PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The LIFE programme introduced action grants for capacity-building projects for the 2014-2017 funding period. These are projects designed to build Member States' capacity to participate more effectively in the LIFE Programme. Specifically, these projects propose interventions to develop the capacity to submit successful applications for funding for projects under the sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action. Member States that meet the criteria may each receive funding of up to one million euros for one capacity-building project. Only national level public bodies responsible for implementation of LIFE in an eligible Member State in the European Union may apply for capacity-building projects.
OBJECTIVES
The Czech LIFE project aimed to increase the capacity and service base of the National Contact Point (NCP), to generate publicity for the LIFE Programme, to increase the number of applicants and improve the service provided to them, so as to increase the uptake of LIFE funding in the Czech Republic. The project foresaw the creation of four new jobs at the MoE fully dedicated to the LIFE agenda, plus four part-time jobs assigned to specific work tasks. It would also create three part-time jobs at the premises of the project partner ČSOP Salamandr. Analysis revealed relatively few successful LIFE applicants in previous years, so actions would identify and mitigate weak points to increase the number of projects submitted and approved under LIFE Programme calls. The project would take a systematic approach to increasing the visibility and attractiveness of the LIFE Programme, building on knowledge and best practices from other NCPs and successful LIFE beneficiaries. The project would establish co-operation with the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic, to ease the financial burden of LIFE funding applicants by pre-financing projects, and a joint platform of complementary programmes in support of LIFE applications.
RESULTS
The Czech LIFE project introduced supportive tools (political, financial and methodological) that increased the capacity of the Czech Ministry of the Environment (MoE) to administer the LIFE programme. The project resulted in an increasing interest in the LIFE programme.
The sustainability of project’s results is ensured, given the political support. The National Contact Point (NCP) will continue using and updating the created supporting tools for LIFE project applicants.
Specifically:
- 8 LIFE projects were approved in LIFE 2015 - 2017 Calls (4 traditional projects in LIFE 2016, and 3 traditional projects and 1 Integrated Project in LIFE 2017), while 3 projects were in the revision phase of LIFE 2018 at project end;
- 4.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs were created for the project, 2 full-time NCP jobs were created at the MoE, and 2.5 FTE jobs created at the associated beneficiary Salamandr; all key personnel were trained (23 people participated in national trainings);
- There were 23 networking events with 735 participants in total; 27 information and training seminars with 675 participants; 4 visits to successful projects in Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Poland; and 5 other events.
The project team introduced a new grant scheme, alongside the new set of supporting tools that are available for LIFE applicants and project managers (e.g. the manual "How to write a successful project", a helpdesk, translated LIFE documents, review of complementary programmes, promotional video, etc.). To make best use of these, consultations are provided by MoE experts.
During the project, cooperation was established with information centres, non-profit organisations, private companies, and public institutions. The project team engaged around 6 000 people through the project website, while information was published in 32 newsletters. In addition, there were 2 press conferences, 17 press releases, 190 PR communications, and 15 printed and 29 online articles.
