarding participation eligibility, the type of projects targeted and the selection process in the Rules document of the Call for Small Projects.

 

To submit a grant request:

  1. Carefully read the Rules and assess whether your structure and project are eligible. Download the Rules of the Call for Small Projects.
  2. Fill in the Grant Application Form.Download the Grant Application Form.
  3. Send it with all the necessary documents to projet@medpan.org by February 5, 2023.

An online Q&A session will be organized on 10 January 2023 at 10:00 CET. To receive login information, please register by email at projet@medpan.org.

Should you have any questions about this Call for Small Projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

This Call for Small Projects is made possible through the financial support of the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Programme.

Blue Careers call | Deadline: 31 January 2023

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Deadline: 31 January, 2023
Budget: €7.500.000
Countries: France, Italy, Malta, Spain, Portugal, algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania

Scope:

The overall aim of this Call is to contribute to the development of the next generation of blue skills and to provide opportunities for attractive, sustainable maritime careers. The objective is to develop the necessary skillsets to support the European Green Deal initiatives promoting a sustainable blue economy.

Please, note that there will be an INFO DAY event in hybrid format on 24 November, to present the details of these two Calls. Please find here the link to register on CINEA website:

https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/emfaf-2022-info-day-2022-11-24_en

More information on the dedicated funding and tender opportunities page of the European Commission

Mediterranean sea basin lighthouse – Actions to prevent, minimise and remediate chemical pollution | deadline 27 September 2022

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Deadline: 27 September, 2022
Budget: €17.000.000 EURO
Countries: Algeria, France, Italy, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco Portugal, Spain, Tunisia

 

Objective

In line with the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan for Air, Water and Soil, proposals should demonstrate scalable breakthrough innovations (technological, business, social and governance) to prevent and minimize marine and freshwater pollution from chemical pollutants. Following the zero pollution hierarchy, proposals should focus on demonstrating replicable solutions to prevent and minimise pollution in the Mediterranean Sea including its major river catchment areas and taking into consideration land-sea interactions through measures, such as:

  • Upstream prevention of pollution from chemicals;
  • Substitutes or alternative less polluting substances and materials for the most prevalent chemical pollutants found in freshwater and at sea.

Proposed solutions for pollution prevention, elimination and remediation should not increase the level of anthropogenic underwater noise and air emissions.

Proposed solutions should be in line with the EU taxonomy regulation and delegated acts.

Proposals must:

  • Carry out demonstration activities in 3 different Member States and/or Associated Countries of the Mediterranean sea basin, involving and including in the consortium entities from these three countries;
  • Identify areas and locations where the solutions are replicable and draw up an action plan and roadmap to replicate and scale up the pollution solutions and actions.

More information on the EC Funding and Tender opportunities website