LIFE+ is the European Union's financial instrument 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.
Environment protection is of crucial importance to the European Union. LIFE+ is there to provide complementary support to other funding instruments aimed at protecting our environment.
This fund, which has a total budget of €2.1 billion for the period from 2007 to 2013, is open to all bodies that are registered in the EU. Applications can be submitted from the public as well as the private sector and environmental NGOs within the 27 EU member states.
LIFE+ aims at the development and implementation of environmental policy and legislation as well as the integration of environmental consciousness within other policies. Moreover, it also supports the conservation of nature and the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives. It seeks to raise awareness on environmental issues so as to achieve a positive change in people's attitude to the environment.
Since LIFE+ is subdivided into three distinct strands a vast array of projects can be implemented. These may include the conservation of threatened habitats and species as well as actions that halt loss in biodiversity.
Projects can contribute to the implementation of particular EU legislations related to air, climate change, soil, urban environment, noise, chemical waste and natural resources, through concrete measures which safeguard the environment and human health. Consequently, awareness campaigns related to any of these areas, including nature conservation and biodiversity can also be co-financed.
Calls for proposals are issued once yearly and this year's opened on May 15. The relevant information and the application package can be found online at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm . This website also includes a database listing all the projects that have been funded under LIFE/LIFE+ together with a brief description of the projects and links to their websites.
Additionally a Maltese website dedicated to LIFE+ has been launched and will shortly be updated with relevant information for the local scene: www.lifeplus.gov.mt.
A workshop is being organised on the June 16 by the European Commission in conjunction with Stella Consulting and MWH for all those interested in applying under this call.
For more information please contact Ms Maria Elena Attard, (the National focal point for LIFE+) on maria.elena.attard@gov.mt or call 2291 5063. Locally, the Life+ Programme falls under the remit of the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister.