3Bee and XNatura: Research and Monitoring in Horizon Europe Projects

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3Bee is the nature tech company that, starting from a scientific and technological approach, implements land regeneration projects such as the Biodiversity Oases and dedicated environmental education initiatives. Its Nature Intelligence division, XNatura, focuses on monitoring and managing environmental risks and impacts. By combining artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, satellite technologies, and cloud computing, XNatura supports businesses, municipalities, and natural parks that wish to integrate data-driven solutions into their environmental management strategies.

Horizon Europe (2021-2027) is the European Union (EU) Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (R&I), with an overall budget of approximately €95.5 billion (EU source). Its primary aim is to fund excellent projects that tackle major global challenges, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For companies like 3Bee, the most relevant funding channels are found in Pillar II and Pillar III. Pillar II includes Cluster 6, focused on Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment (Cluster 6 details). Pillar III, through the European Innovation Council (EIC), specifically supports SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) with high-potential deep tech innovations for scaling up (EIC site). Participation is subject to demonstrating significant scientific impact and alignment with the EU's strategic priorities.

The scientific validity of Horizon projects requires the use of advanced and data-driven methodologies. The XNatura platform is useful in supporting data analysis and monitoring tasks for restoration projects. Our methodology surpasses traditional monitoring: the platform allows for measurements of climatic and biodiversity parameters both indirectly, via satellite, and directly through field sensors and the use of Citizen Science to engage local communities. This hybrid data collection (IoT, remote sensing, civic engagement) is crucial for establishing an accurate environmental status quo and for tracking the effectiveness of restoration interventions in real time. In this way, Horizon projects have a data-driven project monitoring component to demonstrate the project's impact to third parties. The approach not only ensures the rigour required by the European Union but also guarantees that the project produces measurable and replicable results.

The Horizon Europe calls require the formation of a transnational consortium, essential for tackling ecological challenges that transcend national borders. The consortium typically includes academic institutions, research centres, and SMEs from various EU countries. Such synergies ensure access to specialist know-how (e.g., climate modelling, biodiversity taxonomy) and advanced research infrastructures. The role of 3Bee is configured as a technological coordinator and data provider, offering the XNatura platform for environmental monitoring. The scientific partners, on the other hand, focus on validating protocols and disseminating results through peer-reviewed publications. This division of roles maximises the effectiveness of the funding and the project's impact at the European level.

The effectiveness of a Horizon project is assessed based on its scientific outputs and tangible impact on society. The funding is specifically aimed at the generation of new scientific knowledge, rather than mere business development. The expected outputs include the creation of open and high-resolution datasets, the joint publication of peer-reviewed papers, and the development of standardised and scalable monitoring protocols at the EU level. In terms of impact, the project must provide objective quantitative measurements on the success rates of restoration and ecosystem resilience. Such data are essential for community policy-making, as they offer concrete tools to guide investments in the Green Deal. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate a clear scientific and ecological return on investment.