Nordic Climate Adaptation Programme 2026: Major Funding Opportunity for Collaborative Climate &Biodiversity Projects

The Nordic Climate Adaptation Programme (NCAP) has officially opened its 2026 call for project funding, inviting organizations, researchers, and institutions to submit proposals for collaborative projects focused on climate adaptation across the Nordic region. This initiative is part of the broader Programme for Nordic Co-operation on the Environment and Climate 2025–2027, designed to strengthen resilience, sustainability, and cross-border cooperation.

With substantial funding available and a strong emphasis on innovation, policy impact, and practical implementation, this opportunity is ideal for stakeholders looking to influence climate adaptation strategies and biodiversity protection at a regional level.

Overview of the Funding Opportunity

The NCAP call aims to support strategic, high-impact projects that address shared climate challenges across Nordic countries. The program focuses on:

• Strengthening collaboration between Nordic nations
• Promoting knowledge exchange and innovation
• Supporting sustainable investments and biodiversity protection
• Delivering tangible benefits to governments, private sector actors, and citizens

Funding Details

• Grant size: 450,000 – 800,000 DKK per project
• Total funding pool: 3,000,000 DKK
• Number of projects funded: Approximately 2–3 projects per theme

Key Focus Areas (Themes)

Applicants are invited to submit proposals under one of two major themes:

Theme A: Climate Adaptation Investments & Risk Reduction

This theme focuses on strengthening the role of the private sector in climate adaptation by improving how climate risks are understood, assessed, and financed.

Core Objectives

• Increase private sector investment in climate adaptation
• Enhance understanding of climate-related risks in investment decisions
• Develop policies and incentives that encourage adaptation financing

Areas of Interest

Projects may address one or more of the following:

1. Linking Adaptation Investments to Risk Reduction
   • Quantifying how climate adaptation reduces physical and financial risks
   • Developing innovative risk-sharing instruments
2. Integration of Climate Risks in Investment Decisions
   • Identifying barriers and opportunities in incorporating climate risks into investment frameworks
3. Strengthening Incentives and Policy Frameworks
   • Designing regulatory and market-based mechanisms to encourage investment
   • Supporting collective adaptation efforts where private returns are limited
4. Financing Models and Instruments
   • Exploring public-private partnerships and blended finance models
   • Scaling climate adaptation investments
5. Information and Decision-Support Tools
   • Improving access to climate risk data
   • Developing tools to guide investment decisions

Sector Focus

Projects are encouraged to include sector-specific perspectives, especially in high-risk sectors such as:

• Construction and infrastructure
• Energy systems
• Urban development

Theme B: Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystems

This theme focuses on understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity in the Nordic region.

Core Objectives

• Analyze climate impacts on ecosystems
• Identify knowledge gaps and research needs
• Support development of effective mitigation strategies

Areas of Interest

Projects may address:

1. Impact on Nordic Ecosystems
   • Effects of long-term climate change and extreme events (e.g., droughts, wildfires)
   • Links between ecosystem degradation and societal risks
2. Monitoring Systems
   • Evaluation of current monitoring methods and indicators
   • Identification of gaps in monitoring systems
3. Availability of Quantitative Data
   • Assessment of existing biodiversity and ecosystem data
   • Identification of key data gaps
4. Mitigation Options and Their Effectiveness
   • Evaluation of conservation strategies (e.g., protected areas, land management practices)
   • Exploring synergies between different mitigation approaches
5. Climate Refugia
   • Identifying areas that can preserve biodiversity under climate stress
   • Enhancing ecosystem resilience across the region

Practical Application Requirement

Projects must clearly demonstrate how their findings will:

• Be communicated effectively
• Be translated into actionable strategies for policymakers and authorities

Eligibility and Collaboration Requirements

• Projects must involve at least three Nordic countries:
  • Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, or Åland
• One Nordic country may be replaced by a non-Nordic partner
• Projects must demonstrate strong collaboration and shared regional value

Application Process

To apply, applicants must submit:

1. Completed Application Form (Word or PDF format)
2. Budget and Financial Statements (Excel format)
3. De minimis declaration (if applicable)

Submission Method

• All documents must be submitted via email in a single application package
• Email: ncap@naturvardsverket.se
• For more information about this opportunity, click HERE

Support Contact

For inquiries, applicants can contact the NCAP Secretariat directly via the same email.

Important Dates

• Application Opening Date: 8 April 2026
• Application Deadline: 24 May 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Notification of Results: June 2026

Project Timeline

• Latest completion date: 30 November 2027
• Preferred completion of activities: Before 30 September 2027
• Final deadline for activities: 31 October 2027

Why This Opportunity Matters

This funding call represents a significant opportunity to:

• Influence climate adaptation policy in the Nordic region
• Drive innovation in climate finance and biodiversity protection
• Strengthen cross-border collaboration
• Contribute to long-term environmental sustainability

Projects funded under this program are expected to deliver both strategic insights and practical solutions, making a real impact on climate resilience and ecosystem preservation.

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