The National Mission on Blue Economy and marine litter policy align with global efforts like the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the planned Global Agreement to End Plastic Pollution.

Scope

• Marine pollutants cause harmful effects on marine species and wildlife, serious negative impacts on the structure and functioning of ecosystems, the goods and services they provide, and ultimately on human health, wellbeing and prosperity. While there have been significant advances in understanding the effects of individual pollutants on marine life, the cumulative effects of different marine pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals and trace elements, micro- and nano plastics, nanomaterials, biodegradable products, microbiological contaminants, pesticides, fertilisers and nutrients, and the associated risks for marine life are not fully understood.
• The interplay of climate change (and the resulting effects of a warming and more acidic ocean) with pollutants including actual and predicted changes in their bioavailability, toxicity and water quality, need to be further examined implications for human health following a ‘One-Health’ approach.

Funding Information

• It is considered that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of around EUR 6 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately, to be matched by contribution from India/MoES for Indian participants as per project requirement in Indian Rupees (₹).
• There is no fixed budget allocation between European and Indian participants.

Duration

• Must be completed within 36 or 48 months from the project start date.

Expected Outcomes

• In line with the European Green Deal, notably the EU zero pollution action plan, a successful proposal will contribute to the impacts of this Destination related to addressing pollution for a healthier ocean, seas, and waters. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following:
  • Improved scientific understanding of the interplay of different pollutants, their ‘cocktail effect’ and degradation pathways, on marine organisms and ecosystems;
  • Improved understanding of the risks and cumulative impacts of different forms of pollutants for the health of marine organisms and ecosystems and ultimately human health;
  • Policy-makers gain a better understanding of the interplay of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution on marine life;
  • Reinforced cooperation between EU and Indian research and innovation communities on marine litter and its effects, including cumulative effects with other forms of pollution.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following terms apply to this Call:
  • Research and Innovation Action (RIA): Activities to create new knowledge or develop new/improved technologies, products, processes, services, or solutions.
  • Project Consortium: A group submitting a full proposal, including:
    • Indian Coordinator: The proposals are to be led by faculties/scientists working in regular position in recognized Academic Organizations/Public funded R&D Institutions/Laboratories, Central and State Government autonomous organizations.
    • Indian Beneficiary Partners: All Project Consortium Partners (including the coordinator) applying for funding from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
    • Self-financed Partner(s): Indian Project Consortium Partners participating without MoES funding, submitting a Letter of Commitment with their declared costs.
  • Eligible Indian Project Consortium Partners: Legal entities from India, such as:
    • Public or private academic institutions.
    • National or state-funded R&D labs.
    • Urban and local bodies.
    • Non-academic R&D centers or research foundations recognized as Scientific and Industrial Research Organizations (SIRO) by DSIR.
    • Darpan Portal-registered not-for-profit organizations (NGOs, voluntary organizations, trusts) with at least 3 years of operation.
    • Start-up companies registered in India by Indian residents with valid incorporation certificates from the Indian Companies Act or the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Indian companies under the Indian Companies Act with 51% or more ownership by resident Indian citizens
  • EU Member States (MS): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
  • Horizon Europe Associated Countries (AC): Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

For more information, visit Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).