The Life Programme
LIFE is the EU’s main financial instrument supporting the implementation, updating and development of Community environmental policy and legislation. In particular, the programme focuses on the integration of the environment into other policies and to sustainable development in the Community as well as on the exploration of new solutions to environmental problems with a Community dimension by implementing demonstrative projects.
LIFE began in 1992 and to date there have been four complete phases of the programme (LIFE I: 1992-1995, LIFE II: 1996-1999, LIFE III: 2000-2006 and LIFE+: 2007-2013). During this period, LIFE has co-financed some 3954 projects across the EU, contributing approximately €3.1 billion to the protection of the environment.
LIFE’s thematic components:
- LIFE+ “Nature and biodiversity» (Birds/Habitats Directives and Communication – “Halting the loss of biodiversity and beyond”).
- LIFE+ «Environment Policy & Governance».
- LIFE+ «Information & Communication».
The featuresof LIFE projects are:
- dealed with an important environmental issue.
- demonstration and innovation character.
- Its spread through interest groups and society is really important.