Two New CRAs in Development: Arctic 3 and Biodiversity 3

Two new Collaborative Research Actions (CRAs), Arctic 3 and Biodiversity 3, are moving forward within the Belmont Forum (BF) framework. Both initiatives were presented and formally approved during the BF Virtual Plenary in November 2025, and will enter a Scoping phase in 2026 to shape their future calls for proposals.

 

Biodiversity 3: A Long-Term, Integrated Response to Biodiversity Loss

 

The Biodiversity 3 CRA was proposed by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) in response to the unprecedented global decline in biodiversity driven by climate change, land-use change and pollution. Current approaches remain fragmented and often rely on short-term, discipline-specific studies, limiting the ability to understand long-term trends, tipping points and socio-ecological resilience.

Biodiversity 3 responds to this challenge by promoting a coordinated, international and science-based approach.

Key objectives

  • Strengthen long-term, holistic biodiversity monitoring, integrating genetic, functional, ecological and social dimensions
  • Promote transdisciplinary research, bringing together natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and practitioners
  • Support international data infrastructures, aligned with FAIR principles and platforms such as GEO BON and Data Terra
  • Bridge science, policy and society, generating actionable knowledge for conservation, restoration and adaptation

Estimated launch timeframe: 2028.

 

Arctic 3: Addressing Rapid Change in the Arctic System

 

The Arctic 3 CRA, proposed by the Research Council of Norway (RCN), responds to the profound and rapid changes occurring in the Arctic and their far-reaching global implications. It builds on key knowledge gaps identified during the 4th International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV, 2022–2026). and addresses the urgent need for integrated Arctic research.

Focus areas

  • Arctic–mid-latitude weather extremes
  • Changes in terrestrial ecosystems (permafrost, geohazards, wildfires, land-use change, erosion)
  • Arctic regional governance in a global context
  • Environmental and cultural impacts of Arctic economic development
  • National and international policy, law and stewardship related to Arctic change

The CRA adopts a transdisciplinary and co-productive approach, with the active participation of Indigenous Peoples, local communities and scientists, and will contribute to the 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5, 2032–2033).

Estimated launch timeframe: 2027.

 

Scoping in 2026: Shaping the Future Calls

 

Both CRAs will enter a Scoping phase in 2026, designed to create a collective space for reflection and exchange to inform and enrich the call texts. The scoping sessions will enable participants to share perspectives on research gaps, societal needs, data challenges and emerging opportunities, ensuring that the calls reflect a diversity of contexts, disciplines and realities.

By fostering dialogue between researchers, policymakers, practitioners and societal actors from around the world, the scoping process will help make the Arctic 3 and Biodiversity 3 calls more relevant, distinctive and responsive to real-world challenges, while remaining firmly grounded in local realities.

Stay Informed & Get Involved

Participants of the BF community interested in receiving additional information about the upcoming calls, capacity development activities that may take place ahead of the official launch, and networking with other interested parties are invited to register their interest: