Scotland Europa - LIFE Programme

The European Union LIFE Programme

LIFE is the European Unions’ financial instrument for supporting environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the EU, as well as in some other candidate countries.

Since 1992, LIFE has contributed approximately €1.35 billion to the protection of the environment, having co-financed some 2,750 projects.

Organising LIFE

LIFE projects were originally organised into three main themes corresponding to major areas of action. While all three areas aim to improve the environment, each has its specific priorities.

The three thematic components of LIFE comprised of:

• LIFE-Environment, which supported the development of innovative techniques and methods by co-financing pilot and demonstration projects.
• LIFE-Nature, which supported nature conservation projects that maintain or restore natural habitats and/or species populations.
• LIFE-Third Countries supported environmental capacity building and the transfer of knowledge in countries bordering on the Mediterranean and the Baltic Seas.
  

These themes are further broken down into the following actions that are eligible for LIFE funding:

• Nature and Biodiversity, including animal and plant species as well as unique habitats such as coastal areas, forests, grasslands, rivers and lakes.
• Air quality and the prevention of pollution.
• Urban environment and quality of life.
• Land-use, soil and agriculture.
• Environmental management.
• Industry and production.
• Energy and climate.
• Waste.
• Water.
  

LIFE+

LIFE+ is the new financial instrument for the environment, providing all future opportunities for funding. It was originally proposed by the Commission in September 2004 and agreement was reached in June 2006.

The third LIFE+ call for proposals was published on May 15, 2009. In this round of funding, up to €250 million is available for co-financing projects under three main headings:

• Nature and biodiversity.
• Environment policy and governance.
• Information and communication.
  

For more information and to apply for funding, contact:

Life Nature
Mr. Richard Chapman
Room 9/22, Tollgate House, Houlton Street
Bristol BS2 9DJ
United Kingdom
Fax: 44-117 987 81 82/ 9878119
E-mail: european.wildlife.doe@gtnet.gov.uk