Towards community-driven business models: coastal and freshwaters sustainable tourism

HORIZON-MISS is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action to develop and demonstrate community-driven business models for sustainable tourism that couple local entrepreneurship with protection and restoration of marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems. The call opens 9 February 2027 with a single-stage deadline of 21 September 2027 and has an indicative topic budget of €6 million. Eligible consortia must include at least three independent legal entities from different Member States or Associated Countries, select one Mission lighthouse basin, and demonstrate activities in at least three European coastal or freshwater areas in different countries. Expected EU contribution per project is €1–€1.5 million (indicative four projects), applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, and in-situ data must be shared via EMODnet following FAIR principles.

Towards community-driven business models: coastal and freshwaters sustainable tourism

Call at a glance

Essential facts

Horizon Europe — Restore our Ocean and Waters Mission (HORIZON-MISS-2027-03). Topic HORIZON-MISS. Type of action: Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA). Single-stage. Planned opening 09 Feb 2027; deadline 21 Sep 2027, 17:00 Brussels time. Apply through the Funding & Tenders Portal Topic page.

What it funds:Pilot and demonstration projects that test community-driven, economically viable tourism business models which couple local entrepreneurship with protection and restoration of marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems; capacity building, inclusive engagement, governance and exploration of financing for upscale.

1. 1Projects must address a single sea/river basin (choose one of: Atlantic & Arctic; Mediterranean; Baltic & North Sea; Danube including Black Sea).
2. 2Demonstrations in at least 3 European coastal or freshwater sites in different Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
3. 3Activities should include sustainable tourism practices, inclusive training, stakeholder governance and plans for long-term financial sustainability.

Applicants should establish operational links with the basin Lighthouse CSAs and the Mission Implementation Platform and consider synergies with the New European Bauhaus where relevant.

Who can apply:Entities eligible under Horizon Europe rules (organisations from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries). Consortia are expected (multi-country demonstrations across different Member States/Associated Countries). Check General Annexes B and participation rules on the Portal.

Selection will aim for a balanced portfolio across the four Mission basins; at least the highest-ranked proposal per basin (if above thresholds) may be funded. Projects are expected to run through the Mission lifespan (to 2030) and to include replicability/scale-up plans.

Footnotes

1. 1If projects collect in-situ data and marine observations they must make them openly available through EMODnet according to FAIR principles as specified in the Work Programme General Annexes.

Towards community-driven business models: coastal and freshwaters sustainable tourism (HORIZON-MISS-2027-03-OCEAN-04)

Programme: Horizon Europe. Call: Supporting the implementation of the Restore our Ocean and Waters Mission (HORIZON-MISS-2027-03). Type of action: HORIZON-IA Innovation Action. Model Grant Agreement: HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG]. Opening date: 09 February 2027. Deadline: 21 September 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time. Deadline model: single-stage. Official topic page: EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Topic HORIZON-MISS-2027-03-OCEAN-04. Work Programme reference: Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027, Part 12 Missions, section HORIZON-MISS (pages around 133) Work Programme 2026–2027 – Missions (EN).

Purpose and expected outcomes

This Innovation Action aims to test and validate community-driven business models that couple sustainable tourism with the protection and restoration of marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems within one of the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters lighthouses. Projects must generate entrepreneurship and scalable, economically viable initiatives that can be replicated across sea basins, while strengthening local capacity, skills, and private sector engagement. Expected outcomes include: innovative business models for local sustainable tourism initiatives; scalable initiatives with replication potential; enhanced capacity-building and engagement of coastal, riparian and lakeside communities and private sector; job creation and skills development; improved habitats, biodiversity and conservation capacity; and increased awareness and behavioural change among tourists and local communities towards conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Scope and mandatory elements

A strong community-driven approach is required, engaging coastal, riparian and/or lakeside communities and relevant actors to build sustainable local businesses that support livelihoods, stimulate investment, and preserve/protect habitats. Activities must contribute to Mission public mobilisation and engagement by fostering community involvement, awareness and citizen participation, accelerating uptake of community-led initiatives, and planning future investments for sustainable tourism. Proposals must consider the needs of diverse individuals and groups, including those in vulnerable situations, and promote gender equality and non-discrimination while addressing intersectionality with poverty and social exclusion. Synergies with the New European Bauhaus Initiative in design and/or implementation are encouraged.

• Each proposal must select and explicitly state one Mission lighthouse/basin and tailor activities to its specificities. Eligible choices: Atlantic and Arctic sea basin; Mediterranean Sea basin; Baltic and North Sea basin; Danube River basin including the Black Sea. Basins include river basins flowing into the respective seas.
• Demonstration is required in at least 3 European coastal and freshwater areas located in different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, implementing diverse initiatives that engage tourists and/or users of the sea or waters. Example activities include citizen science, clean-up initiatives, regenerative practices, and co-management of protected areas.
• Promote sustainable practices to reduce tourism pressures on aquatic environments (e.g. reduce pollution, promote eco-friendly products, enhance waste reduction) and protect habitats and biodiversity.
• Deliver inclusive and accessible capacity building, training and skill development for local communities to enhance entrepreneurship and for tourists to promote behavioural change.
• Establish a governance structure ensuring effective involvement of all relevant stakeholders and long-term financial sustainability of initiatives.
• Explore financial instruments for upscaling, including reinvestment of profits, crowdfunding, and philanthropic sources.
• Cooperate with relevant Lighthouse Coordination and Support Actions (CSAs) and with the Mission Implementation Platform, including for tracking progress towards Mission objectives and coordination of implementation activities in the selected lighthouse basin.

Budget, award logic and portfolio considerations

Indicative topic budget: €6,000,000. Expected EU contribution per project: €1,000,000 to €1,500,000. Indicative number of grants: 4. Portfolio logic: to ensure a balanced portfolio covering the four Mission basins, grants will be awarded not only strictly by ranking but also to at least the highest-ranked proposal within each basin, provided all quality thresholds are met, thereby ensuring coverage of Atlantic and Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic and North Sea, and Danube/Black Sea basins.

Data, open science and other legal-technical obligations

Beneficiaries collecting in-situ data and marine observations must make them openly available through EMODnet in line with FAIR principles. See EMODnet and FAIR compliance under General Annex G referenced on the topic page. Projects should adhere to Horizon Europe open science practices and data management requirements as per the Model Grant Agreement, including data management plans and open access to publications and research data where applicable.

Eligibility, participation rules and evaluation

Admissibility conditions, eligibility of countries, and exclusion/financial capacity requirements follow the Horizon Europe General Annexes (Annexes A–G). Proposal page limits and layout are specified in Part B of the Application Form within the Submission System. Eligible countries include EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Some non-associated third countries may participate without EU funding unless specific national provisions exist. Standard Horizon Europe rules for Innovation Actions apply, including the minimum consortium composition requirements.

• Type of action: Innovation Action (IA).
• Evaluation uses standard Horizon Europe award criteria and thresholds set in General Annex D.
• Submission and evaluation processes and indicative timelines are described in General Annex F.
• Single-stage submission.

Application process and templates

Submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using the official electronic forms. Use the application form available in the Submission System; examples of standard forms are accessible in Reference Documents. Evaluation uses the Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) with necessary adaptations. Key guidance: Horizon Europe Programme Guide; Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual; Model Grant Agreements (HE MGA); Annotated Model Grant Agreement; General Annexes. Partner search is available through the Portal; National Contact Points provide applicant support. The submission system is planned to open on 09 February 2027.

Indicative structure of the application (Part A and Part B):Part A: administrative forms including participant details, budget breakdown per beneficiary, ethics and security questionnaires. Part B: technical narrative with sections addressing excellence (objectives; relation to the call scope; methodology; integration of SSH and gender dimension; consideration of vulnerabilities and inclusion; lighthouse selection and justification), impact (Mission relevance; expected outcomes; pathways to replication across basins; measures for capacity building and behavioural change; exploitation and dissemination including EMODnet/FAIR where relevant; upscaling pathways and financial instruments), quality and efficiency of implementation (work plan; work packages; milestones; risk management; governance ensuring multi-stakeholder involvement and long-term financial sustainability; cooperation mechanisms with Lighthouse CSAs and the Mission Implementation Platform; data management and open science), and mandatory annexes (ethics self-assessment; security; letters of support or commitment from demonstration sites and replicators if applicable).

Key compliance points to address in the proposal

• Explicitly select one lighthouse/basin and tailor the approach to its environmental, social and economic specificities, including linked river basins.
• Demonstrate activities in at least 3 European coastal or freshwater areas located in different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
• Embed inclusive community engagement, consider vulnerable groups, ensure gender equality and non-discrimination, and address intersectionality with poverty and social exclusion.
• Design and implement capacity building for entrepreneurs in local communities and for tourists to promote behavioural change.
• Establish robust governance for stakeholder involvement and financial sustainability beyond the project lifespan.
• Map and test revenue streams and financing instruments for upscale, including reinvestment, crowdfunding, and philanthropic sources.
• Implement environmental safeguards to avoid maladaptation and ensure biodiversity protection aligned with the Mission objectives.
• Plan operational links with Lighthouse CSAs and the Mission Implementation Platform for monitoring and coordination, including contributing to Mission progress tracking.
• If collecting in-situ/marine observations, ensure EMODnet deposition and FAIR compliance.

Budget overview for the 2027 Mission Ocean call (context)

Categorization and structured extraction

Eligible Applicant Types:Any legal entity eligible under Horizon Europe from EU Member States and Associated Countries, typically including SMEs, startups, large enterprises, universities, research and technology organisations, local and regional authorities, nonprofit organisations, NGOs, public bodies, park and protected area authorities, community-based organisations, tourism boards, cluster organisations, and social enterprises. Third-country entities may participate per Annex B; funding eligibility depends on association status or national self-funding provisions.

Funding Type:Grant under Horizon Europe Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA) with budget-based Model Grant Agreement.

Consortium Requirement:Consortium. Standard Horizon Europe IA minimum: at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Associated Country, with at least one established in an EU Member State.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries are eligible for funding as per General Annex B. Some non-associated third countries may participate without EU funding unless specific national provisions make funding available. Demonstration sites must be in European coastal and freshwater areas located in different Member States or Associated Countries.

Target Sector:Environment, oceans and waters, sustainable tourism, biodiversity and conservation, blue economy, community development and social innovation, circular economy, education and skills, citizen engagement, finance for sustainability. Cross-cutting with New European Bauhaus for place-based, sustainable design.

Mentioned Countries:No specific countries are listed. The opportunity explicitly references EU Member States and Associated Countries and the following regional basins: Atlantic and Arctic sea basin; Mediterranean Sea basin; Baltic and North Sea basin; Danube River basin including the Black Sea.

Project Stage:Development, validation and demonstration. The focus is on testing feasibility and socio-economic viability of site-specific, community-driven sustainable tourism initiatives that integrate protection and restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems, including capacity building and governance for long-term sustainability and scale-up.

Funding Amount:Expected EU contribution per project ranges from €1,000,000 to €1,500,000. Total topic budget is €6,000,000 with an indicative four grants.

Application Type:Open call via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, single-stage submission.

Nature of Support:Money. Beneficiaries receive grant funding. Additional non-financial support occurs through coordination with Lighthouse CSAs and the Mission Implementation Platform for progress tracking and coordination.

Application Stages:1 stage. Single-stage submission and evaluation.

Success Rates:Not specified in the call documentation. No historical success rate or probability is provided for this topic.

Co-funding Requirement:Co-funding rules follow Horizon Europe Innovation Action rates as per the Model Grant Agreement and General Annexes. Under Horizon Europe, Innovation Actions typically fund up to 70% of eligible costs for for-profit entities and up to 100% for nonprofit legal entities; indirect costs are usually covered at a flat rate of 25% of eligible direct costs. Applicants should confirm applicable funding rates in the specific grant agreement conditions and General Annex G.

Templates:Applicants must use the official Application Form available in the Submission System. Standard templates include: Part A administrative forms (participants, budget, ethics and security); Part B technical narrative with sections on excellence, impact, quality and efficiency of implementation; Work Package structure with deliverables, milestones and risk management; Data Management Plan; Ethics self-assessment; Security considerations if applicable. The evaluation form is the Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA). Proposal page limits and layout are defined in Part B of the Application Form. Reference documents: HE Programme Guide; HE General Annexes; HE MGA; Annotated Model Grant Agreement; Funding & Tenders Online Manual. Links: EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Topic page; Work Programme 2026–2027 – Missions (EN).

Evaluation notes and portfolio balance by basin

To ensure balanced coverage of the four Mission lighthouses, the Commission will fund at least the highest-ranked proposal per basin, conditional on meeting all thresholds. Applicants should clearly identify the selected basin and demonstrate basin-specific tailoring, partnerships and demonstration sites. Proposals should articulate replication potential across multiple sea basins, even while implementing within a single selected basin.

Support resources

• National Contact Points for Horizon Europe provide guidance and applicant support.
• Enterprise Europe Network supports SME participation.
• European IPR Helpdesk offers IP management advice.
• CEN-CENELEC and ETSI Research Helpdesks advise on standardisation aspects.
• Partner search is available through the Portal’s Partner Search feature.

Summary

HORIZON-MISS funds Innovation Actions that design, test and demonstrate community-driven business models for sustainable tourism in marine, coastal and freshwater contexts. Projects must operate within one Mission lighthouse basin, demonstrate activities in at least three European coastal or freshwater areas across different Member States or Associated Countries, and combine tourism entrepreneurship with measurable ecosystem protection and restoration benefits. The action emphasises citizen and stakeholder engagement, inclusive capacity building, and governance mechanisms that secure long-term financial sustainability. Proposals must promote sustainable tourism practices that reduce environmental pressures, protect biodiversity, and deliver tangible socio-economic outcomes, including jobs and skills. Consortia should explore innovative financing options for scale-up and coordinate with Lighthouse CSAs and the Mission Implementation Platform for progress tracking and basin-level coordination. Open science obligations apply to in-situ marine data through EMODnet under FAIR principles. With expected grants between €1 million and €1.5 million and a single-stage application process, this topic is well-suited to multi-actor partnerships spanning community organisations, local authorities, research bodies, NGOs, and private sector actors in tourism and conservation. Overall, this opportunity seeks practical, replicable models that align tourism revenue streams with restoration and conservation outcomes, catalyse behavioural change among tourists and communities, and build investable, resilient local blue and freshwater economies across Europe.

