OPEN CALL

Title
Call 1: Coastal Erosion & Marine Risks

Description

Deadline: June 30, 2025 | Territories: Puglia, Albania, Montenegro

Title

Call Overview

Long Description

The EMERGE project invites proposals for innovative solutions addressing coastal ecosystem degradation,
marine pollution, and erosion management challenges across the cross-border territories of Puglia (Italy),
Albania, and Montenegro. This call aims to support interventions that demonstrate clear environmental
impact, cross-border collaboration, and alignment with ecosystem-based governance principles.

Selected solutions will participate in a comprehensive growth programme including coaching sessions,
specialized workshops, B2G (Business-to-Government) matchmaking events, and access to the EMERGE
knowledge network. Solutions should address one or more priority risk themes identified in the WP1 Risk
Analysis and align with the Interregional Standard for environmental governance.

This call is part of Work Package 2 (WP2) and contributes to building shared capacity for cross-border
environmental risk management while promoting sustainable development and ecosystem protection
through innovative, scalable solutions.

Full Text Components
Title
Objectives
1

Address Priority Environmental Risks

Support solutions that tackle coastal erosion, marine pollution, habitat degradation, and related
environmental challenges identified in territorial risk assessments.

2

Promote Cross-Border Collaboration

Encourage partnerships and knowledge exchange between stakeholders from different territories
to address shared environmental challenges.

3

Demonstrate Innovation and Impact

Showcase innovative approaches, methodologies, or technologies that deliver measurable
environmental and social benefits.

4

Strengthen Governance Capacity

Contribute to building institutional capacity and improving environmental governance
frameworks aligned with the EMERGE Interregional Standard.

Title

Growth Programme for Winning Solutions

Long Description

Selected solutions will benefit from a comprehensive support programme designed to accelerate their development, enhance their impact, and facilitate their integration into cross-border governance
frameworks.

Full Text Components
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Coaching & Mentoring

One-on-one coaching sessions with environmental experts, governance specialists, and business development advisors. 

  • Personalized development plans 
  • Technical and strategic guidance 
  • Quarterly progress reviews
people

Specialized Workshops

Thematic workshops covering key competencies for environmental solution development and deployment. 

  • Cross-border governance models 
  • Impact measurement frameworks 
  • Stakeholder engagement strategies
hands

B2G Matchmaking Events

Structured networking opportunities with government agencies, regional authorities, and public institutions. 

  • Direct access to decision-makers 
  • Pitch sessions and demos 
  • Partnership development support
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Knowledge Network Access

Integration into the EMERGE ecosystem of partners, experts, and fellow innovators. 

  • Cross-territory collaboration 
  • Resource sharing platform 
  • Peer learning opportunities
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Programme Timeline

Months 1-3     Onboarding, initial assessment, and personalized plan development 

Months 4-9     Core programme delivery: workshops, coaching sessions, and first B2G events 

Months 10-12  Advanced support, final B2G matchmaking, and transition to sustainability

Title
Eligibility Criteria
people

Eligible Applicants

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with environmental focus
  • Research institutions and universities
  • Local and regional authorities
  • Public agencies responsible for environmental management
  • Private sector entities with proven environmental expertise
  • Consortia and partnerships combining multiple stakeholder types
  • Social enterprises and cooperatives focused on environmental solutions
  • Innovation hubs and technology developers
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Geographic Requirements

  • Lead applicant must be based in Puglia, Albania, or Montenegro
  • Solutions must demonstrate cross-border relevance involving at least two territories
  • Proposals should address environmental challenges in coastal and marine areas
  • Cross-border partnerships are encouraged but not mandatory
solution

Solution Requirements

  • Alignment with EMERGE Interregional Standard principles
  • Clear demonstration of environmental and cross-border impact
  • Realistic implementation timeline and scalability plan
  • Innovation element or novel approach to risk management
  • Commitment to participate in full growth programme activities
  • Potential for replication in other territories or contexts
Title
Timeline & Key Dates
April 1, 2025

Call Opening

Official launch of the call and publication of all documentation
April 15, 2025

Information Webinar

Online session explaining call requirements and application process
May 15, 2025

Questions Deadline

Last date for submitting clarification questions
June 30, 2025

Submission Deadline

Final deadline for proposal submission (23:59 CET)
July 1-31, 2025

Eligibility Check

Administrative verification of submitted proposals
August-Sept 2025

Evaluation Phase

Expert panel assessment and scoring of eligible proposals
October 2025

Results Announcement

Publication of selected solutions and notification to applicants
Nov-Dec 2025

Onboarding Process

Initial meetings and growth programme preparation with selected solutions
January 2026

Growth Programme Start

Official launch of coaching, workshops, and B2G activities for winning solutions
Title

Required Documents

Long Description

All applicants must submit the following documents as part of their proposal package:

Full Text Components
file

Application Form (mandatory template)

Complete all sections including solution description and impact assessment

MANDATORY
file

Solution Description Document

Detailed technical and operational description of the proposed solution

IF APPLICABLE
file

Organization Legal Documentation

Registration certificates, statutes, tax identification

MANDATORY
file

Implementation Plan

Timeline, milestones, and resource requirements for solution deployment

MANDATORY
file

Partnership Agreements

Signed agreements with all project partners (if applicable)

IF APPLICABLE
file

Letters of Support

From relevant authorities, stakeholders, or beneficiaries

RECOMMENDED
file

Technical Specifications

Detailed technical documentation, methodologies, or designs

RECOMMENDED
file

Impact Assessment Framework

Methodology for measuring environmental and social impact

MANDATORY
Title

Evaluation Criteria

Long Description

Proposals will be evaluated by an independent expert panel using the following criteria, aligned with the
EMERGE Interregional Standard:

Full Text Components

1. Environmental Relevance & Impact

  • Clear alignment with identified coastal and marine risk priorities
  • Expected environmental benefits and measurable outcomes
  • Contribution to ecosystem protection and restoration
  • Long-term sustainability of environmental impact
25 points

2. Cross-Border Relevance

  • Demonstration of cross-border environmental challenges
  • Quality and depth of partnership arrangements
  • Mechanisms for knowledge exchange and collaboration
  • Potential for replication in other cross-border contexts
20 points

3. Innovation & Methodology

  • Innovative approach or novel solution elements
  • Technical soundness and feasibility of methodology
  • Use of appropriate technologies and best practices
  • Contribution to knowledge advancement in the field
20 points

4. Governance Alignment

  • Alignment with EMERGE Interregional Standard principles
  • Contribution to institutional capacity building
  • Stakeholder engagement and participatory approach
  • Policy relevance and governance improvement potential
15 points

5. Implementation & Scalability

  • Clarity and realism of implementation plan and timeline
  • Risk management and mitigation strategies
  • Scalability potential and replication strategy
  • Resource mobilization and sustainability plan
12 points

6. Team Capacity & Commitment

  • Relevant expertise and track record of the team
  • Organizational capacity and resource availability
  • Commitment to participate in growth programme
  • Willingness to share knowledge and collaborate
8 points
information

Scoring & Selection

Total maximum score: 100 points. Solutions scoring below 60 points will not be selected. Proposals will be
ranked by total score, and the top-scoring solutions will be invited to join the growth programme until available
capacity is reached.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a single organization apply without partners?

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Is there any financial support for selected solutions?

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What is the time commitment for the growth programme?

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Can we submit more than one solution?

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What happens if our solution is not selected?

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Is there technical support available during the application process?

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What is the EMERGE Interregional Standard?

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Can solutions at early development stage apply?

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