IUCN Save Our Species is pleased to announce that the call for proposals under the European Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund is now open.

Funded by the European Union, this initiative provides targeted, fast-track funding to support rapid actions to address the threat of invasive alien species (IAS) in Europe. It is designed to stop small incursions before they escalate into major biodiversity and economic crises.

Invasive alien species – non-native plants, animals, or microorganisms – are a leading cause of biodiversity loss globally. Once established, IAS are difficult and costly to eradicate, and their impacts can be severe. In the European Union alone, they are responsible for an estimated USD 28 billion in damages annually.

To support early intervention, the fund will issue grants of between €10,000 and €50,000 for rapid response activities up to 12 months in duration. Eligible projects must focus on the early stages of invasion by alien animal or plant species, including macroalgae, posing a significant risk of a spreading and causing ecological harm.

The initiative contributes directly to the implementation of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species, helping to fulfil member state obligations for early detection, rapid response, and long-term management.

The call is open to organisations operating in the European Union, EU overseas countries and territories are not eligible, except for the Canary Islands, the Azores and Madeira.  

Applications are now open.

Apply here: https://speciesgrants.iucn.org/