The LIFE Programme

Meet LIFE at the European Maritime Day 2013

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Next 21st and 22nd of May the city of Valletta will host the 2013 the 6th edition of the European Maritime Day. Organised by the European Commission in partnership with the Maltese Ministries for the Economy and Tourism, EMD 2013 will be a unique forum for maritime stakeholders to discuss all issues related to the coasts, seas and oceans. The LIFE Programme will be present at the event to demonstrate some of its contributions to preserve the European marine and coastal environment. Look for stand No 5 in the exhibition area! We will be more than happy to present our projects to you and to discuss maritime issues.

Black vulture returns to East Balkans

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 GMT

A black vulture (Aegypius monachus) has been spotted in the Eastern Balkan Mountains for the first time for more than 30 years. A photo-trap set up at the vulture supplementary feeding site in the area of the Sinite Kamani Nature Park captured a young black vulture in April, together with a group of foraging griffons. The pictured bird was released as part of the LIFE project, 'Vultures Return in Bulgaria' (LIFE08 NAT/BG/278).

LIFEnews April

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

April's LIFEnews explores the role the programme has played in supporting and encouraging sustainable hunting in the EU. A review article highlights a range of LIFE projects contributing to sustainable hunting practices, raising awareness and facilitating working partnerships between nature and hunting interests. In this month's case study article, we speak to experts from FACE and the European Commission about LIFE's contribution to sustainable hunting.

Scale of raptor deaths in Hungary shows need for LIFE 'HELICON' project

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

MME Birdlife Hungary, the beneficiary of the ongoing LIFE Nature 'HELICON' project (LIFE10 NAT/HU/000019), took part in an event in Hungary in February that revealed the scale of the problem of illegal raptor deaths in the country. More than 100 professionals from Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and the UK attended the annual meeting of the Raptor Committee of Birdlife Hungary, which followed the 8th Hungarian Conservation-Biology Meeting (co-organised by MME with the Hungarian Biological Society, Bükk National Park Directorate and the European section of the Society for Conservation Biology).

SAMBAH project reveals extent of Baltic harbour porpoise population

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

'SAMBAH' (Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise – LIFE08 NAT/S/000261) is a five-year LIFE Nature project that targets the conservation of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) within the Baltic Sea region. Led by Kolmardens Djurpark (Kolmarden Wildlife Park) in Sweden, this international project has revealed initial results from two years of monitoring using 300 passive acoustic porpoise click loggers (CPODs) at a meeting with marine stakeholders and sea-management authorities from the countries around the Baltic that was held in Gothenburg on 15 April.

LIFEplus Nature and agriculture platform meeting

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The European Commission's LIFE Nature Unit will be holding a platform meeting (thematic seminar) on nature conservation and agriculture in wet alluvial grasslands at the Éthic étapes Lac de Maine in Angers, France on 16-17 May, 2013. The general objective of the event, which will be hosted by Ligue de la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), is to exchange experience around the combination of nature conservation and farming practices. This will include discussion of such issues as: how to involve local farmers in nature conservation; greening the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP); management agreements with farmers on purchased land; and ensuring compatibility between pasture and the needs of ground-nesting birds.

LANDLIFE Workshop 1 on Land Stewardship: France

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:50:00 GMT

The LIFE Information and Communication project ‘LANDLIFE’ (LIFE10 INF/ES/000540) is organising its first of three workshops on land stewardship in 2013. This first workshop is hosted in France by the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels du Languedoc-Roussillon under the title 'Rethink and initiate land stewardship in France’.

Have your say on the Natura 2000 newsletter

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Natura 2000 newsletter was launched in 1996 and is now in its 33rd edition. To ensure that it continues to meet expectations, DG Environment has commissioned an online reader survey, which will remain open end of June 2013. To have your say on the future of the newsletter - how useful is it to you, what would you like to see more or less of, do you prefer to read it on paper or online? – please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N2000newslettersurvey

Vulture TV 'joke' not funny – says Bulgarian LIFE team

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

A popular Bulgarian TV comedy show recently broadcast an episode where the main characters discuss the benefits of eating Griffon vulture eggs for potency, while scheming to steal the eggs of the rare birds! Although, meant to be amusing, the episode was viewed with alarm by the team coordinating the LIFE 'Vultures Return' project (LIFE08 NAT/BG/000278), which is working to recover the populations of endangered vulture species in the country.

Workshop on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

The LIFE Environment project 'IPNOA' (LIFE11 ENV/IT/000302) is holding its first workshop on the theme of "The Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture in Tuscany". The full day event is aimed primarily at local and national authorities, farmers, farmers' organisations and researchers on greenhouse gas mitigation.

Climate commissioner praises 'Carbon 20' project

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Connie Hedegaard, Climate Commissioner, paid tribute to the Danish LIFE project, 'Carbon 20' (LIFE09 ENV/DK/000366), at the recent 'Allerødmessen' climate fair. Two of the companies engaged in the project have been recognised for their efforts to reduce their CO2 emissions. Projects such as 'Carbon 20' are central to efforts to reduce our climate impact, according to the Commissioner.

SOL-BRINE – 'Water is necessary' invite, Greece

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:10:00 GMT

The Greek LIFEplus Environment wastewater treatment project SOL-BRINE (LIFE09 ENV/GR/000299) is holding its final conference from 19 to 21 September, on the island of Tinos, located in the Cyclades archipelago. The international conference, 'Water Is Necessary for Life - WIN4Life' is open to all interested parties, providing participants with the opportunity to exchange views and ideas about water management, advanced wastewater treatment processes and sustainable brine management practices. The event will include oral and poster presentation sessions. Authors wishing to submit a paper should send an abstract to the Scientific Secretariat, Dr. K. Moustakas by 15 May 2013.

MHyBus presentation in Ravenna

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:10:00 GMT

The LIFE project, 'MHyBus – Methane and Hydrogen blend for public city transport bus: technical demonstrative application and strategic policy measures' (LIFE07 ENV/IT/000434), is holding an press conference and presentation of its hydromethane-fuelled bus in Ravenna on 18 April.

Workshop on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:10:00 GMT

The LIFE Environment project 'IPNOA' (LIFE11 ENV/IT/000302) is holding its first workshop on the theme of "The Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture in Tuscany" in Pisa on 19th April

LIFEnews March

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

March's LIFEnews looks at the EU's strategy and actions on climate change, and the role of the LIFE programme within this. A review article highlights EU policy level developments and how a variety of LIFE projects are contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation in different sectors. In this month's case study article, we speak to experts from DG CLIMA about the new LIFE sub-programme on Climate Action planned for 2014-2020.

Meet LIFE at the 7th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns!

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

From the 17th to the 19th of April, the city of Geneva will host the 2013 Edition of the European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns.Organised by the ICLEI network, Local Governments for Sustainability, over the course of three days this event will gather the most relevant stakeholders on urban sustainability from all over the world. The LIFE Programme will be present at the event to demonstrate some of the results of its projects on sustainability and environmental protection at the local level. Look for us in the exhibition area! We will be more than happy to present our projects to you and to discuss about these exciting issues.

Communication key to efficient N2000 sites in Romania

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Over 80 participants gathered in Brasov, Romania recently to learn more about developing communication skills to increase management capacity and support for Natura 2000 sites in the country. The event, "Efficient managers for Efficient Natura 2000 Network" was organised in the framework of the ongoing LIFEplus Information and Communication project, EME Natura 2000 (LIFE11 INF/RO/000819).

Best LIFE Project Award-winners for 2012 revealed

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

The winners of the 2012 'Best of the Best' and 'Best' LIFE Nature and LIFE Environment projects have been selected and will be presented at a combined awards ceremony to be held during Green Week in Brussels, the theme of which is Air Quality. The winning projects will be acknowledged at a special event on 5 June from 6.30-9.30 pm in The Egg Conference Centre, rue Bara 173-177, B-1070 Brussels.

'ETA-BETA' project points the way to eco-managed business areas

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:05:00 GMT

The LIFE Environment project, ‘ETA-BETA’ (LIFE09 ENV/IT/000105) has announced its final results. Since September 2010, the project has been promoting the development of Eco-managed Industrial and Business Estates (EIBEs) and ecologically equipped productive areas (EEPAs) as local governance and policy tools for implementing the EU’s Environmental Technology Action Plan The ETA-BETA approach offers an organisational model for the management of EIBEs, which consists of a set of operational instruments for area managers and for individual SMEs for implementing the European Commission’s Eco-Innovation Action Plan (EcoAP) at local level.

Green publishing project launches membership campaign

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:05:00 GMT

The ‘LIFE Ecoedición’ project (LIFE08 ENV/E/000124) has launched a Green Publishing Membership Campaign. The aim of this campaign is to provide technical support, training and specialised consulting services to help public bodies and private companies with the practical application of green publishing criteria using the project’s “Sustainability Assessment of Publications” software. This offers a simplified approach designed to enable participants to produce greener publications without costly, time consuming investment.

'Salt of Life' project starts work to improve the status of Atanasovsko Lake

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:05:00 GMT

On 13 March, the LIFE Nature ‘Salt of Life’ project (LIFE11 NAT/BG/000362) began scheduled bypass channel cleaning in Atanasovsko Lake, Bulgaria. During the six-year long project the entire length of the channel will be cleaned using a new dragline excavator, which was purchased partially with funds from the EU’s LIFE Programme. The work on the bypass channel is a key action of a project whose main aim is to establish a functional, efficient and sustainable infrastructure for water management and the control of the coastal lagoon in Atanasovsko Lake. This will create long-term improvements to habitat conditions and enable adaptation to the effects of climate change.

Polish LIFE project promotes eagle conservation in Montenegro following shooting incident

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:05:00 GMT

The Polish ‘AQC Plan’ project (LIFE08 NAT/PL/000511) has taken part in an international seminar on the conservation of the greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) and other birds of prey in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica. The event, which took place on 12 March, was organised by the National Parks of Montenegro and gave the project beneficiaries Polish Birds, Eagle Conservation Committee and Biebrza National Park the opportunity not only to talk about its LIFE co-funded work in the Biebrza Valley, but also to promote the importance of eagle conservation to wider Montenegrin society. The importance of the latter is indicated by the shooting in December 2012, of Bruzda, a male greater spotted eagle that was being tracked by radio transmitter by the project team as it flew south on its winter migration route. Bruzda died after being shot within the bounds of Skadar Lake National Park in Montenegro, an incident that has aroused much controversy and media attention.

PROM.SUS.FIS.PR.PRESPA project documentary to be premiered at the 15th Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:35:00 GMT

"Crafted by time", by Vangelis Efthymiou, is a documentary about the Prespa Lakes that will be shown at the15th Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival – Images of the 21st Century this month. The film was produced as part of the LIFE Information and Communication project "PROM.SUS.FIS.PR.PRESPA" (LIFE09 INF/GR/000319) , which aims to inform the public and raise awareness about issues connected with the rare fish species and fisheries of Prespa.

Oroklini Lake LIFE project opens photo competition

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:35:00 GMT

From 1 February to 31 May both amateur and professional nature photographers are invited to take part in the photo competition “Oroklini Lake all through the year”. The competition aims to promote the Oroklini wetland in Cyprus and its importance for biodiversity. The photographer of the best picture will be awarded 1 000 euros prize money. Later in the year an exhibition and an album containing selected photos from the competition will be created.

LIFE project leads agriculture's response to climate change

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:15:00 GMT

The first results of the LIFE project AgriClimateChange (LIFE09 ENV/ES/000441) have shown how agriculture can reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by nearly half in some cases. This important project is not just showing farmers what can be done to respond to climate change, but adding new information to political debate around reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.

LIFEnews February

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:15:00 GMT

This month's LIFEnews focuses on the work of the LIFE programme in Cyprus. As well as an overview of LIFE projects on the island, we take a closer look at conservation actions in the Troodos Mountains and at an innovative approach to treating wastewater from wineries.

Conference on invasive species in rivers and wetlands

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:15:00 GMT

The LIFE Nature project 'Estany' (LIFE08 NAT/E/000078) is organising the Second International Conference on Invasive Species in Rivers and Wetlands. The three-day event will focus on techniques for management of alien species that threaten these particularly vulnerable ecosystems.

Agricarbon project wins award of climate change actions

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:15:00 GMT

The regional government of Andalusia has honoured the LIFE 'Agricarbon' project – 'Sustainable Agriculture in Carbon Arithmetics' (LIFE08 ENV/E/000129) with its Environment Award for 2012. The award recognises the project's great contribution to the fight against climate change. The 'Agricarbon' project is encouraging the establishment of sustainable agricultural techniques, such as conservation agriculture and precision farming, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector.

GREENLYSIS holds final workshop

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:15:00 GMT

The final workshop organised by the LIFE project GREENLYSIS (LIFE08 ENV/E/000118), which was recently held at the Cetaqua Water Technology Centre in Cornellà de Llobregat, Barcelona, attracted more than 40 people. The workshop was an opportunity for the project team leaders to present the results of the project and share their experience of reducing the environmental impact of a wastewater treatment plant.

The 2013 call for proposals is now open!

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:05:00 GMT

The seventh LIFEplus call for proposals was published on 19 February, 2013, with up to €278 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings: Nature and Biodiversity (NAT); Environment Policy and Governance (ENV); and Information and Communication (INF). Project proposals should be submitted to the relevant national authority using the eProposal tool no later than 16:00 hours (Brussels time) on 25 June, 2013. Member States will forward proposals to the European Commission by 5 July, 2013. The earliest possible starting date for 2013 projects is 1 June, 2014. Please note that applicants may only use the eProposal tool to create and submit proposal(s) under the 2013 LIFEplus Call for Proposals.

