Brussels, 30/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 29 April, the European Commission approved €282.6 million in funding for 225 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union's environment fund. This programme has a total budget of €2.143 for the 2007-2013 period. Overall, these projects represent a total investment of some €589.3 million and were selected from the 1,468 applications to the Commission in response to its call for proposals from public and private bodies in the EU28, which closed in June 2013. The projects selected cover three components: LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance and LIFE+ Information and Communication. With more projects this year, the upward trend targeting climate change is confirmed. Fund distribution is as follows:
Nature and biodiversity. Of the 342 proposals received, 92 projects for funding from partnerships of conservation bodies, government authorities and other parties were selected in 25 member states. They represent a total investment of €262.5 million, of which the EU will provide some €147.9 million. 79 are Nature projects, contributing to the implementation of the Birds (92/43/EEC) and/or Habitats Directives (79/409/EEC) and the Natura 2000 network of protected natural areas across the EU. The other 10 others are pilot schemes that tackle wider biodiversity issues.
Environment Policy & Governance projects. Of the 961 proposals received, 125 projects were selected in 22 member states. Projects focus on waste and natural resources, innovation, water, and chemicals. Out of a total investment of €318.5 million, the EU will provide some €130.8 million.
Under this component, 33 projects directly tackle climate change in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The Commission will contribute more than €41.2 million from a total budget of €109.4 million
Information and communication. Of the 165 proposals received, 8 projects were selected from a range of public and private sector nature and/or environment organisations. The projects are based in six member states - Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Poland and Romania - and represent a total investment of €8.3 million, of which the EU will provide some €3.9 million. Four of the projects are concerned with EU environmental policy campaigns, three aim to raise awareness about nature and biodiversity matters and the remaining one is focused on forest fire prevention.
Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said: “These latest projects will make a vital contribution to the preservation, conservation and enhancement of Europe's natural capital, as well as helping to achieve sustainable growth through investment in a low carbon and resource efficient economy”.
Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard said that the EU would make a contribution of more than €41.2 million from a total budget of €109.4 million earmarked for these climate projects. The new LIFE programme on the environment and climate from 2014 to 2020 will have a budget of €3.4 billion (December 2013 prices) and allows for over €850 million dedicated to climate action. The commissioner stated that “this will roughly triple the amount which is spent on climate action”. (AN)