Call: Novel public policies, business models and mechanisms for the sustainable supply of and payment for forest ecosystem services

• Health, demographic change and wellbeing;
• Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research, and the Bioeconomy;
• Secure, clean and efficient energy;
• Smart, green and integrated transport;
• Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials;
• Europe in a changing world - inclusive, innovative and reflective societies;
• Secure societies - protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens.

This Programme aims to promote the transition towards an optimal and renewable use of biological resources and towards sustainable primary production and processing systems. These systems will need to produce more food, fibre and other bio-based products with minimised inputs, environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions, and with enhanced ecosystem services, zero waste and adequate societal value.

Regional differences with respect to the forest management systems implemented and long production cycles characterise the forestry sector in the EU.The regulatory framework is divided into forest polices and forest-related policies (e.g. rural development, climate, biodiversity, and energy) which are not necessarily mutually reinforcing. The responsibility for forest policies ranges from EU level  to Member State or federal state level. If the policy or market fails – a recognised threat – the undesired outcome is suboptimal provision of ecosystem services. The sustainable provision of ecosystem services therefore requires policy coordination, and the use of novel policies, business models and mechanisms.

Proposals should aim to develop novel public policies, business models and mechanisms to "internalise" the proven socio-economic value of forest ecosystem services ("externalities") and contribute to their sustainable supply. Proposals should consider the holistic basket of economic, socio-cultural, recreational and environmental services. They should aim to close the gap between academic work, associated policy recommendations, and practice on the ground, and help achieve public acceptability. Specifically, there is a need to develop mechanisms for the payment of ecosystem services at the appropriate level of forest management and administration. The pilot testing of the proposed mechanisms, which may combine public policy tools with business models, is encouraged. Proposals should include contributions from the social sciences and humanities.

At least three legal entities. Each of the three must be established in a different EU Member State or Horizon 2020 associated country. All three legal entities must be independent of each other.

Suggested budget: up to 4 million € (this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts)

Funding rate: 70% (except for non-profit legal entities, where a rate of 100% applies)