LIFE inspires legislation to protect Italy's red squirrels

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:15:00 GMT

In January 2013, Italy’s Ministers of the Environment, Agriculture and Economic Development signed a decree forbidding the trading, raising and keeping of the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), an invasive alien species introduced to the country some 60 years ago. This inter-ministerial decree is one of the first important results of ‘EC-SQUARE’ (LIFE09 NAT/IT/000095), a LIFE Nature project targeting the conservation of Europe’s only native tree squirrel, the red squirrel (Scirius vulgaris) in parts of northern Italy.

New calendar for the 2013 call published

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:15:00 GMT

The seventh LIFEplus call for proposals is scheduled to be published on 19 February. The deadline for applicants to submit proposals to Member State authorities via eProposal is 25/06/2013 16:00 hours local Brussels time. Please check the funding pages soon.

LIFEnews December-January

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:25:00 GMT

2013 promises to be an important year for the LIFE programme, with the final call for proposals for LIFEplus funding taking place and the details of the proposed new LIFE regulation set to be agreed with the European Council and the European Parliament. Looking ahead to what's in store, LIFEnews this month spoke to the deputy heads of the LIFE Units, Joaquim Capitão (Environment) and Anne Burrill (Nature).

Recycling campaign targets French shoppers

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:15:00 GMT

A LIFE Information and Communication project has outlined the initial results of its efforts to promote recycling among the French public. The ‘Collect plus’ initiative (LIFE11 INF/FR/000730) presented the results of its first phase of actions during a telephone seminar on 23 January that was organised by the project partners. Led by the Casino Group retail chain, ‘Collect +’ instigated a publicity drive last November to encourage supermarket shoppers to sort and recycle household waste items. New collection facilities were installed in-store, backed by a major publicity campaign to raise public awareness and training for staff to enable them to support the project.

New LIFE project aims to raise the profile of Natura 2000 in Spain

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:15:00 GMT

Europe’s Natura 2000 network of protected sites provides benefits estimated to be worth as much as €300 billion each year. Spain hosts many of the EU’s biodiversity hotspots and a new LIFE Information and Communication project - Conéctate a la Red Natura’ (LIFE11 INF/ES/000665) - is proactively promoting the value of the Natura 2000 network in Spain. The goal of this ambitious project is to help everyone in Spain to better understand, appreciate, enjoy and ultimately support the Natura 2000 network.

New publication! LIFE managing habitats for birds

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The latest LIFE Focus publication from LIFE Nature highlights the crucial link between habitat management and the conservation of Europe's threatened bird species. LIFE managing habitats for birds offers a host of examples from projects that have introduced management programmes for wetlands, grasslands, forests and other habitats favoured by endangered birds.

New publication out! LIFE's Blueprint for water resources

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The latest LIFE Focus publication highlights the relevance of LIFE Environment project actions in helping to implement EU water policy. As its title suggests, LIFE's Blueprint for water resources is a practical companion piece to the recent European Commission Communication, 'The Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources'.

Sky's the limit for LIFE 'COSMOS' project

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:15:00 GMT

Over 80 participants attended the final conference of the LIFE Environment project, ‘COSMOS’ (LIFE08 ENV/IT/000434), which took place in Brescia (Italy) 14 December 2012. The conference provided an opportunity to present the results of the project to both a technical audience and the general public, including physical demonstrations of prototype products developed by project partners.

CARBONTOUR final conference points the way towards sustainable tourism

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The LIFE Environment 'CARBONTOUR' project (LIFE09 ENV/GR/000297) held its final conference in Athens 10 December, 2012 on the promotion of sustainability and energy efficiency in the tourism sector. The conference at the Divani Caravel Hotel brought together hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents, scientists, engineers and professionals from the private sector, government departments, municipalities, research bodies and educational institutions to exchange new ideas, techniques and experiences in all areas of sustainable tourism.

French LIFE project scoops sustainable development prize

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Fédération des Entreprises de Propreté et Services Associés (FEP), the beneficiary of the French LIFE project, 'CISDP - Cleaning Industry Sustainable Development Programme' (LIFE08 ENV/F/000481), has won first prize in the category of 'Management and Initiatives for Sustainable Development' at the Prix Entreprises et Environnement.

European Week for Waste Reduction continues to grow

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) has enjoyed its biggest ever year. The week, which was first launched in 2009 by the LIFE project 'EWWR' (LIFE07 INF/F/000185), saw 10 793 separate actions organised across 25 European and two non-European countries, 17-25 November 2012. To find details of activities in your area, visit the EWWR Database.

French citizens' initiative project wins sustainability award

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The French LIFE project 'R-URBAN' (LIFE10 ENV/FR/000215) ("Albufera Nature Reserve") has won the Zumtobel Foundation Award, – category ‘Research and Initiative’.This prize, which is awarded every two years, recognises sustainable initiatives in the fields of architecture and engineering that are making a valuable contribution to citizens’ quality of life.The LIFE project is demonstrating that networks of active citizens and associations can initiate locally closed ecological cycles that will support the emergence of alternative models of living, production and consumption between the urban and the rural areas.

LIFEnews November

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:25:00 GMT

November's LIFEnews explores the role that the programme has played in tackling the threat of invasive species (IS) to EU habitats, species and biodiversity. A review article highlights the latest policy developments and showcases a range of LIFE projects dedicated to preventing, eradicating or containing IS, or safeguarding the future of seriously endangered species through gene banks. In this month's case study article, we speak to experts from the IUCN and European Commission about LIFE's important contribution to the development of IS policy.

Commissioner Potocnik's visit highlights LIFE support for Albufera

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:00:00 GMT

European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik has paid a visit to the Parque Natural de la Abufera ("Albufera Nature Reserve") in Valencia, Spain. He was accompanied on the 06 November visit to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of El Saler and Natura 2000 site "Tancat de la Pipa" by the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barbera, and Spain's Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, Miguel Arias. Valencia is seeking EU support for its bid to have the Albufera Nature Reserve become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Commissioner indicated that he would be "willing to support any initiative to achieve greater protection, although that is a decision that depends on all Member States." He also highlighted the fact that the reserve is already protected by Europe as part of the Natura 2000 network. He encouraged Valencia to propose more LIFE projects under the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020.

Recycled waste jewellery photo wins EPA award

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A photo of jewellery that was produced from recycled waste by the LIFE project ‘COSMOS’ (LIFE08 ENV/IT/000434) has won first prize in the ‘Energy and Natural Resources’ category in a picture competition organised by the European Projects Association (EPA). The photo finished second in the competition overall, receiving more than 500 votes and a ‘special mention’ from the organisers.

Brussels workshop launches prioritised action framework initiative

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:00:00 GMT

A workshop was recently held in Brussels to discuss how LIFE is establishing 'prioritised action frameworks' (PAFs)– frameworks that set out the priorities for nature conservation for Member States, identify required management measures and outline necessary actions for the next funding period, 2014-2020. The kick-off workshop focused on common issues for all PAFs, opportunities for the exchange of knowledge among them and common reporting requirements.

New publication out! Best LIFE-Nature Projects 2011

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:00:00 GMT

TThe EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European Commission's LIFE Nature Unit have announced the Best LIFE Nature Projects 2011. The 13 projects selected represent the most successful of the recently completed LIFE Nature projects, in terms of best practices and/or demonstration actions on nature conservation and the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives

Film promotes climate-friendly air conditioning in cars

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The PRO KLIMA (LIFE09 INF/DE/000012) LIFE project focusing on mobile air-conditioning systems (MAC systems) recently created an animated short film, ‘Cool down but be smart’.The film addresses the environmental problems related to the additional consumption of fuel due to the use of the MAC system, and offers drivers recommendations on how and when they should use their MAC system. Available in German and English, the film also warns of the negative environmental impact of the refrigerant R134a.

Italian town wins WWF award for wetland recovery LIFE project

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The small town of Rivignano in northeast Italy has been awarded the 'Albanella d'Oro' (Golden Circus) by the regional divison of WWF for the its implementation of a forested wetland recovery LIFE project, 'S.T.A.R. – Stella Alnus Recovery' (LIFE07 NAT/IT/000498)

LIFEnews October

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:00:00 GMT

October's LIFEnews reflects on the programme's varied roles in promoting improvements in air quality in the EU. A review article highlights three main areas in which LIFE Environment is helping to reduce air pollution in support of EU air quality policies, and a case study article from Austria, the 'EC4MACS' project (LIFE06 PREP/A/000006), is looking to shed more light on the links between air pollution, health and climate strategies.

Danish project confirms presence of rare weatherfish

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Research conducted as part of a LIFE project has recently proved that the endangered weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) is not extinct in Denmark. In recent decades, populations of the fish species have declined sharply and only one now remains in the moor area of Sølsted Mose. The fish, however, hadn’t been reported since 2008 and was feared extinct. Nevertheless, the LIFE project to restore the raised bog in Sølsted Mose (LIFE10 DK/NAT//000099) needed to take into consideration the possible presence of the weatherfish and the beneficiary, the municipality of Tønder, initiated a survey of the moor area.

'Malta Seabird' project radio tracks storm petrel

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The LIFE project, ‘Malta Seabird’ (LIFE10 NAT/MT/000090), has tracked the storm petrel for the first time in Europe. The bird species was tracked using radio-tracking technology – a method that is extremely difficult for this species owing to its small size and the vast areas it can cover. Researchers from the project beneficiary, BirdLife Malta, attached radio tags to 34 storm petrel adults last July. They then carried out 30 flights with a Cessna aircraft equipped with special antennae, covering more than 8 000 nautical miles over the sea. In addition to the aerial surveys, researchers used antennae on a boat and on land to monitor signals from the tagged birds.

Assessing LIFE's impact on EU noise and air policy

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMT

A new study from the LIFE Monitoring Team - led by the Astrale Consortium - provides a detailed analysis of the contribution made by LIFE Environment and Governance and LIFE Information and Communication projects to the implementation, dissemination and further development of EU noise and air policies and legislation, focusing in particular on resource efficiency.

"Identifying critical marine areas for bottlenose dolphin" workshop

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The Madeira Whale Museum is organizing a Workshop in the framework of the project CETACEOSMADEIRA II - "Identifying critical marine areas for bottlenose dolphin and surveillance of the cetaceans' conservation status in Madeira archipelago" (LIFE07 NAT/P/000646) .

"Identifying critical marine areas for bottlenose dolphin" workshop

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The Madeira Whale Museum is organizing a Workshop in the framework of the project CETACEOSMADEIRA II - “Identifying critical marine areas for bottlenose dolphin and surveillance of the cetaceans’ conservation status in Madeira archipelago” (LIFE07 NAT/P/000646) .

Tracking Egyptian vultures from the Balkans to central Africa

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

The Bulgarian LIFEplus Nature and Biodiversity project 'The Return of the Neophron' (LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152) has issued a fascinating bulletin about the migration routes of nine Egyptian vultures that it tagged with satellite transmitters in Bulgaria and Greece during the summer of 2012. You can read more about the adventures of Arda, Dobri, Ikaros, Ilyaz, Lazaros, Lefkipos, Odysseus, Svetlina and Volen here.

'LiveWell for LIFE' project to unveil pilot sustainable diets for three EU countries

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The 'LiveWell for LIFE' project (LIFE10 ENV/UK/000173) is to launch LiveWell Plates for France, Spain and Sweden this autumn, as part of its programme to demonstrate country-specific sustainable diets across the EU. The LiveWell Plate is a tool that defines what healthy and sustainable diets could look like for different European countries.

Grand finale for groundwater improvement project

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

More than 50 people attended a final workshop for the LIFEplus water project 'ENSAT - Enhancement of Soil Aquifer Treatment' (LIFE08 ENV/E/000117) on 28 September 2012 in Can Serra, Spain. Here they witnessed the results of two years of work on a pilot project to improve groundwater through a technique known as Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in the Barcelona area's main water reservoir. Water professionals, experts and stakeholders met to discuss the results of exploring this alternative method of storing water in order to cope with seasonal fluctuations, overexploitation or saltwater intrusion. The project actions also focused on removing pollutants through the use of reactive organic substrate layers; so-called Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) in infiltration ponds at the project's test site in the Llobregat river delta south-west of the Catalonian capitol.

Spreading know-how about Water Change

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Members of the Spanish Life + Environmental Policy and Governance project, 'Water Change' (LIFE07 ENV/E/000845) have led a workshop on planning and adapting to changes in the availability of water resources that was attended by 13 employees of the Agbar group, a global specialist in water management. The eight-hour master class, held on 01 October 2012, centred on the tools developed through the now finished 'Water Change' project to assess the impact on water resources stemming from climate change, more extreme weather, and changes in land use and water demand, collectively described as Global Change.

Analysing LIFE's contribution to the water sector

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The LIFE Monitoring Team, which is led by the Astrale Consortium, has published a comprehensive 171-page analysis of the LIFE programme's contribution to the implementation, dissemination and further development of EU environmental policies and legislation in the water sector. For its Water Sector Report, the Astrale team reviewed some 150 water-related projects that have been funded during the last six years, including projects from all strands of the LIFE programme - ENV/NAT/INF. Thirty-three projects were subjected to a detailed assessment (SWOT analysis).

New publication out! Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2011

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European Commission's LIFE-Environment Unit have announced the Best LIFE Environment Projects 2011. These projects represent the most recent successful LIFE Environment projects in terms of their contribution to immediate and long-term environmental, economic and social improvements; their degree of innovation and transferability; their relevance to policy; and their cost-effectiveness.

Farmland Biodiversity Conference

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

The Estonian Agricultural Research Centre and Ministry of Agriculture are holding the Baltic Sea Regional Conference under the title Quo Vadis, Farmland Biodiversity?, 14-15 November 2012, in Tartu (Estonia). Participants are invited to submit case study information as well as any other relevant information or posters in preparation for the conference.

Freshwater Sciences Symposium calls for LIFE project participants

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

The eighth Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences (SEFS) will take place in Münster, Germany from 01-05 July 2013. The event aims to integrate recent insights from ecological and evolutionary perspectives into improved knowledge of the diversity, dynamics, and functioning of freshwater ecosystems. The Symposium will provide a cross-disciplinary platform for discussion of research ranging from the level of genes and cells to ecosystems and landscapes.

LIFEnews September

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

September's LIFEnews reflects on the programme's varied roles in promoting ecosystem services. A review article highlights the host of different ways in which LIFE is helping to strengthen ecosystems' capacities for providing key services, and a case study article from Denmark reveals the positive impacts on water quality services that have been gained from a LIFE project focused on facilitating farm-based nature actions.

Rhine wetlands trail opened

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

A meadow trail was recently officially opened at Rastatter Rheinauen, a beautiful 850 ha nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The trial was built as part of the LIFE project, 'Rheinauen bei Rastatt - Rhine wetlands near Rastatt’ (LIFE09 NAT/DE/000004), which is aiming to improve the wetland ecosystems along a substantial stretch of the river Rhine.

MoorLIFE project airlifts Sphagnum moss in pioneering action to restore UK moors

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The LIFE project MoorLIFE (LIFE08 NAT/UK/000202) has been airlifting 150 million gel beads containing Sphagnum moss onto nearly 1 000 ha of moorlands in northern England. Matt Buckler, conservation works manager for the Moors for the Future Partnership described the action as “probably the most important landscape-scale delivery phase of works ever in UK moorland restoration.” This pioneering work has involved Sphagnum gel beads being airlifted by helicopter in five-litre tubs and spread by hand by staff, volunteers, rangers and a contractor across 980 ha of Peak District and South Pennine moors. Each bead is the size of a fingernail and contains several small strands of moss grown in a laboratory from a small sample of local source Sphagnum. The beads are designed to provide initial sustenance and protection and help embed the moss on the moor.

Bringing LIFE to a European Congress in Portsmouth

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The value of the LIFE programme was highlighted at a recent event in Southern England, UK, that provided an opportunity to share experience of cross-border working. On 14 September, Southern England Local Partners, the EU Affairs network for Southern England (www.selp.org.uk), held its annual European Congress at the Centre for European and International Studies Research at the University of Portsmouth. The event brought together over 50 representatives from local authorities, universities and business intermediaries such as Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), all interested in enhancing understanding of the European dimension of their work.

"Lands of Priolo" awarded European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

The "Lands of Priolo", a territory within the Azores, has been granted the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas by the EUROPARC Federation Council. The application for the Charter was made by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Sea, within the context of the Portuguese LIFEplus Nature and Biodiversity project, 'LAURISSILVA SUSTENTAVEL' ('Sustainable Laurel Forest" - LIFE07 NAT/P/000630). Lands of Priolo is the name given to the territory in which the Azores Bullfinch, or, Priolo (Pyrrhula murina), an endemic and very rare bird, occurs. Located in the eastern part of the island of São Miguel, Azores, this territory includes the municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação, as well as a large protected area.

International conference on habitat connectivity

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 19:00:00 GMT

The IENE 2012 international conference and practical field excursions on ecology and transportation will be held from 21-24 October 2012 in Potsdam-Berlin, Germany. The conference, whose theme this year is 'Safeguarding ecological functions across transport infrastructure', is being organised by the Infra Eco Network Europe (IENE) in cooperation with the German Federal Government and the Swedish Transport Administration. Some 200 experts and decision-makers from four continents are expected to discuss best practices for ecologically sustainable infrastructure.

River Wiki enables restoration community to share best practices

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The LIFE RESTORE project (LIFE09 INF/UK/000032) is calling on all river restoration practitioners to share their experiences through a new interactive resource: River Wiki. The project has launched this innovative Internet tool to enable better and faster development and transfer of good river restoration practice.

Danish farmers cooperate in collective nature conservation actions

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Area-based approaches to nature conservation often require joined-up activity by different landowners. Coordinating such consistent approaches to nature conservation across a habitat's territory can help to tackle fragmentation challenges. Various synergies are also possible from the economies of scale that emerge during collective approaches to land management.

Coastal dune projects network in Cagliari

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT

On 27-28 June 2012, representatives of the PROVIDUNE (LIFE07 NAT/IT/000519) and JUNICOAST (LIFE07 NAT/GR/000296) projects held a networking meeting in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) to share methodologies and exchange know-how, best practices and experiences. Both LIFEplus Nature and Biodiversity co-funded projects aim to protect priority habitats consisting of coastal dunes with Juniperus ssp. - one of the most endangered habitats in the EU.

LIFE project prepares for first European Land Stewardship Week

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The inaugural European Land Stewardship Week will take place from 28 September to 07 October 2012. The 'LANDLIFEWEEK' event is an initiative of the Spanish LIFE Information and Communication project, 'LANDLIFE' (LIFE10 INF/ES/000540), whose overarching goal is to boost land stewardship as a tool for nature and biodiversity conservation (particularly in the Western Mediterranean Arch), by communicating its value to the general public, institutions, land planners and specific stakeholders.

Tuscan seabirds continue to benefit more than a decade after LIFE

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT

The Regional Authority of Tuscany has reported continuing excellent long-term results from the LIFE Nature project ‘Capraia/Toscana’ (LIFE97 NAT/IT/004153), which finished more than 10 years ago. The project eradicated invasive rat populations from the small islands of the Tuscan archipelago. These interventions have proved to be a cost-effective means of improving conditions for ground-nesting birds, reptiles and terrestrial molluscs with only a limited need for ongoing monitoring and control.

'E-transformer' on the road for Slovenia WEEE promo tour

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The LIFEplus Slovenian WEEE campaign project (LIFE10 INF/SI/000139) sent its special ‘E-transformer’ vehicle on a two-month promotional tour of some of the country’s main shopping centres this summer, to raise awareness of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling. E-transformer (actually a mobile, solar-powered multimedia trailer) is a main tool of the LIFEplus Information and Communication project, run by the project beneficiary ZEOS, a non-profit NGO partnership for the management of WEEE in Slovenia. Its mission is to increase awareness, especially among families with younger children, of the proper handling, treatment and recovery of WEEE. According to project manager, Emil Sehic, the response so far, has been “very positive”.

SuperAlp! 6: sustainable crossing of the Alps

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT

A group of international journalists recently completed a 1 500 km trip through the Alps to highlight the LIFE project sites found in the mountainous region. Their journey – the sixth SuperAlp! organised by the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention – passed through Slovenia, Austria, Italy and on to France, where it finished in the city of Grenoble. This year's seven-day trip (04-11 July) formed part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Habitats Directive and the LIFE Programme. By completing the journey by train, bus, bicycle and foot, the SuperAlp! initiative is showing that it is possible to get about in the Alps using only public transport.

Read all about the latest projects to receive LIFE co-funding

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The Annual Compilation of new LIFE projects has been published. A total of 202 projects submitted under the LIFEplus 2011 Call for Proposals have been approved for co-funding, representing a total investment of €516.5 million, of which the EU will provide some €268.4 million. The projects come from 25 Member States and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, climate change and information and communication on environmental issues. Full details are available in the respective Annual Compilations which can be downloaded from the LIFE website

Imperial eagle in the urban jungle on video

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The LIFEplus project, ‘Save the Raptors’, which was carried out by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, has recently launched a video on the Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) and the communication of its conservation needs through contemporary art. A giant 20 m graffiti artwork was created recently on the front wall of a public school at the very heart of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city, as part of a charitable initiative featuring four graffiti artists. The impressive mural tells the story of the globally endangered eagle species. Only 23 pairs of this majestic bird remain, and these are found in remote regions of Sakar and West Strandja in southeast Bulgaria.

LIFEnews July/August

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:00:00 GMT

This summer edition of LIFEnews picks up on one of the key topics from last month's Rioplus 20 Earth Summit: soil conservation. A review article explores the different ways in which LIFE projects contribute to the EU's soil protection priorities and a dedicated case study article describes in more detail the types of sustainable approaches to soil management that LIFE has helped to stimulate among Spanish farmers.

The adventures of returning vultures

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The LIFEplus Nature project 'Vultures Return in Bulgaria' (LIFE08 NAT/BG/000278) has successfully reached the highway point, and the project beneficiary, the nature conservation NGO Green Balkans, has marked the occasion by publishing some charming reports about the adventures of its three returning birds: Bulgarka the traveller, Liubka the inquisitive and Freeda the free-flyer.

Conservation hope for the bittern in Bavaria

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Habitat restoration is reducing the severe threat posed to the endangered population of bittern in Bavaria, Germany. A LIFE project, 'The promotion of bitterns in pond areas of Bavaria'(LIFE97 NAT/D/004222) , which ended in 2001, is being followed up by a new initiative co-funded by the Allianz Environmental Foundation (Allianz Umweltstiftung) and National League for Bird Protection (Landesbund für Vogelschutz). Only a few pairs of the great bittern (Botaurus stellaris) are now found in southern Germany, but thanks to the restoration efforts of recent years

2011 Common provisions for LIFEplus projects

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Common Provisions for 2011 LIFEplus projects are now online. All 2011 LIFEplus projects shall be carried out in accordance with these common provisions (CP), which form an integral part of the grant agreement.

LIFEplus 2012 call: Frequently Asked Questions

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today. Please download the new document as it contains important information

European Commission provides €268.4 million for 202 new environment projects

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The European Commission has approved funding for 202 new projects under the LIFEplus programme, the European Union's environment fund. The projects are from 25 Member States and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, climate change and information and communication on environmental issues. Overall, they represent a total investment of some €516.5 million, of which the EU will provide €268.4 million.

LIFEnews June

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:00:00 GMT

June's LIFEnews reports on LIFE contributions to Green Week 2012 which took place last month. A variety of different LIFE projects were profiled during the Green Week events including those from a recent study about LIFE and EU water policy. The newsletter's lead article reviews this study and hears from the Director General at DG Environment, Karl Falkenberg, who spoke at Green Week about the future of LIFE projects. A second article focuses in on the experiences from LIFE delegates who were exhibiting their projects at Green Week.

20 years of LIFE: Italian ministries highlight transferability of results

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Representatives of the Italian National Focal Point – NFP (Ministry of Environment), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the LIFE Unit met in Rome recently, for a national workshop highlighting the importance of the LIFE programme in Italy over the past 20 years; and discussing the links between LIFEplus and the National Rural Development Network. Organised as part of the EU-wide ‘LIFE 20th anniversary’ events, the workshop, held in Rome on 28 June, included the presentation of a new study, “LIFEplus e la Rete Rurale Nazionale” (LIFEplus and the national rural development network) highlighting the importance of LIFE co-funded projects in promoting the rural development network and of guaranteeing the transferability of their results.

LIFE project discovers new deep-sea crab species

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The LIFE project Indemares (LIFE07 NAT/E/000732) has made the exciting discovery of a previously unknown species of deep-sea squat lobster in the Atlantic Ocean off the Spanish Galician coast. The find of this new species highlights the secrets that Europe's oceans still hold and the value of improved investigation and understanding of marine ecosystems.The species was found at more than 1 400 metres depth on the Galicia Bank.

New publication out!LIFE and coastal management

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Coastal zones are a key source of raw materials and ecosystems services, sustaining the transport, trade, tourism and leisure sectors while at the same time supporting important natural habitats. A high proportion of EU citizens live by the coast and the well being of these habitats is thus vital to local economies and local health. As a result, it is essential to make use of long-term management tools, such as Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). The LIFE programme has played an important role in the development of ICZM through a Demonstration Programme (1996 to 1999) and is continuing to fund a wide range of coastal projects.

LIFE project promotes effective communication approaches for encouraging waste reduction

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Waste reduction is a top priority for the EU’s Waste Framework Directive and LIFE has been co-financing a major EU level initiative promoting waste reduction over the last three years. Using support from the LIFE Information and Communication component, the ‘European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR)’ project has made beneficial progress in raising awareness about this important European policy goal across many countries. LIFE’s inputs into the EWWR came to a conclusion recently with the project’s final conference, held in Paris. The conference focused on the important role that effective communication methods can play in promoting opportunities for reducing the amount of waste that society creates.

LIFEplus 2012 call: Frequently Asked Questions

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today. Please download the new document as it contains important information

Listen to the Voices of LIFE

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT

To mark the 20th anniversary of the LIFE programme in 2012, the LIFE Units have published a special brochure - The Voices of LIFE: 20 years of getting things done - containing interviews with some of the many people who have been involved with and benefitted from the LIFE programme over the last two decades. As an extra feature in this, the 20th anniversary month, you can listen to extracts from some of the interviews below. Hear the Head of the LIFE Nature Unit, Angelo Salsi, discussing the outstanding achievements of the LIFE programme and Frank Vassen, one of the few people to have been a LIFE project manager, monitor and Desk Officer within the LIFE Unit, highlighting the value and importance of the programme's bottom-up approach, the scale of its projects and the importance of EU recognition for those projects.

Conservation boosts Danube sand martins

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Restoration actions carried out under the LIFE project Danube birds conservation (LIFE07 NAT/SK/000707), are greatly benefitting sand martins (Riparia riparia) at one site in Slovakia. Restoration last year of a 200 m-section of steep river bank, a traditional nesting site for the bird species, has led to their return in high numbers.

LIFEnews May

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:00:00 GMT

May's LIFEnews focuses attention on the celebrations surrounding events that mark LIFE's 20th birthday. A review of key LIFE achievements over the last 20 years is presented which notes the significant progress and accomplishments made by LIFE since 1992. A follow-up article builds on these core messages and underlines the fundamental role that beneficiaries and Member State authorities play in making LIFE the European success story that it is today.

New publication out!LIFE and invertebrate conservation

Wed, 30 May 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Invertebrates are a very diverse group of species that extend over all environments, ranging from mountains to seas. They provide valuable ecosystems services, from pollination to the control of agricultural pests and also act as important environmental indicators (for instance of water quality in rivers, a function of freshwater pearl mussels). Yet, despite their importance and prevalence, there is a lack of knowledge about many invertebrates, resulting in a lack of care and conservation

Co-ordinated action points the way ahead for LIFE

Tue, 29 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

In an address at Green Week in Brussels on 24 May, Karl Falkenberg, Director General of DG Environment, said that integrated projects which co-ordinate actions with other funding streams represent the way forward for the LIFE programme.

20 years of LIFE celebrated at awards ceremony during Green Week

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

A special celebration was held during Green Week in Brussels to mark the 20th anniversary of the LIFE programme, the Habitats Directive and Natura 2000. Bruno Julien, a former head of LIFE and Nature Units, DG ENV, said that LIFE projects had convinced people in his native France and in many countries of the worth of the Natura 2000 network of protected sites.Mr Julien was honoured to present the awards to the best LIFE Nature projects of 2011 at the event. Four projects were singled out for special praise as ‘Best of the Best’ projects 2011, while a further nine were named ‘best’ projects.

LIFE at 20: Danish presidency marks special day

Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 GMT

As part of the year-long celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the LIFE programme, a special event was organised under the Danish presidency of the EU in Jutland on 21 May – 20 years to the day since the passing of the LIFE Regulation and the EU Habitats Directive into law.

1st griffon vulture nest for 50 years in Balkan Mountains

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The first griffon vulture nest for 50 years has been discovered in the Balkan Mountains – thanks to the reintroduction efforts of the 'Vultures Return in Bulgaria' (LIFE08 NAT/BG/000278) project. This announcement made during LIFE's 20th anniversary celebrations – feted in EU countries throughout the month of May – provides yet more evidence of the positive impact of the LIFE programme.

Today is LIFE's 20th Birthday

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

LIFE celebrates its 20th anniversary today: The LIFE Regulation passed into law on 21 May 1992 – paving the way for the launch of the LIFE programme, the EU's financial instrument for the environment. To mark this auspicious occasion, more than 300 'LIFE 20th anniversary' events are taking place throughout the month of May

Study highlights risk posed by PVC blood bags

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

A new report , which was carried out as part of a LIFEplus project, shows that blood bags made of DEHP-plasticised PVC pose a significant risk to human health. The report – a life-cycle assessment, LCA – was commissioned by the Swedish project PVCfreeBloodBag (LIFE10 ENV/SE/000037), which is aiming to phase out the current blood bags in Europe and replace them with PVC-free alternatives.

LIFEnews April

Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT

This month's LIFEnews includes a review of projects' from around the EU supporting the multifunctionality of Europe's Green Infrastructure, as well as a detailed interview with the coordinator of a successful Austrian project which has demonstrated new techniques for tackling transport pollution.

Happy 20th Birthday LIFE!

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT

LIFE celebrates its 20th anniversary on 21 May 2012: The LIFE Regulation passed into law on 21 May 1992 – paving the way for the launch of the LIFE programme, the EU’s financial instrument for the environment. To mark this auspicious occasion, more than 300 LIFE 20th anniversary events are taking place throughout the month of May – organised by LIFE projects present or past.

LIFEplus 2012 call: Frequently Asked Questions

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today (27/04/2012). Please download the new document as it contains important information

LIFE-backed business reaches packaging goal

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Proving there is plenty of life after LIFE, the Dutch company Paperfoam, a recipient of LIFE funding from 1999-2001 (LIFE99 ENV/NL/000232) has recently launched a commercial product that achieves one of the key goals of its LIFE Environment project.

'LiveWell for LIFE' Report

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

LiveWell for LIFE (LIFE10/ENV/UK/000173)a new LIFEplus project promoting a healthier and more sustainable diet among Europeans and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU food supply chain has published a report following its launch stakeholder debate, held in Brussels in February 2012.

LIFEnews March

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Coastal and marine environments form the focus of our project reviews in the March edition of LIFEnews. This month we take a look at the diverse range of LIFE projects supporting European coastal zones and we also venture further offshore for an in-depth discussion with the project manager of a pioneering Spanish project which is expanding the Natura network's protective reach out into our seas.

LIFEplus 2012 call: Frequently Asked Questions

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today (02/04/2012). Please download the new document as it contains important information

LIFE PRIME influences change in Italian environmental law

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Italian Parliament is to change an environmental law to allow the use of beached Posidonia oceanica (algae and seagrass) residues as compost for agricultural purposes. This decision was heavily influenced by the work of the ongoing Italian LIFEplus Environment PRIME project. Every year many coastal communities face the environmental problem of what to do with the thousands of tonnes of P.oceanica residues that are washed up on Mediterranean beaches. A bill to allow the possible reuse of the biomass as compost for agricultural purposes has been approved by the Italian Senate and is at the Chamber of Deputies for final approval. It contains a clear reference to the favourable results of the LIFEplus PRIME project.

And the winners are…

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:05:00 GMT

To mark the 20th anniversary of the LIFE programme in 2012, the LIFE Units organised two competitions open to all beneficiaries and project partners, past or present: a photo competition and a competition to sum up, in 20 words or less, what LIFE means to you. From the numerous entries received, a panel of judges had the hard task of selecting the 20 “Best” photos and 20 “Best” texts. This long-list of “Best” entries was then whittled down to select the three “Best of the Best” photos and texts.

Wetland project takes giant strides towards improved water management

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:05:00 GMT

An important conservation and access project on the UK's Suffolk coast is making significant progress on improving water management and reducing the impact of disturbance on an incredibly fragile landscape. With support from LIFEplus Nature, the National Trust at Orford Ness and the RSPB at Havergate Island are working together for the benefit of internationally important wildlife, habitats and landscape under the "The Alde-Ore Estuary - Securing a sustainable future for wildlife" project (LIFE08 NAT/UK/000199

The new call 2012 is now open!

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:05:00 GMT

The sixth LIFEplus call for proposals was published on 13 March 2012, with up to €276 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings: Nature and biodiversity; Environment policy and governance; and Information and communication. Project proposals should be sent to the relevant national authority no later than 26 September, 2012. National authorities will then send them to the European Commission by 2 October, 2012. The earliest possible starting date for 2012 projects is 1 July, 2013.

The Voices of LIFE celebrate 20 years

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The latest LIFE Focus publication is a special edition to mark the 20th anniversary of the LIFE programme in 2012. A joint publication of the LIFE Nature and LIFE Environment units, The Voices of LIFE: 20 years of getting things done focuses on the people who have helped the LIFE programme achieve so much over the last two decades. Featuring interviews with more than 75 individuals from 20 countries, the publication allows people to explain, in their own words, the impact that LIFE co-funding has had on their work, their environment, their communities and their lives.

LIFEnews February

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

February's LIFEnews focuses on the programme's support for EU species which favour life in Europe's mountain and upland environments. A review article draws attention to the diversity of different project level activity at higher altitudes and a case study from Italy demonstrates a more in-depth example of LIFE's mountain assistance for endangered species in the Apennines.

Kick-off seminar launches two Danish raised bog projects

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Two Danish LIFE Nature projects, which were launched in 2011 and focus on restoring raised bogs in "Lille Vildmose" (LIFE10 NAT/DK/000102) and "Sølsted Mose" (LIFE10 NAT/DK/000099), recently held a joint-venture seminar on best practice for raised bog restoration. The restoration of raised bog is currently a nature conservation priority In Denmark. The seminar, which took place on 31 January at the "Lille Vildmose" visitor centre, was an opportunity for leading Danish raised bog experts to make recommendations for achieving a favourable conservation status of raised bog in the two project sites.

Bitterns beginning to boom in Britain

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMT

After many years of decline, the bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is re-establishing itself in British wetlands. While its subtle brown plumage make it difficult to spot among reeds, its distinctive foghorn-like call or "boom" is being heard again in Britain thanks to conservation efforts co-funded by LIFE. In 1997, the population of bitterns had fallen to 11, and the project, "Bittern - Urgent action for the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) in the UK" (LIFE96 NAT/UK/003057) was launched to arrest the decline of this bird species, which before the Middle Ages was common in the UK. Its numbers fell first as a result of its desirability as a delicacy, then its interest to taxidermists, and finally the drainage of wetlands.

Fens project helps Anglesey community replace village shop

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

As a result of its actions to restore an endangered habitat of North Wales, the LIFE Nature Anglesey and Lleyn Fens project (LIFE07 NAT/UK/000948) is forming an important link with the local community. Whilst the goal of the project is to restore EU Habitats Directive-listed alkaline and calcareous fens through ground works followed by extensive grazing, as project manager Justin Hanson explains in this interview, through its actions, the village of Talwrn on Anglesey has been able to replace a vital part of community life: the village shop. Such is the appreciation for LIFE's efforts, that, not only has the shop been named after the local project site (Cors Bodeilio), but it will also be used to disseminate information about the project.

Commissioner Potočnik praises LIFE wetlands' projects

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Two successful LIFE wetlands-related projects, one in Ireland and the other in Germany, highlight the importance of the LIFE programme for wetland conservation – said Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment, in a statement to mark World Wetlands Day 2012 (2 February). Wetlands are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems, with some 50% of all wetlands having disappeared in the last century, said the Commissioner, noting that: “In Europe, the situation is even grimmer, with two thirds of out wetlands having disappeared over the past 100 years.” The EU is a major provider of funds for wetland conservation projects both within and outside Europe, he commented, adding that since 1992, LIFE has co-funded some 120 wetlands-related projects. Almost all of these have been oriented towards nature conservation, reflecting the biodiversity value of the wetland habitats (lakes and rivers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands and peatlands, estuaries, deltas, tidal flats etc).

Commission embarks on IAS consultation

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The European Commission has begun a period of consultation on a dedicated legislative instrument on invasive alien species (IAS) (27 January to 12 April). It welcomes contributions from all citizens and stakeholder organisations to the new instrument which it aims to develop by 2012. The Commission adopted a Communication "Towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species (2008)" to address the gap in legislation on IAS. Last year, the Commission outlined its aim to ensure that "by 2020, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and their pathways are identified and prioritised, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and pathways are managed to prevent the introduction and establishment of new IAS". The focus of the latest consultation is on the policy measures that are now being considered based on the input and feedback from all relevant stakeholders since the start of the process in 2008.

Nature Scholarship for Young European Conservationists now open

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The Alfred Toepfer Natural Heritage Scholarships 2012 are now open for applications!. The award provides three young European conservationists with €3 000 to undertake a study visit to one or more protected area located in a European country other than his/her own. They are awarded by the Alfred Toepfer Foundation and the EUROPARC Federation. The deadline for applications is 11 May, 2012.

LIFE project removes thousands of highly invasive turtles from European waters

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Turtles are a common 'poster child' of worldwide conservation efforts. However, exotic species of turtle, such as the common slider (Trachemys scripta), are amongst the most damaging invasive species in Europe. LIFE-Trachemys (LIFE09 NAT/ES/000529) successfully captured 4 600 sliders from wetlands in Valencia in 2011. This represents three times more captures than the preceding year.

10 companies carry out LIFEplus 'Biodiversity Checks'

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Ten European companies have pledged to reduce their impact on biodiversity, as part of a LIFEplus project, the European Business and Biodiversity Campaign (LIFE08 INF/D/000022). The companies representative of a broad range of sectors – include a car producer, airport manager, a large travel agency and a producer of outdoor products – have all successfully implemented a ‘Biodiversity Check’ offered by the 2010-2012 project.

LIFEplus RESTORE: sharing river restoration best practices

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Sharing best practices on European river restoration is one of the main goals of the LIFEplus Information and Communication project; RESTORE (LIFE09 INF/UK/000032). It was also the topic of a successful workshop hosted last November, by the partnership project in Slovenia. The workshop, held in November 2011 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, looked at “Experiences on reaching consensus on river restoration good practices, as a means to support delivery of European policy goals.” It was facilitated by the Environment Agency (England and Wales), The River Restoration Centre (UK), Wetlands International, CIRF (Italy) and SYKE (Finland) as part of the ongoing RESTORE partnership.

Take 15 minutes for the LANDLIFE Project!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A LIFE project is asking for your help in gaining better understanding about EU land use and ‘land stewardship’.All that’s required is a few minutes of your time to complete an online questionnaire. Your answers will be used to help build a baseline of information about the concept of EU land stewardship. Don’t worry if the terminology and concept are new to you because the aim of the survey is to find out what type of information and awareness raising actions are needed to promote land stewardship as an empowerment tool for involving stakeholders in biodiversity conservation.

HAPPYFISH project wins Estonian Environmental Prize

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The LIFEplus Nature project, ‘HAPPYFISH’, has been awarded the 2011 Estonian Environmental Prize, which is given to outstanding projects, campaigns or events in the fields of environmental protection, information dissemination and awareness-raising. “The project 'Happyfish’ is an excellent example of how a bright idea can be combined with innovation and care for old traditions and important natural values,” said Keit Pentus, the Estonian environment minister, on announcing the winners.

LIFEnews January 2012

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

In this special new year edition we spoke to the heads of the two LIFE Units: Angelo Salsi, Head of the LIFE Nature Unit, who has spent much of the last year overseeing progress on the two LIFE + Components and preparing the ground for the next period of LIFE Programme funding from 2014-2020. We also interviewed Hervé Martin, head of the LIFE Environment and Eco-Innovation Unit, who spoke about the new regulation increasing the amount of funding for the programme and introducing a new climate change aspect.

New publication out! Best LIFE-Nature Projects 2010

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European Commission's LIFE Nature Unit have announced the Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010. The 18 projects selected represent the most successful of the recently completed LIFE Nature projects, in terms of best practices and/or demonstration actions on nature conservation and the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives.

Proposals for the new 2014-2020 LIFE Programme regulation released!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

News about LIFE’s successor has been released from the European Commission which confirms a proposed LIFE budget of €3.2 billion over the 2014-2020 financial period. The new draft regulation refers to a LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action and has been designed to build on the success of the existing LIFEplus Programme. The proposals introduce innovations to strengthen LIFE’s structure, enhance its strategic role and simplify operations through greater flexibility.

Five EU municipalities acknowledged for their commitment to biodiversity conservation

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The Council of Europe has renewed the European Diploma of the Hautes Fagnes natural reserve in Belgium for a further ten years in recognition of the preservation work carried out in the area, in particular the actions taken by the LIFE project, 'PLTHautes-Fagnes – Rehabilitation of heaths and mires on the Hautes-Fagnes Plateau' (LIFE06 NAT/B/000091)

LIFEnews November 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

This month's new-look LIFEnews highlights work underway on the Blueprint to safeguard Europe's waters, and draws attention to the many varied contributions that LIFE actions make vis-à-vis issues under review by the Blueprint.

Commission officials and NGOs get their hands dirty for nature

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT

European Commission representatives, including many members of the LIFE Nature Unit, recently gathered at the ‘Plateau de la Foresterie’ Natura 2000 site in Brussels, alongside European environmental NGO representatives, to become green volunteers for a day. The event was organised by the EUROPARC Federation, the voice of Europe’s protected natural areas, to mark the European Year of Volunteering and as part of the EU’s Lifelong Learning project, ‘Volunteer Management in European Parks’.

Environment: Major expansion of Europe's protected natural areas

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Natura 2000, the EU's network of protected areas, has undergone a significant expansion. Nearly 18.800 square kilometres have been added, including a major addition of marine areas covering 17.000 square kilometres which will increase protection for many endangered marine species. The network now covers almost 18% of the EU's landmass and more than 145.000 km² of its seas. The main countries involved in this latest expansion are the UK, France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Lithuania and Italy. Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of Europe's battle to halt biodiversity loss and safeguard ecosystem services.

EU focus on waste reduction

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) will run for the third time between 19 and 27 November 2011. The week, which is supported by of the LIFEplus Programme, aims to inform European citizens about the simple actions that they can take in their everyday lives to reduce waste. A total of 7035 EWWR actions are being implemented in 2011, a significant increase on 4346 actions in 2010. The week will employ 34 organisers in 20 countries to mobilise stakeholders and validate their actions.

Giant nets capture new life on UK moor

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

MoorLIFE, one of the largest conservation projects in the UK, has started spreading the target 33 km of geo-textile netting on to the moor surface of Bleaklow to help reduce erosion of the peat and establish a new layer of vegetation. The Bleaklow conservation work site, which stretches from Sheffield and Manchester, is clearly visible to air passengers flying in and out of local airports. Bio-degradeable geo-textiles, which look like large fishing nets, are being lifted by helicopter in bales on to selected areas of bare peat on the moor. It is then spread by local contractors and pegged on to bare-sided haggs and groughs (deep eroded channels carved into the peat) to reduce erosion and trap sown seed to help increase vegetation on these steep-sided areas.

Schoolchildren complete the mural of Mulkear

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT

A brightly coloured mural illustrating the work of MulkearLIFE, a river restoration project being carried out in County Limerick in Ireland, was completed recently by students of Lios Na Groi, National School, Lisnagry. The children painted in pictures of sea lamprey, atlantic salmon and otter, which have benefited from the project's actions to restore damaged habitats. The original sketches were produced by mural artist, Neil O' Dwyer, and the children's work added great vitality to the overall composition. The children were congratulated by members of the Annacotty Tidy Town Committee including committee chairperson, Yvonne Fogarty who warmly thanked all the children.

Houting conference provides networking know-how for stream restoration

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The LIFE Nature Houting project (LIFE05 NAT/DK/000153) staged a successful international conference focusing on the restoration of rivers and streams last month. Some 90 participants attended the event at Tønder in Denmark from 03 to 05 October 2011. The conference included a keynote presentation by the coordinators of the Danish project and excursions to several of the sites restored for the benefit of the houting (Coregonus oxyrhynchus), a highly endangered white fish whose reproductive range is limited to six river systems in Denmark.

LIFEnews October

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

October's LIFEnews plays a part in awareness raising actions that are underway during the International Year of the Bat. LIFE project contributions to bat conservation are explained including two feature articles on LIFE Nature projects which reveal how people and knowledge are key factors for safeguarding Europe's endangered bat species. A newly completed and successful LIFE Environment project is also profiled to demonstrate how green growth policy goals can be implemented in practice on the ground in Member States.

The return of the griffon vulture celebrated in Bulgaria

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Second National Vulture Festival, which was held in 14 October, 2011 in Sliven, Bulgaria, was another huge success. Organised by ‘the Vultures Return in Bulgaria’ (LIFE08 NAT/BG/278) project, the event has become an essential part of the campaign to raise awareness about the need to safeguard this endangered bird of prey. The festival attracted students from six schools and kindergartens from Sliven and neighbouring towns, such as Roza and Drazhevo, as well as many parents, passers-by and vulture lovers from all over the country. The children drew vultures from realistic dummies, and sang and danced to celebrate the return of these magnificent birds to Sliven. (The birds are returning to sites where they haven’t been seen for more than 50 years!)

Commissioner Potočnik to announce more Capitals of Biodiversity

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The LIFEplus Environment Capital of Biodiversity project (LIFE07 ENV/D/000224) will announce the names of the second group of cities to be made "European Capitals of Biodiversity" at an event in Brussels next month. The European Commissioner for the Environment, Janez Potočnik, will present the European Capitals of Biodiversity 2011 awards at ICLEI's 10th "Breakfast at Sustainability's (B@S) event on Thursday 24 November 2011, in the Liaison Office of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen, South Tyrol (Italy) in Brussels. More than 500 municipalities from France, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Spain participated in the contest, which has been led by the LIFE project beneficiary Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. The first four "Capitals of Biodiversity" were named in 2010 as Grande Sythe in France, Tata in Hungary, El Real Sitio de San Ildefonso in Spain and Želiezovce in Slovakia.

New nature conservation benefits flow from Prespa basin agreement in the Balkans

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

An agreement last week by the EU has opened the door for a new integrated management approach to nature conservation in the Prespa basin. Situated on the borders between Greece, Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, this 2500 km2 basin includes wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites. The area is especially important for water birds, notably the largest breeding colony of Dalmatian pelicans in the world and eight unique fish species also depend on the basin’s aquatic habitat. These endemic fish are found only in the Prespa basin and nowhere else in the world. LIFE project support has been involved in helping set up sustainable fishery methods in the Prespa basin to conserve these fish which are protected by EU law.

Workshop reveals progress of innovative project to reuse port sediment

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The LIFEplus ENV project SEDI.PORT.SIL (LIFE09 ENV/IT/000158), has staged the first of two interim workshops as part of its aim to demonstrate an integrated approach to the sustainable management of sediment dredged from ports. The workshop, held in Rome, Italy on 20 September, provided an opportunity to update stakeholders and other interested parties on the progress of activities and experiments designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of physical-chemical and organic techniques to treat sediments and to develop systems to extract silicon from the sediments dredged from the port of Ravenna, with the aim of re-using them.

Help LIFE celebrate its 20th anniversary!

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The LIFE programme celebrates its 20th anniversary in May 2012. To mark this important milestone in the history of the EU's financial instrument for the environment, the LIFE unit invites you to take part in not one but two special competitions. LIFE has generated 20 years' worth of fantastic photography from projects all over the EU and beyond. Millions of words have also been written about the thousands of excellent projects that LIFE has co-funded over the last two decades. In recognition of this fact and to mark the 20 years of the programme, the LIFE unit is organising a photo competition and a 20 words competition open to all LIFE projects past or present. The closing date for both competitions is 15 DECEMBER 2011.

EWWR plans pan-European 'clean-up day'

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The 3rd European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) - 19-27 November 2011 - is set to involve citizens from across Europe in actions based around four key issues: reducing paper waste; reducing food waste, reducing excessive packaging; and encouraging the repair and/or reuse of 'waste' products and materials. Following on from the success of the 'BatucaMob' that took place simultaneously across 10 countries to launch the 2nd EWWR, citizens and organisations are being encouraged to participate in another common action to underline the pan-European aspect of the Week - a 'clean-up day'. The aim of the day will be for participants to collect and measure the amount of waste illegally dumped in their area, particularly in those of natural beauty such as forests, beaches and mountains.

MoorLIFE project is bringing life back to the bogs

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Professor Sir John Lawton, an eminent British ecologist who is currently advising the UK government on its approach to the natural environment, recently visited the UK MoorLIFE project. On a drizzly day, Sir Lawton was shown the restoration works that have been carried out on Black Hill, one of the landmark summits in the Pennines. The ongoing 'MoorLIFE: Active blanket bog restoration in the South Pennine Moors' (LIFE08 NAT/UK/000202) project is one of the biggest moorland conservation initiatives in Europe. Professor Lawton described the conservation efforts as absolutely extraordinary, a win-win situation four times over. "You win in terms of water quality, you win on carbon, you win on landscape, and you win on wildlife conservation," he said.

Results of invertebrates platform meeting now available

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The conclusions of the LIFE Platform Meeting on terrestrial invertebrates are now available to download by clicking on the link below. The meeting, hosted by Natural England (and organised by the Astrale monitoring team), attracted more than 30 delegates to Newquay, Cornwall in June. The goal was to bring together invertebrate conservation practitioners from across Europe to discuss some of the most important issues regarding the conservation of these species - from butterflies to bees, saproxylic beetles to dragonflies. As part of the sharing of experience of completed and ongoing LIFE projects, there was also a visit to two sites restored by the Mid-Cornwall Moors project (LIFE03 NAT/UK/000042).

Highlighting the innovation and replicability of Italian LIFE Environment projects

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:00:00 GMT

A new publication from the Italian Ministry of the Environment, and the protection of Land and Sea, provides an in-depth look at the impact of the LIFE Environment programme for the period of LIFE II and III (1996-2006). The brochure, Il successo del Programma LIFE Ambiente in Italia: esempi di soulzioni innovative replicabili a livello nazionale ("The success of the LIFE Environment Programme in Italy: examples of innovative solutions replicated at national level"), is divided into four sections: The first section of the publication summarises what the LIFE Environment programme does, outlines the results obtained by LIFE Environment in Italy, explains the role of the National Contact Point, highlights Italian LIFE Environment projects that have been awarded 'Best' project status by the European Commission and introduces LIFEplus.

LIFEnews September

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT

This month's LIFEnews links with the launch in September of the European Commission's Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe. LIFE projects offer many useful lessons and outcomes that can be replicated around Europe to help increase the efficient use of raw materials and resources, as well as raise awareness on this important concept. A selection of such LIFE Programme examples are thus summarised in the newsletter which also features a good example of a practical 'resource efficiency' LIFE project from Italy, plus a 'Best of Nature 2010' project which helped protect niche biodiversity habitats in Minorca.

Beach campaign primes the public about posidonia residues

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Three municipalities in southern Italy have partnered with the LIFE Environment project, P.R.I.M.E. – Posidonia Residues Integrated Management for Eco-Sustainability (LIFE09 ENV/IT/000061) – to raise public awareness of the problems linked to the management of Posidonia oceanica residues on beaches. Every year coastal communities in Puglia must collect and send to landfill thousands of tonnes of this foul-smelling type of seagrass, a costly process that also requires the use of heavy machinery, with potentially adverse environmental impacts.

New publication! Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2010

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European Commission's LIFE Unit have announced the Best LIFE Environment Projects 2010. The results of the selection, as approved by the LIFE Committee members in the spring of 2011, are the 13 projects featured in this publication. These projects represent the most recent successful LIFE Environment projects in terms of their contribution to immediate and long-term environmental, economic and social improvements; their degree of innovation and transferability; their relevance to policy; and their cost-effectiveness.

Greater expectations for LIFEplus 2011 European Week for Waste Reduction

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Following growing success in 2009 and 2010, the third and final phase of the LIFEplus Information and Communication campaign, the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), will take place on 19-27 November 2011. The 2011 ‘Week’ will involve public authorities and a wide variety of project sponsors (government, communities, school groups or NGOs) from across the EU. With 524 kg of municipal waste generated on average per person in Europe (2008 Eurostat), the aim is to raise awareness of ways of reducing waste and to promote changes in production and consumption patterns. During last year’s campaign, over 4 300 awareness raising actions were successfully implemented in 24 EU Member States.

Lower Rhine area conservation boosts bird populations

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

On the International Day of Biodiversity, 22 May, Dr Angelica Schwall-Düren, minister for European affairs in the Northrhine-Westphalian government, and Josef Tumbrinck, president of the local NABU, a nature protection society in the Lower Rhine region, along with other NABU representatives, visited the successful ongoing nature conservation project for wetland bird species in the Hetter. The area of Hetter-Millinger Bruch, a Special Area of Conservation and part of the Lower Rhine Special Protection Area, is the site of a LIFE Nature project (LIFE07 NAT/D/000232) carried out by NABU.

New video celebrates Hungarian meadow viper births

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The LIFE Nature CONVIPURSRAK project in Hungary (LIFE07 NAT/HU/000322) has released a new English-subtitled video to celebrate the success of its ex-situ conservation efforts. The video, which can be viewed online, explains how the project's LIFE co-funded conservation centre (opened in 2004 and previously supported by LIFE04 NAT/HU/000116) has enabled captive breeding and reintroduction of the Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis), one of the EU's most endangered snakes (only 500 specimens exist in the wild). Most interestingly for a lay audience, the video includes footage of the birth of the vipers, a rarely seen event.

LIFEnews July/August

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

This special summer edition of LIFEnews focuses on how LIFE funding has helped provide new sustainable development opportunities for Europe's agricultural communities. Project support for grassland birds demonstrates the Programme's ability to be innovative in response to nature conservation needs that respect socioeconomic interests in rural areas. LIFE's role in improving the supply of ecosystem services from agricultural practices is also explored in the newsletter.

Dutch ambassador releases griffon vulture in Bulgaria

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:30:00 GMT

Karel van Kesteren, the Dutch ambassador to Bulgaria, has donated 500 Bulgarian lev to name and release a griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus). The bird, which was one of two transported from the Dutch Zoo of Amersfoort, was released as part of the project, "Vultures Return in Bulgaria" (LIFE08 NAT/BG/000278). The two-year old vulture now bears the name Giertje (little vulture).

Red kite reintroduced to Tuscany

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:30:00 GMT

The LIFE project "Safe Islands for Seabirds" (LIFE07 NAT/P/000649) has achieved a world first. For the first time ever, Internet users have been able to witness the hatching of an egg of the endangered bird species, Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea). As part of the LIFE project, a webcam was set up in May at a nesting site on the small island of Corvo in the Azores archipelago to provide live, round-the-clock coverage on a dedicated website during the breeding season. Internet users have been able to follow the progress of a Cory's shearwater egg from the moment it was laid on 01 June, culminating in the hatching of the egg on 24 July. The birth of the chick has been widely covered in the Portuguese media.

Web users witness first online birth of a Cory's Shearwater chick

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:30:00 GMT

LIFE Environment conference points the way forward

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:10:00 GMT

The LIFE conference – LIFE for Environment: Success Stories and Future Challenges – which was held in Brussels, 25-26 May of this year, provided an opportunity for stakeholders of the programme and decision-makers in the EU institutions to discuss the future of the LIFE programme at a time when EU budgets for the years to come are being determined. The conference resulted in several key recommendations, including retaining the bottom-up approach to project selection through calls for proposals.

PRIME beach campaign on Posidonia management

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:20:00 GMT

The PRIME project – ‘Posidonia Residues Integrated Management for Eco-sustainability’ (LIFE09 ENV/IT/000061) – which is aiming to develop the reuse of Neptune grass/Mediterranean tapeweed (Posidonia oceanica) residues, is organising a special summer beach campaign. It is holding awareness raising campaigns for the general public on beaches in the Region of Puglia. Visitors are invited to learn about the management of beached Neptune grass and gadgets related to the project are being handed out.

Commission to provide €244 million for 183 new LIFEplus projects

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:20:00 GMT

The European Commission has approved funding for 183 new projects under the fourth call for the LIFEplus programme (2007-2013). The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication. Overall, they represent a total investment of €530 million, of which the EU will provide €244million.

Biofuel LIFE project wins Greek innovation prize

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:20:00 GMT

The Greek BIOFUELS-2G (LIFE08 ENV/GR/000569) project, which demonstrated an innovative technology of producing biodiesel-2G, won second prize at 'Greece Innovates', a competition organised by Eurobank and the Hellenic Bureau of Industry.

New publication: LIFE preventing species extinction: Safeguarding endangered flora and fauna through ex-situ conservation

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:20:00 GMT

Most LIFE Nature projects focus on conservation action ‘in-situ’, i.e. within the natural habitat of a particular threatened species. This may not be enough to help the most vulnerable species, however, in which case ‘ex-situ’ conservation measures are required to address the threat of extinction.

LIFEnewsJune

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

June's LIFEnews covers key points from the Programme's involvement with Green Week 2011, including interesting insights into future options for LIFE Environment that emerged during LIFE's annual conference, as well as highlights from this year's Best of the Best award ceremonies.

LIFEplus 2011 call: Frequently Asked Questions updated

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today (22/06/2011). Please download the new document as it contains important information

British weather can't dampen LIFE Platform Meeting

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The latest LIFE Platform Meeting – on terrestrial invertebrates – took place last week in Newquay, Cornwall (UK). The two-day meeting (June 15-16) provided an opportunity for members of the LIFE Nature unit, project beneficiaries and other experts in invertebrate conservation to discuss some of the key issues regarding the conservation of these species. As well as sharing the experience of completed and ongoing LIFE projects, attendees considered how the LIFE programme can continue to support projects that enhance the conservation status of terrestrial invertebrates, an important and often overlooked area of nature conservancy.

LIFEplus 2011 call: Frequently Asked Questions updated

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today (06/06/2011). Please download the new document as it contains important information

LIFEnews May

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

May's LIFEnews draws attention to the newly released proposals for an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 and shines a particular spotlight on biodiversity conservation problems related to poisoning. LIFE project contributions to reducing poisoning incidents are reviewed including work with specially-trained dog-detection teams, public participation programmes, and a new type of non-toxic anti-fouling agent providing protection for marine life.

LIFE celebrates another year of success

Tue, 31 May 2011 16:00:00 GMT

The LIFE family came together in Brussels last Thursday – 25 May – for the LIFE Nature and LIFE Environment Awards 2010, a celebration of the 'Best' and the 'Best of the Best' projects co-funded by the LIFE programme that were completed in 2010. Fittingly, the LIFE Nature Awards 2010 was held alongside the events of Green Week in the European Commission's Charlemagne Building: as Head of Unit – LIFE Nature, Angelo Salsi, reminded the audience, Green Week was inspired by the LIFE Week events of 1999, another example of the demonstration value of LIFE.

PISCES film released

Mon, 30 May 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The PISCES LIFE project has produced a promotional film that explains how the project will be a powerful mechanism for change in the Celtic Sea. The film highlights the competing interests of users of the sea and the impacts of their actions. It presents the benefits of communication among PISCES stakeholders, the production of a code of conduct and the drawing up of guidelines for how the whole ecosystem can be managed in the future.

Visit to Biomares project spreads message

Tue, 24 May 2011 10:29:00 GMT

The European Journalism Centre recently organised a four-day visit to the Biomares LIFE project in Portugal. The winners of the TH!NK5:Water, an international blogging competition, as well as journalists and photographers had the opportunity to learn about the project, which is aiming to restore the biodiversity of the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park inside the Arrábida Natural Park.

New publication: LIFE and resource efficiency

Tue, 17 May 2011 10:20:00 GMT

The EU’s Europe 2020 Strategy for growth sets the priority of moving to a more resource efficient, green and competitive economy. The LIFE programme has a long track record of innovative approaches for building a resource efficient Europe. This LIFE Focus publication aims to showcase how LIFE funding has generated a vast portfolio of know-how for a diverse range of beneficiaries and sectors: from LIFE Environment projects that have helped improve the resource efficiency of production processes to products that incorporate eco-design principles throughout their lifecycle.

2010 'Best of the Best' LIFE Project Awards

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The winners of the 2010 ‘Best of the Best’ LIFE Nature and LIFE Environment projects have been selected and will be presented at two separate awards’ ceremonies to be held in May in Brussels: at the conference ‘LIFE for our Environment: Success Stories and Future challenges’ (LIFE Environment projects); and during this year’s EU Green Week (LIFE Nature projects). The LIFE Environment Awards 2010 will be presented by Hervé Martin, Head of the LIFE Environment Unit, on 25 May at 17.45 - 18.45, in the ‘Spinelli Building’ (A3E.2) of the European Parliament. The LIFE Nature Awards 2010 will be presented by Angelo Salsi, Head of the LIFE Nature Unit, on 25 May at 14.30 – 16.30, in the ‘Salon Rouge’ of the Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi 170, B-1000 Brussels.

Portuguese project demonstrates informatics tool for textile industry at workshop

Thu, 12 May 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The project BATinLoko, which is aiming to define best environmental performance indicators for the textile and clothing sector in Portugal, held a workshop for industry representatives at Minho University in Portugal on 4 May. At this workshop the informatics tool developed by the project and an economic model for BAT evaluation were presented to the textile sector. This tool helps simulate BAT implementation by calculating the environmental and economic benefits. After the workshop, textile companies took part in a training session in order to obtain industry feedback on the tool.

View LIFE project videos

Wed, 04 May 2011 10:00:00 GMT

View the fascinating new selection of LIFE project videos from the revamped online 'LIFE Video Player' displaying over 150 clips of LIFE and LIFEplus projects. Each of the LIFE programme's nature, biodiversity and environment themes is further divided by sub-categories to enable a quick search for information on individual categories. Under the LIFE Nature and Biodiversity theme, for example, search for LIFE projects covering 'Biodiversity issues', "Habitats', or 'Species'. And for LIFE Environment Policy and Governance projects, there are 10 sub-categories of projects from 'Air and Noise', 'Information - Communication', to 'Water' and 'Waste'.

LIFEnews April

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

April's LIFEnews starts setting the scene for the forthcoming LIFE Environment conference in May. This keynote event will spotlight the Programme's important contributions to environmental policy and look into what the future holds regarding new challenges for LIFE. Energy efficiency is high on the agenda of Europe's future eco challenges and the newsletter profiles a selection of LIFE Environment projects working in this field.

LIFE water project wins "Neptun" award

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The LIFE project, "Living space in the estuary stretch of the river Traisen" was the winner of the Grand Prize at this year’s Neptun Water Awards. Established in 1999 by the Austrian Government, in partnership with the country’s main water federations, the Neptun Water Prize (Neptun Wasserpreis) is awarded every 2 years to selected water projects in different categories. In 2011, the award categories included: Water Protection, Water World, Water Communication and Water Creativity, as well as the special public's award for Water Perception. The Grand Prize is awarded to the best overall project.

LIFE platform meeting aims to strengthen invertebrate conservation

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The next LIFE Nature platform meeting will promote the exchange of experience and networking between some 50 experts on invertebrate conservation from across the EU. Scheduled for June 15-16, the event will take place in Cornwall, UK, and will consist of project presentations and group discussions facilitated by the event organiser, Natural England - a non-departmental public body of the UK government responsible for ensuring that England's natural environment is protected and improved.

Four more LIFE Focus publications in Polish

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Four LIFE Focus publications, originally published in English by the European Commission’s DG Environment LIFE Unit, have been translated into Polish. The Polish versions of: "Breathing LIFE into greener businesses"; "Getting more from less"; "Learning from LIFE" (nature conservation best practices); and "LIFE in the City" are now available in electronic format from the LIFE website in the LIFE Focus section.

LIFEplus 2011 call: Frequently Asked Questions updated

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today (04/04/2011). Please download the new document as it contains important information

EWWR 2010 awards ceremony held in Brussels

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:35:00 GMT

The 'EWWR – European Week of Waste Reduction' project (LIFE07 INF/F/000185) recently held an awards ceremony for the 2010 EWWR in Brussels. Organised by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) on 28 March, the event recognised the most outstanding awareness raising actions implemented during the 2010 EWWR in each of the five project categories: administration and public authority; associations and NGO; business and industry; educational establishment and other.

LIFE for our environment: success stories and future challenges

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:35:00 GMT

The twentieth anniversary of the LIFE programme's Environment Policy and Governance component provides an opportune moment to take stock of its contribution to improving the environment in the EU and to consider future challenges. On the 25-26 May, the European Commission will organise a two-day conference to assess the contribution of LIFE's Environment Policy and Governance component to the implementation and updating of EU environment policy.

LIFEnews March

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:35:00 GMT

This month's LIFEnews carries out an inspection of the Programme's involvement with military actions that benefit the environment. Project examples in this field are summarised from a sample of Member States and LIFE's partnership work with Finnish defence forces is featured in detail in one of the newsletter's main articles. Other projects covered by the March edition include a low cost natural method for decontaminating former industrial land and successful outcomes from a LIFE Information and Communication project are also showcased.

LIFEplus 2011 call: Frequently Asked Questions updated

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today. Please download the new document as it contains important information

Illegal poising in Spain: three convicted

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Three people caught placing poison baits intended for protected birds of prey have been sentenced to a year and four months prison and fined more than €24300. The reduction in illegal poison incidents affecting protected in Spain is the main aim of the ongoing VENENO NO project (LIFE08 NAT/E/000062). The convictions represent a major step in the successful implementation of a national strategy against the use of poisoned bait, which the project is helping draw up.

