LIFE+ Projects
LIFE+ is the European Union’s direct funding programme for the Environment providing funding opportunities for the conservation of protected habitats and species, the halt of loss in biodiversity and the implementation of environmental policy as a key dimension of sustainable development. LIFE+ is there to provide complementary support to other funding instruments aimed at protecting EU’s environment.
LIFE+ is subdivided into three distinct strands, thus a vast array of projects can be implemented. These strands are:
>LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity, which may include the conservation of threatened habitats and species as well as actions to halt the loss in biodiversity;
>LIFE+ Environmental Policy & Governance which aims specifically at contributing to the implementation, updating and development of Community environmental policy and legislation, including nature and biodiversity, climate change, water, air, soil, urban environment, noise, chemicals, environment and health, waste and natural resources, innovation and strategic approaches as well as the integration of environment into other policies, thereby contributing to sustainable development; and
>LIFE+ Information & Communication which deals with information campaigns related to all the environmental aspects mentioned above. Such proposed projects must seek to raise awareness on environmental issues so as to achieve a positive change in people’s attitude towards the environment.
This fund has a total budget of around €2.143 billion for the period 2007-2013, with over €267million allocated for 2011, with €2.5 million as Malta’s national allocation. LIFE+ is open to all bodies that are registered in the EU; therefore applications could be submitted from the public as well as the private sector as well as universities, research institutes and environmental NGOs within the 27 EU Member States. Applications can be submitted by a single beneficiary or a partnership including a coordinating beneficiary and one/several associated beneficiaries. (Source: European Commission)
