European Tropical Forest Research Network

The first calls under the European Commission’s 7th framework programme for research and technological development were published 22 December 2007. For the list of calls, and the links to downloadable documents for specific calls, please see http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm.

The following calls under the Cooperation programme may be of interest for forest research for development:
Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology: FP7-KBBE-2007-1, specifically:
KBBE-2007-1-2-06: Developing new methods for valuing and marketing of currently non-marketable forest goods and services and
KBBE-2007-1-4-12: Policy and institutional aspects of sustainable agriculture, forestry and rural development in the Mediterranean partner countries Call: FP7-KBBE-2007-1 Both themes above are open to proposals for small collaborative research projects, with a maximum EC contribution of 3 million Euro.
KBBE-2007-3-1-04: FOREST PRODUCTS - New forest based products and processes – for large collaborative project proposals with an EC contribution between 3 and 6 million Euro.
KBBE-2007-3-1-08: BIOMASS SUPPLY AND IMPACT – Identification of optimal terrestrial and aquatic biomass and waste for Bioproducts – for coordination of research proposals, up to 1 million Euro Ec contribution

And Environment (including Climate Change) FP7-ENV-2007-1, specifically:
ENV.2007.1.1.5.2. Climate change impacts on vulnerable mountain regions: for largescale integrating project proposals with an EC contribution of 4 – 7 million Euro;
ENV.2007.1.1.5.3. Past and future climate change impacts in the Parana-Plata river basin of South America for small or medium-scale focused research projects, EC contribution up to 3.5 million Euro;
ENV.2007.2.1.2.4. Integrated resource management in international co-operation partner countries – this call focuses on Latin America, and is open to support actions
ENV.2007.2.1.4.1. Contribution of biodiversity to ecosystem services: small or mediumscale focused research projects, EC contribution up to 3.5 million Euro;
ENV.2007.2.1.4.2. Use of natural resources: the impact on biodiversity, ecosystem goods and services: small or medium-scale focused research projects, EC contribution up to 3.5 million Euro;
ENV.2007.2.1.4.3. Biodiversity values, sustainable use and livelihoods: small or mediumscale focused research projects, EC contribution up to 3.5 million Euro;
ENV.2007.4.1.1.2. Contribution to a global biodiversity observation system small or medium-scale focused research projects, EC contribution up to 3.5 million Euro.

Please note that the EC contributions above should be viewed as a maximum and the EC have indicated that proposals exceeding these values will not be evaluated.

The minimum number of partners in an FP7 project is 3 independent participants from 3 different Member States (MS) or Associated Countries (AC). Additional conditions can be established by the Work Programme (WP) or Specific Programme (SP) (e.g. number or type of participant, place of establishment) and the type of funding scheme. These include:

• Coordination and support actions.
• minimum of 1 legal entity (except actions to coordinate).
• Collaborative projects addressing the participation of international cooperation partner countries (ICPC).
• minimum is 4 participants of which 2 in MS or AC and 2 in ICPC countries unless otherwise foreseen in work programme.
• Participation of international organisations and participants from third countries is possible but in addition to minimum criteria.

All legal entities from Member States and Associated Countries, international European interest organisations and legal entities in International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPC) are eligible for Community funding. International organizations and third countries other than ICPCs can also be eligible if it is provided for in the work programme. Third country funding is also available if their participation is essential for carrying out the project or provision for funding is provided for in a bilateral agreement between the Community and the third country.

Collaborative Research
Research and technological activities: up to 50% of eligible costs except for:
Public bodies: up to 75%
Secondary and higher education establishments: up to 75%
Research organisations (non-profit): up to 75%
SMEs: up to 75%
Demonstration activities: up to 50%
Other activities: up to 100% including e.g. management
Coordination and Support Actions Up to 100%

To submit a proposal, please download the relevant documents from the CORDIS website and closely study the eligibility criteria and conditions. No matter how good the proposal, if it does not fulfill the EC format and criteria, it will not be considered.

For those working in EU member states, National Contact Points can provide help; their addresses may be found at http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ncp_en.html