Helicopters play a vital role in the conservation of Moorland ressources

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:00:00 GMT

UK LIFE project MoorLIFE (LIFE08 NAT/UK/00202) is about to get underway on the moors of the Peak District National Park and South Pennine region and helicopters will play a key role in supporting the work in one of the UK's most inaccessible workplaces! Work over the next five years by the Moors for the Future Partnership will begin the process of returning 1.6 square kilometres (the equivalent of 320 soccer pitches) of badly damaged peat moorland to a healthy condition and will protect a much larger area.

LIFEplus 2011 call: Frequently Asked Questions updated

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:00:00 GMT

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been updated today. Please download the new document as it contains important information

Monk seal pup rescued

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:15:00 GMT

A two-month-old monk seal pup, which had become separated from his mother and was full of internal parasites, has been rescued by the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk (MOm). The pup is one of only 600 individuals of this endangered seal species – it is listed in Annex II and IV of the Habitats directive – that remain in the wild. The research team, which discovered the seal while monitoring a colony on an island in the south-western Aegean Sea, plans to re-release the pup, named Nireas, following his full recovery.

New publication! LIFE and European Mammals: Improving their conservation status

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:35:00 GMT

This brochure highlights many of the actions that the EU has supported and offers a valuable overview of what has been achieved and how we, together with a wide range of stakeholders, can succeed in securing the future of Europe's diverse range of mammals, both great and small.

LIFE project discovers new soft coral species in the Mediterranean

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:35:00 GMT

The LIFEplus project INDEMARES "Inventory and designation of marine Natura 2000 areas in the Spanish sea" has made the fascinating discovery of a new species of soft coral in the Menorca Channel. The species has been named Nidalia indemares in honour of the project.

LIFEplus 2011 call: Frequently Asked Questions

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

A first series of Frequently Asked Questions have been published as download in PDF format on the FAQ page. All applicants wishing to submit a LIFEplus 2011 proposal are kindly reminded to consult the FAQs section on a regular basis throughout the preparation period, or to subcribe to our RSS, where new versions will be announced as they become available.

LIFEnews February

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:35:00 GMT

This month's LIFEnews takes a look at how LIFE projects have helped to raise awareness and promote sustainable management of Europe's forests. Projects featured in the newsletter include the ForestForWater project, which aimed to integrate forest and water management, and the project to restore priority woodland habitats in Ireland. Also covered in February's LIFEnews is the public consultation process on the future of LIFE.

Help sought addressing environmental impacts from car air conditioning systems

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:35:00 GMT

Up to 20% of car emissions can be associated with the vehicles' air conditioning (AC) system. These AC systems are an increasingly common feature of modern car fleets and not only do they consume large amounts of energy but they also often rely on the chemical refrigerant R134a (Tetra-fluorineethane), which is a powerful greenhouse gas (estimated as being more than 1400 times as harmful as CO2). Vehicles can release large amounts of R134a as a result of inadequate maintenance and accidents.

Commission to provide €267 million for new LIFEplus projects

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 07:35:00 GMT

The fifth LIFEplus call for proposals was published on 26 February 2011, with up to €267 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings: nature and biodiversity; environment policy and governance; and information and communication. Project proposals should be sent to the relevant national authority no later than 18 July, 2011. National authorities will then send received proposals to the European Commission by 9 September, 2011. The Commission will check the outline projects against the LIFEplus eligibility criteria and will assess proposals on the basis of the LIFEplus selection and award criteria.

LIFE lynx project breaks important new ground

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:05:00 GMT

The Spanish project ‘Conservation and reintroduction of the Iberian lynx in Andalucía’ (LIFE06 NAT/E/000209) has released its first captively bred lynx into the Guarrizas area near Jaen. This marks a significant achievement for the captive breeding programme, but also in the recolonisation of areas deserted by the world’s most endangered feline. The two females - Grazalema y Granadilla - were born in the project’s captive breeding centre La Olivilla only last year and have been in a pre-release enclosure since December 2010. The project team have closely monitored their acclimatisation to this semi-wild environment and gradually reduced their active support to the animals.

Green Footprint selected as project of the month

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:05:00 GMT

The LIFE focal point (National Contact Point) has selected the Italian project Green Footprint (LIFE07 ENV/IT/000412) as its project of the month. The project, ‘Demonstrating the introduction of novel renewable Polyurethane materials for high quality, top design and sustainable shoes’, has been very successful in developing a novel polyurethane material for the production of shoe soles.

European stakeholders meet in Brussels to discuss future of LIFE

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:25:00 GMT

A recent meeting of key European stakeholders in Brussels yielded much useful feedback on the European Commission’s orientations or ideas for the successor future of the LIFE programme and the direction of future EU environmental funding. The 'Stakeholders consultation on the future instrument for environment and climate change (future of LIFE)', which was held on 28 January at the Maison des Associations Internationales, in Brussels brought together more than 130 participants, representing key environmental stakeholder groups, including national and regional governments, NGOs, industry associations and previous LIFE beneficiaries in a series of presentations and working group sessions.

LIFE and European forests in Polish

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:25:00 GMT

Evidence of the continuing dissemination value and interest of LIFE projects by sector, is provided by a new publication, a Polish version of the LIFE Focus publication, “LIFE and European forests”. The original publication was published in English in 2006. This new publication, “LIFE - ekosystemy leśne" is a translated version of the original, but with some minor updates concerning the LIFE programme, now LIFEplus. Together with the English version, an electronic version can be downloaded from the ‘publications’ section of the LIFE website.bird.

UK media excited by LIFE funding

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:25:00 GMT

LIFE funding to help re-establish a functional breeding colony of the great bustard (Otis tarda) in the UK has attracted significant media attention in the country. Leading national radio stations and newspapers have covered the news that an existing 10-year programme authorised by the UK government to reintroduce the globally threatened species is to benefit from EUR 1.6 million of LIFE money over the next five years. Media excitement comes from the fact that the LIFE project will substantially build on recent successes of the programme to reintroduce this iconic bird.

LIFE project launches UK's first green roof code

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The GRACC (Green roofs against climate change) LIFE project (LIFE07 ENV/UK/000936) recently launched the GRO Green Roof Code, which provides practical guidance on green roof best practice in the UK. Green roofs have become a more common feature in towns and cities in recent years, but maximum environmental benefits have not always been realised due to a lack of specific guidelines. In response to this, the Green Roof Organisation (GRO), an industry partnership that implemented the project, has developed and launched a UK code of best practice.

French Natura 2000 wins award

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The Natura 2000 site targeted by the LIFE project, ‘Rhône-Alpes Region. Rhône-Alpes - Nature and territories in the Rhône-Alpes Region’ (LIFE04 NAT/FR/000079), has been awarded a ‘Grand Prix’ by the French national forestry department, l'Office national des forêts (ONF).The project aimed to integrate nature conservation and Natura 2000 into existing rural development policies related to pastoralism, forestry, water resource management and tourism in the Rhône-Alpes Region.

Iberian Imperial Eagle: a LIFE success story

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Thanks to targeted strategic support from the LIFE programme, the Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) population has increased six-fold in the past 15 years. This has seen numbers of the species increase from a vulnerable 50 reproductive pairs in 1995 to a much more stable 300 such pairs in the Iberian peninsula today. LIFE has funded since 1992 a three-phase action programme for the conservation of the Iberian imperial eagle,

New publication out! LIFE and local authorities

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Local and regional authorities (LRAs) have an indispensable role to play in implementing EU environmental legislation and making eco-innovations and environmental best practices better known to a wider audience. Europe's LRAs have been key participants in the LIFE programme, leading more than 350 LIFE Environment projects and partnering with NGOs and private sector beneficiaries in hundreds more.

LIFE European Week for Waste Reduction (2010): over 4300 actions

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:35:00 GMT

As the year draws to a close, the LIFEplus Information and Communication project, the “European Week for Waste Reduction – EWWR” (LIFE07 INF/F/000185), reports that over 4300 waste prevention actions have been implemented across the EU. A host of different EWWR activities were carried out, on 20-28 November 2010, in 23 EU countries

Invasive Species Bulletin: Angelo Salsi affirms LIFEplus support for IAS

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:05:00 GMT

Angelo Salsi, Head of the European Commission DG Environment’s LIFE Nature Unit, highlights the relevance of the LIFEplus funding tool for projects targeting invasive species management in Europe – in the latest issue of the newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. In an interview (see page 64) in “Aliens: the Invasive Species Bulletin”, Mr Salsi talks to newsletter co-editor Riccardo Scalera, programme officer of the ISSG, about the relation between LIFEplus and invasive alien species (IAS).

LIFEnews November 2010

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:25:00 GMT

November's LIFEnews reports on new Natura 2000 guidance covering Europe's extraction industry and highlights LIFE project outcomes that have helped this important economic sector to support nature conservation objectives. Featured projects include LIFE Nature actions from the Czech Republic in a sensitive limestone landscape, and from the UK where good practices have been developed regarding extraction of river gravel. LIFE Environment's EcoQuarry project is also showcased for its achievements in restoring Mediterranean quarry sites.

Public consultation on the future EU co-financing of Natura 2000 Network

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:10:05 GMT

The European Commission plans to issue a new Communication on financing Natura 2000, foreseen for mid 2011, in collaboration with Member States, to assess whether the integration approach to financing NATURA 2000 has been adequate for the effective implementation of the network. As an essential input to this process, the Commission has just launched an online public consultation to gather the views of different stakeholders aiming to identify ways of enhancing the success of financing Natura 2000.

Information Sessions on the LIFEplus Programme 2011 Call for Proposals

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:10:05 GMT

The European Commission will publish the fifth Call for Proposals under the LIFEplus Programme in February 2011, with up to €265,360 million available across the EU for co-financing projects under three headings: nature and biodiversity; environment policy and governance; and information and communication. Between 28.02.2011 and 08.04.2011, the European Commission, in conjunction with STELLA Consulting and MWH, will organise an Information Session on the LIFEplus Programme in each EU Member State.

Public consultation on the future EU financial instrument for the environment

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:10:05 GMT

The European Commission has just launched an online public consultation to gather views on the next financial instrument for the environment, to succeed LIFEplus in the period 2014-2020. We welcome your opinions on its objectives, priorities and support modalities.This online consultation is one part of a wider public consultation, whose responses will be taken into account in the European Commission's proposal for a new instrument.

Agro-forestry solutions for tackling climate change in Galicia, Spain

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:30:05 GMT

A forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the Galician agro-forestry sector in the light of climatic changes was organised recently by the LIFEplus Information and Communication project, "Change or Change" LIFE (LIFE07 INF/E/000852).

Swedish biosphere reserve born out of LIFEplus Nature project

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:00:05 GMT

Sweden’s second biosphere reserve opened in September 2010, including the Lake Vänern archipelago and the Kinnekulle plateau located to the south and to the west of the country. This initiative was born out of the substantial work that went into the award-winning LIFEplus Nature project (LIFE02 NAT/S/008484). The United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation announced earlier in the year that it was adding the roughly 100-square-kilometre “Vänerkulle” site to its network of biosphere reserves. A statement by the UNESCO advisory committee acknowled the “importance of the site in terms of its rich biological diversity”

EWWR 2010 plans to “make some noise against waste!”

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:00:05 GMT

Following the success of the inaugural edition last November, the second LIFEplus co-funded European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) will take place from November 20th to November 28th 2010. “EWWR 2.0” promises to be even bigger, with events in 16 EU countries, led by 30 organisers (11 more than last year).

Creating a LIFE link between Minorca and Cyprus

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:00:05 GMT

A technical team of the LIFEplus Plant-Net project of Cyprus (LIFE08 NAT/CY/000453) visited LIFE RENEIX (LIFE07 NAT/E/000756) on the Spanish island of Minorca in late October 2010 to exchange knowledge and experiences on plant species protection. The project team from Cyprus studied the implementation of strategies in Minorca that could also be useful for the protection of plant species in Cyprus.

NEW PUBLICATION: Best LIFE-Nature Projects 2009

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:00:05 GMT

This is the second year that we have made a selection of LIFE Nature projects that have proven to be exemplary in their area of work. Following an initial review carried out by its external monitoring team, the European Commission selected the 23 most outstanding LIFE Nature projects completed by 2009. The Member States and the external monitoring team then reviewed these 23 ‘best’ projects to select a top five.

LIFEnews October 2010

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:25:00 GMT

This month’s LIFEnews takes a look at how LIFE projects have helped to protect Europe’s natural resources by supporting the roll out of Environmental Management Systems. Projects featured in the newsletter include innovative integrated approaches to EMAS and eco branding involving multi-national partners. Also covered in October’s LIFEnews is a recently completed project from Spain that launched a species recovery programme for endangered bearded vultures.

LIFE helps fly ash catch the eye at student world cup

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:30:00 GMT

Students from the University of Brescia (Italy) have this week been showcasing jewellery made from recycled ash at the Student Yachting World Cup in La Rochelle (France). The jewellery is the first product made of reprocessed fly ash to be successfully taken to the public from the innovative LIFE project COSMOS. The project has been working to find practical applications for the inert product COSMOS, made from treated fly ash - one of the most significant by-products of the incineration of solid waste.

