The EU LIFE+ Programme 2007-2013 is a dedicated EU funding programme for environmental projects. Covering the period 2007-2013, LIFE+ will provide €1.7 billion for co-funded projects across the EU which are linked to nature conservation, environmental technology and the communication of environmental matters.
The LIFE+ National Authority in Ireland is the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Sustainable Development Unit).
LIFE+ has three components:
LIFE+ Nature will focus on the "demonstration of best practice projects" concerned with implementing the objectives of the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), including the Natura 2000 network of sites. LIFE+ Biodiversity will target the "demonstration of innovative projects" for implementing certain objectives of the Commission's 2006 Communication on halting the loss of biodiversity.
LIFE+ Environment Policy & Governance will contribute to: the development of innovative policy approaches, technologies, methods and instruments; the building up of the knowledge base regarding environmental policy and legislation; and monitoring, in particular of forests, and environmental interactions. Specifically, this component will focus on projects concerned with 13 priority objectives: climate change; water; air; soil; urban environment; noise; chemicals; environment and health; waste and natural resources; forests; "innovation"; strategic approaches; governance.
LIFE+ Information & Communication will ensure a regular and effective information flow to provide the basis for policy decisions on the environment, and to provide accessible information to citizens on the state and trends of the environment. Priority areas of action are for projects dealing with disseminating information, raising awareness and developing specific skills on environmental issues such as forest fire prevention.
If you have any further queries, you can contact the Sustainable Development Unit as follows:
