LIFE + is the instrument for financial support for environmental projects and conservation of the European Union, contributing to the development and implementation of policy and environmental legislation. The LIFE + programme also promotes the integration of environmental aspects into other policies and, more generally, contributes to sustainable development.
LIFE + is the successor to the LIFE program launched in 1992. To date there have been four complete phases of the program (LIFE I: 1992-1995 LIFE II: 1996-1999 LIFE III: LIFE + 2000-2006: 2007 -2013). The fourth phase of the program has a total budget of 2,143,000 euros, and consists of three components:
LIFE + “Nature and Biodiversity” co-finances projects of good practice or demonstration projects contributing to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network, ie, that contribute to the conservation of natural habitats and wildlife of Community interest.
LIFE + “Environment Policy and Governance” used to finance innovative or pilot projects that contribute to the implementation of European environmental policy and the development of ideas, technologies, methods and innovative instruments.
LIFE+ “Information and Communication”: funded communication projects and campaigns on issues of nature protection or biodiversity conservation, as well as projects related to forest fire prevention.
LIFE + is regulated by Regulation (EC) no. 614/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 on the financial instrument for the environment; and it is managed by the European Commission
