European Call
for Projects
Fondazione Capellino will fund projects that restore and strengthen connections between natural land and freshwater habitats. Organisations leading projects in 9 European countries are invited to apply.
Better connected nature supports greater biodiversity, builds resilience, and helps ecosystems better withstand the impact of human activity.
The strongest applications will first be selected by an internal panel before being put to a public vote. The 12 winning projects, across 3 categories, will receive financial support from the Foundation.
The Call for Projects aims to support biodiversity through practical solutions, funding projects all sizes, whether they are new initiatives or already underway. Through the public voting process, it also aims to raise public awareness of the importance of biodiversity.
Reduce barriers and habitat fragmentation
Restore landscapes and rivers
Create new protected areas
Who can take part
Non profit organisations
Local authorities
Organisations managing protected areas and parks
Universities and research centres
Non-profit public-private partnerships
Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland and Malta.
Any cross-border projects will be assigned to the country of the promoting association.
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APPLICATIONS OPEN 15th July to 30th September 2026
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SELECTION OF 20 ELIGIBLE PROJECTS 1st to 14th October 2026
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PUBLIC VOTE 15th October to 15th December 2026
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 5 WINNING PROJECTS 23rd December 2026
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WINNERS’ EVENT 16th January 2027
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APPLICATIONS OPEN 15th July to 30th November 2026
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SELECTION OF 10 ELIGIBLE PROJECTS 1st to 15th December 2026
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PUBLIC VOTE 16th December 2026 to 31st March 2027
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 4 WINNING PROJECTS 19th April 2027
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WINNERS’ EVENT 30 April 2027
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APPLICATIONS OPEN 15th July to 31st January 2027
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SELECTION OF 10 ELIGIBLE ENTRIES 1st to 28th February 2027
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PUBLIC VOTE 1st April to 30th June 2027
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 3 WINNING PROJECTS 14th July 2027
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WINNERS’ EVENT 15th September 2027
Reconnecting nature through the creation of European biodiversity corridors
European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) – ECI (2026)000007
This initiative aims to address the fragmentation of European ecosystems and improve connections between land and inland waters. By signing the initiative, you are asking the European Commission to put forward a proposal, based on Article 192(1) of the Treaty of the European Union (TFEU), to create a common framework for improving ecological connectivity.
The proposal would support the use of shared technical tools, the collection and exchange of information to identify ecological corridors, cooperation among EU Member States, and stronger links between the Natura 2000 network and other protected areas.
Minimum number of signatures required in each country:
Italy 54,720 • France 58,320 • Belgium 15,840 • the Netherlands 22,320 • Germany 69,120 • Malta 4,320 • Spain 43,920 • Austria 14,400 • Finland 10,800
Signature collection period:
15th October 2026 – 14th October 2027
Reconnecting nature through European biodiversity corridors
Please note:
UK citizens can't sign this European Citizens’ Initiative, but can still support it. EU citizens living in the UK can take part..
If you cannot sign yourself, you can still help by sharing this initiative with any family and friends who are EU citizens, whether they live in the UK or elsewhere in the EU.
Every signature provides support and raises awareness of the importance of reconnecting nature across
Why ecological connectivity matters
When natural areas are physical separated, it disrupts ecological continuity and restricts species movement. The ECI calls for greater coordination throughout Europe to improve and create better connections between habitats, protected areas and ecological corridors, including when they cross national borders.
Habitats are fragmented
Roads, dams and cities create barriers that interrupt the natural movement of wildlife. Nature needs connected landscapes to survive and thrive.
Connectivity requires cooperation among States
Species, rivers and habitats cross national borders. Coordinated action among Member States is needed to identify, protect and restore ecological corridors.
Shared tools and data are needed
Common technical methods, data collection and exchange can help identify corridors and strengthen connections between Natura 2000 and other protected areas.
Nature Has No Borders
Voting for the best projects in the Call for Projects and signing the European Citizen's Initiative (ECI) both open on
on 15th October 2026