HORIZON-MISS-2027-03-OCEAN-04: Towards community-driven business models: coastal and freshwaters sustainable tourism

This Horizon Europe Innovation Action (IA) call supports the Restore our Ocean and Waters Mission by funding projects that develop and demonstrate innovative, community-driven business models for sustainable tourism in coastal and freshwater areas. Projects must focus on one specific Mission lighthouse basin and demonstrate initiatives in at least three European coastal or freshwater areas across different Member States or Associated Countries.

Key Dates and Budget

Planned opening:9 February 2027.

Deadline:21 September 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission).

Total indicative budget:€6 million.

Expected EU contribution per project:€1 million to €1.5 million.

Indicative number of projects:4 projects.

Funding is provided through HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based (HORIZON-AG) under the Model Grant Agreement (MGA).Official Topic Page

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Projects must contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Innovative business models for entrepreneurship and local community-driven sustainable tourism initiatives; Scalable and economically viable initiatives replicable across sea basins; Enhanced capacity-building and engagement of coastal, river, and lake communities and private sector; Job creation and skills development; Improved marine, coastal, and freshwater habitats, biodiversity, and conservation capacity; Increased awareness and behavioural change among tourists and communities for ecosystem conservation.

Scope and Mandatory Activities

Proposals must explicitly state focus on one of the four Mission lighthouses: 1. Atlantic and Arctic sea basin; 2. Mediterranean Sea basin; 3. Baltic and North Sea basin; 4. Danube River basin (including Black Sea). Activities must be tailored to regional specificities, including river basins flowing into the sea basins, and address all of the following:

• Demonstration of community-driven tourism business models in at least 3 European coastal and freshwater areas in different Member States/Associated Countries, with diverse initiatives (e.g., citizen science, clean-ups, regenerative practices, co-management of protected areas).
• Promotion of sustainable practices to minimise tourism impacts (e.g., pollution reduction, eco-friendly products, waste minimisation) and protect habitats and biodiversity.
• Inclusive capacity building, training, and skills development for local communities (entrepreneurship) and tourists (behavioural change), considering diverse groups, gender equality, non-discrimination, and intersectionality with poverty and social exclusion.
• Governance structures for stakeholder involvement and long-term financial sustainability.
• Exploration of upscale financial instruments (e.g., profit reinvestments, crowdfunding, philanthropy).

Proposals must establish operational links with relevant Lighthouse CSAs and the Mission Implementation Platform for progress tracking and coordination. Synergies with the New European Bauhaus Initiative are encouraged. This action follows the July 2023 EU Missions assessment Communication.

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

• Legal entities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (e.g., UK). Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may be eligible under specific provisions (see Horizon Europe Programme Guide).
• Consortia must include at least three independent legal entities from different countries: one from a Member State and two from different Member States or Associated Countries.
• Emphasis on coastal, riparian, lakeside communities, private sector, and relevant actors. Regional and local authorities, SMEs, research institutions, and NGOs are encouraged.
• Admissibility: Proposal page limits and layout per Annexes A and E.
• Financial/operational capacity and exclusion criteria per Annex C.

Evaluation and Award Criteria

Single-stage evaluation per Annexes D, F. To ensure balanced portfolio across 4 basins, at least one highest-ranked proposal per basin will be awarded if thresholds met (Member States/Associated Countries with coast/riverbank or inflowing basins qualify). Standard scoring and thresholds apply.

Additional Requirements and Obligations

• Open science: In-situ data and marine observations must be shared via EMODnet using FAIR principles.
• Application forms available in Submission System; evaluation uses standard HE RIA/IA form.

Application Process and Resources

Submit via EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Use Partner Search for consortia building. Contact National Contact Points (NCPs), Enterprise Europe Network, or IT Helpdesk for support. Reference documents include HE Work Programme 2026-2027 (Missions), General Annexes, Programme Guide, and Online Manual.Funding & Tenders Portal

Related Context

Part of HORIZON-MISS-2027-03 call (total €100.40 million across 5 topics). Aligns with Restore our Ocean and Waters Mission goals: protect/restore ecosystems, eliminate pollution, sustainable blue economy. Over 1,000 Mission Charter pledges; Digital Twin Ocean for monitoring.Work Programme PDF¹

Footnotes

1. 1Detailed topic description on pages 133-134 of HE Work Programme 2026-2027 Part 12 - Missions.