LIFE+ Program
The European Commission has approved funding for 143 new projects
under the first call for LIFE+ (2007-2013). The European Fund for
the Environment is a European financial instrument, and has a total
budget of 2143 million euros for the period 2007-2013.
The Commission received over 700 proposals coming from both public
and private bodies of 27 Member States, covering actions in the
areas of nature conservation, environmental policy, and Information
and communication. The 143 projects, co-financed by EU, represent
as a whole an investment of 367 million, including the
communitarian contribution of 186 million. In particular, the
allocation of funds provides for LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity
projects an EU contribution of 94 million euros; the projects
funded are 58 and involve a total investment of 165 million.
For LIFE+ Environmental policy and governance projects, the
Commission has selected 74 projects representing a total investment
of 185 million, which includes a contribution of 84 million.
Finally, for LIFE+ Information and communication there are 11
projects to be financed for a total investment of 16 million, in
which EU contributes 8 million euros.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "I am impressed by the
wide range and the high quality of proposals submitted this year.
The selected projects not only have a significant impact on the
environment, but show how to start for those who want to apply the
same techniques."
For Italy 26 projects will be financed, 13 of which in
Environmental policy and governance sector, 3 in Information and
communication and 10 in Nature and biodiversity.