PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area)
Groundbreaking initiative designed to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Mediterranean region through joint research and innovation efforts.
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What is PRIMA Programme?
The PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) Programme is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Mediterranean region through joint research and innovation efforts. Its mission is to enhance water availability, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve sustainable food production in a region that is significantly affected by climate change, urbanization, and population growth. PRIMA endeavors to assist in the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier societies in the Mediterranean, aligning with the European Union’s Green Deal and contributing to the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development.
PRIMA’s Strategic Focus
PRIMA operates under the guidance of the PRIMA Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and organizes its efforts around three thematic areas:
- “Integrated and Sustainable Management of Water”: Focusing on arid and semi-arid areas in the Mediterranean, this area addresses the critical challenge of water scarcity.
- “Sustainable Farming Systems”: It deals with the unique environmental constraints of Mediterranean agriculture, aiming at improving resilience and sustainability.
- “Sustainable Mediterranean Food Value Chain”: This area promotes regional and local development by enhancing the sustainability of the food value chain.
The program acknowledges the complex interplay of natural resource threats, including climate change, demographic shifts, economic growth, and political instability, which are compounded by globalization. These pressures not only strain natural resources but also impact the economic stability of nations within and neighboring the Mediterranean region. PRIMA’s approach is informed by the Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, offering a clear framework to balance trade-offs and synergies while preserving ecosystem integrity.
PRIMA’s Organizational Structure and Funding
PRIMA is structured around three sections, each with distinct funding and operational frameworks:
- Section 1: Managed and funded by PRIMA-IS with EU contributions, it includes transnational calls for proposals and supports program operations. This section adheres to the H2020/ Horizon Europe Rules for participation.
- Section 2: Activities in this section are funded by the Participating States, with a focus on supporting the program’s objectives through national contributions.
- Section 3: Managed entirely by the Participating States, this section allows for a tailored approach to addressing the program’s goals within individual countries.
Funding and Eligibility
PRIMA offers funding primarily to entities within its Participating States, including EU Member States like Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and others, as well as associated and third countries like Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, and more. Eligible participants range from legal entities under EU law to international organizations, with funding rates up to 70% for innovation actions, and 100% for non-profit entities.
The program is highly competitive, with a funding rate of 5% for projects under Section 1, indicating the high level of competition and the rigorous selection process for proposals. Section 2 experiences a medium level of competition, with a 25% funding rate for submitted projects.
Conclusion
PRIMA represents a strategic and collaborative effort to tackle environmental, agricultural, and food security challenges in the Mediterranean region. By fostering innovation and research, PRIMA not only aims to address immediate challenges but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of Mediterranean societies. Through its comprehensive approach and commitment to collaboration, PRIMA is poised to make significant contributions to the sustainable development of the Mediterranean region, in line with global sustainability goals.
Latest news & calls related to this programme:
PRIMA: Multi-Topics
PRIMA announces a new call for proposals focusing on multiple thematic areas within the nexus of water management, farming systems, and the agri-food value chain.
Developing Cost-effective and Sustainable Technologies for Mediterranean Food Systems to Decrease Food Loss and Waste
The objective is to decrease food loss and waste (FLW), a critical challenge amplified by demographic growth, climate change, and global disruptions. This call aligns with the Innovation Action (IA) category.
Transformative Adaptation of Mediterranean Dry Farming Systems Using Water Harvesting Techniques
This call focuses on employing water harvesting techniques to address extreme drought conditions in arid and semi-arid environments, aligning with Innovation Action (IA) guidelines.