Irish Environment Minister launches LIFE river volunteers

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:45:00 GMT

The Irish Minister of the Environment, John Gormley TD, was in Annacotty, County Limerick on 22 October to officially launch a key element of the LIFE project MulkearLIFE (LIFE07 NAT/IRL/000342). The project has created the first ever volunteer corps established on a river-catchment basis in Ireland.

LIFEplus 2011 call for proposals

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:25:00 GMT

The 2011 call for proposals will be published in February 2011, with a deadline for submission for the end of May. Applicants may already begin preparing their proposals on the basis of the 2010 application package, but should be aware that there may be some small changes in the 2011 application package and very possibly a major change in the submission procedure.

LIFE aids flood risk prevention in Bavaria

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:25:00 GMT

Householders, businesses and local authorities in Bavaria, Germany are all set to benefit from a new online flood hazard mapping service developed as part of the LIFE FLOODSCAN project. The service was launched in mid-September and updates an existing flood hazard mapping service in line with the requirements of the EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EC).

Finnish and Swedish LIFE experts get-together on peatland restoration

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:25:00 GMT

Finnish and Swedish mire and bogs’ restoration experts from two LIFE projects met recently in North Karelia (a region in eastern Finland) to exchange knowledge and experiences on the conservation of peatlands, including notably of three of the most threatened habitat types: aapa mires, bog woodlands and active raised bogs.

Allis shad migrate downstream on the Rhine

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:25:00 GMT

The allis shad (Alosa alosa) reintroduction project has made an exciting discovery. For the first time in more than 50 years, juvenile allis shad have migrated downstream on the river Rhine. The species has been considered extinct in the river since 1940. The downstream migration, which used to regularly occur in late summer, is part of the diadromous lifecycle of the allis shad

LIFE project brings European expertise to the Celtic Sea

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:05:00 GMT

The LIFE project PISCES is giving Celtic Sea stakeholders access to some of Europe’s leading maritime experts for a month, from 21st September. The innovative project will enable the major sectors of activity related to the Celtic Sea to develop their understanding of how to ensure the long-term protection of the natural marine environment and associated economic activities.

NEW PUBLICATION:Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2009

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:10:00 GMT

Selecting the ‘Best of the Best’ (BoB) LIFE Environment Projects has become almost a habit, as it is already the sixth year that these awards have taken place. The aim is to put the focus on those projects that are just that little bit better than the rest and can act as an example to others of what a successful, innovative, well-designed and well-executed project should look like.

2010 LIFEnews survey: thumbs up from users

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:01:00 GMT

The online survey was commissioned by DG Environment’s LIFE Units to find out more about the LIFEnews audience – its interests and satisfaction with LIFE publications/ products. The survey, carried out from December 2009 to March 2010, was sent to LIFEnews subscribers and also published on the LIFE website.

LIFE projects win three Energy Globe Awards

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:10:00 GMT

LIFE projects won the National Energy Globe awards for sustainability for Ireland, Czech Republic and Greece for 2009. The projects were considered to be the best examples of work to conserve and protect natural resources in their respective countries for that year.

Protecting our natural capital: an EU strategy to conserve biodiversity and ensure the provision of ecosystem services by 2020

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:10:00 GMT

The European Commission is launching a broad consultation on biodiversity that aims to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders on possible policy options for the European Union's post-2010 EU biodiversity strategy, which will be assessed by the Commission as part of the process of its development.

Brackish Marsh symposium helps knowledge exchange

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:10:00 GMT

The LIFE Nature Brackish Marsh project (LIFE 06 NAT/NL/000071) held a well-attended symposium at the Zeeland Provincial Hall in Middelburg, Netherlands on 25 June 2010. The event, chaired by Erik Jan van der Meer, attracted managers, conservationists, policymakers and other specialists in the field from South-Holland, Brabant and Belgium, as well as Zeeland.

LIFE project provides mercury storage solution

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:10:00 GMT

The LIFE project MERSADE (LIFE06 PREP/E/000003) recently presented its newly developed prototype storage facility for surplus mercury. This innovative solution is one of the principal outputs of the project, which aims to help the EU meet its 2005 strategy for dealing with this poisonous metal.

LIFEnews July / August 2010

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:25:00 GMT

This month’s LIFE news examines issues surrounding sustainable soil management and unearths a range of different LIFE activity involved with supporting the conservation of EU soil resources, such as a successful Spanish LIFE project focused on preserving hillside soil stocks in the Mediterranean. Other projects spotlighted by the summer edition of LIFEnews highlight habitat improvements in the Belgian Flanders and a multi-national river basin management initiative from the western Balkans.

LIFE shows value of artificial wetlands in mitigating pesticide pollution

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:10:00 GMT

The French LIFE Environment project (ArtWET – LIFE06 ENV/F/000133) has tested prototype artificial wetlands – an potentially important new technology in the struggle to reduce non-point source pesticide pollution across Europe.

LIFE project wins documentary film prize

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:10:00 GMT

A LIFE Nature project on “Actions for the reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture in Andalusia” has won an award for a documentary film produced to highlight the current situation of the bearded vulture in the South of the Iberian Peninsula.

LIFE CLEANTRUCK project aims to be inspirational

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The LIFE Environment CLEANTRUCK project (LIFE08 ENV/S/000269) has outlined its aims at the recent Inspirational Day conference in Karlstad, Sweden.

Commission to provide over €250 million for more than 200 new LIFEplus projects

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT

The European Commission has approved funding for 210 new projects under the third call for the LIFE plus programme (2007-2013). The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication. Overall, they represent a total investment of €515 million, of which the EU will provide €249.8 million.

Speakers presentations from LIFE Nature conference now available

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:10:00 GMT

The conference "LIFE Nature and Biodiversity – preparing the future" took place in Brussels on 31 May and 1 June 2010. For those who were unable to attend or for those who would like to refresh their memories on the different contributions made to this very open debate, speakers presentations are now available

First white stork born in Lippe (Germany) in 50 years

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:25:00 GMT

Good news from the LIFE project Lippeaue, situated in North Rhine-Wesphalia, Germany: for the first time in 50 years white stork breeding has proved successful in the Lippe plains near Hamm, where a LIFE project was completed recently. An infant storck was born on 11 June 2010. Its parents built their nest on a 'wheel', which the LIFE project set up last year

LIFEnews June 2010

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:25:00 GMT

This month’s special edition of LIFEnews reports from the EU’s Green Week 2010, which took place in early June. Notable outcomes from Green week featured in the newsletter include important findings from the debate about the future of LIFE Nature’s role in tackling biodiversity decline and other articles review ‘Best of the Best’ winners from both LIFE Environment and LIFE Nature award ceremonies.

Summary note on the "LIFE Nature and Biodiversity-preparing the future" conference

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:10:00 GMT

The conference "LIFE Nature and Biodiversity – preparing the future" took place in Brussels on 31 May and 1 June 2010. A summary note including some key ideas that obtained a certain degree of consensus among the participants is now available for download.

Italian government promotes Project of the Month

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:10:00 GMT

The Italian Ministry of Environment is featuring a “Project of the Month” on its website to promote the LIFEplus programme. The initiative, which was launched in Rome in March 2010, aims to boost the dissemination of ongoing LIFEplus projects.

VIDEO: LIFE Nature and Biodiversity Achievements

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:10:00 GMT

Watch the LIFE Nature and Biodiversity Achievements video

NEW PUBLICATION: LIFE building up Europe’s green infrastructure

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:10:00 GMT

Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation have been by far the biggest drivers of terrestrial biodiversity loss at EU level over the past 50 years. This is a result of the massive expansion of urban zones and transport infrastructures, which have been cutting up Europe’s landscape. In addition, traditional land-use practices have been replaced by more intensive, mechanised and industrial-scale activities, especially in the agricultural and forestry sectors. This has weakened ecosystems, their functions and the biodiversity they support.

Recognition for Best LIFE Environment and LIFE Nature and Biodiversity projects 2009-2010

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:15:00 GMT

The winners of the Best LIFE Nature and Biodiversity Projects 2009-2010 and the Best LIFE Environment Projects 2008-2009 received their awards at two special awards ceremonies, held in Brussels to coincide with Green Week 2010.

Valencia celebrates its LIFE project success

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:15:00 GMT

The regional office of Valencia has this week been celebrating the success of the Valencian project Zero Plus in receiving an award as one of the best LIFE Environment projects 2009. It was rewarded as one of the five best projects in the ‘waste management’ category along with another project from Spain and projects from Germany, France and Portugal.

LIFEnews May 2010

Mon, 31 May 2010 11:25:00 GMT

This month’s LIFEnews focuses on the publication of the latest European Red lists of endangered species. It highlights the threats facing Europe’s butterflies, dragonflies and beetles and presents a number of LIFE projects that have been working to improve the conservation status of these species. Additional projects covered are a LIFE Nature project investigating ways of avoiding cross-contamination with GMO crops and a LIFE TCY project developing a coherent soil monitoring system in Croatia.

LIFE helping to secure a future for Europe's most endangered songbird: as governments adopt new action plan to protect aquatic warbler

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:50:00 GMT

Europe's rarest songbird, the aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) will be better protected following decisions taken at a key meeting of the United Nations Environment Programme's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

LIFE nature space at Green Week

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:25:00 GMT

Nine LIFE Nature projects will be giving short presentations at the LIFE space on the second floor on the 02 and 03 June during the Green Week.

New environmental tool launched for European footwear companies

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Some 90% of the EU’s footwear industries are located in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Slovenia, and a new LIFE + project has been launched recently to plug environmental information gaps for footwear businesses in these five Member States.

LIFE celebrates World Biodiversity Day

Tue, 25 May 2010 09:05:00 GMT

The first World Biodiversity Day took place last Saturday (May 22). The aim of this day was to raise awareness of the problem of biodiversity loss and show the implications of these losses in our daily lives. As well as supporting an interactive PR campaign involving a website, social media and video clips, the European Commission marked the occasion with a series of family events.

Best of the Best LIFE project awards

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:49:00 GMT

The Best of the Best 2009-2010 LIFE Nature and LIFE Environment projects have been selected and will be awarded at the conference ‘LIFE Nature and Biodiversity – preparing the future’ and during the EU’s Green Week (1-4 June)

Contributions welcome for LIFE Nature and Biodiversity Wiki

Wed, 19 May 2010 10:12:00 GMT

The Land Stewardship Network of Catalonia (Xarxa de Custodia del Territori) has created a new entry on Wikipedia to collect information, suggestions and recommendations on how the LIFEplus Nature and Biodiversity financing instrument could better implement nature stewardship.

Launch of €1.75 million Irish ‘MulkearLIFE’ river restoration project

Wed, 12 May 2010 10:12:00 GMT

The official press launch took place on 4 May, in Co. Limerick (Ireland) of MulkearLIFE, a new €1.75 million European Commission co-funded LIFE Nature project working on the restoration of the Lower Shannon special area of conservation (Mulkear River catchment) for the Atlantic salmon (salmo salar), European otter (lutra lutra) and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus).

LIFEplus 2010 Call for proposals now open

Tue, 04 May 2010 08:05:00 GMT

The fourth LIFEplus call for proposals has been published on 04 May 2010, with up to €243 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings: nature and biodiversity; environment policy and governance; and information and communication.Project proposals should be sent to the relevant national authority no later than 01 September 2010.

LIFEnews - April 10

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:05:00 GMT

'LIFE among the olives' now available in three more languages

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:10:00 GMT

The recently published brochure of olive oil production and LIFE's role in improving its environmental impact is now available in Spanish, Italian and Greek. Olive farming has become more intensive in recent decades and olive processing now produces significant and growing volumes of waste. This brochure examines how the LIFE programme is helping both olive growers and olive processors to improve their environmental performance, highlighting good practices and approaches...

Have your say on the future of LIFE Nature and Biodiversity

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:20:00 GMT

Discussion on the future of LIFEplus Nature and Biodiversity has been launched by the European Commission (DG Environment) LIFE Unit, via the new online LIFE Community Forum. The aim is to gather ideas and suggestions from stakeholders as to what has worked well in the current LIFE Nature programme and what should be changed ahead of the next LIFE Regulation

LIFE partnership launches Belgian nature conservation project

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:00:00 GMT

The LIFE project, “Ecological restoration of the Pond area M-L through a close participation of the private and public landowners and a triple E-approach” held a press conference in Heusden Zolder (Belgium) on the 26 March, officially launching the project and kick-starting the process of promoting stakeholder awareness and participation.

Europe’s children introduced to My Friend Boo

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:39:00 GMT

A LIFE Information and Communications project launched its highly innovative animated series ‘My Friend Boo’ across Europe. The cartoons aim to help Europe’s children understand key messages about environmental issues in a simple and entertaining way and have been created through the Eco-Animation project.

New publication: ‘LIFE improving the conservation status of species and habitats: Habitats Directive Article 17 report’

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:06:00 GMT

EU Member States have recently completed the most comprehensive survey of EU biodiversity to date, reporting on the conservation status of more than 1 182 species and 216 habitat types, as required under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. This LIFE Focus publication shows how LIFE Nature is helping improve the conservation status...

LIFE success with European Waste Reduction Awards

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:06:00 GMT

The awards ceremony for the LIFE funded European Week for Waste Reduction 2009 took place in Brussels on Monday 15 March 2010, attracting participants from across Europe.

New publication: ‘Water for Life – LIFE for water: protecting Europe’s water resources’

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:06:00 GMT

The latest release from the LIFEplus Environment Policy and Governance strand is called ‘Water for Life – LIFE for water: protecting Europe’s water resources’. Issues of water quantity and quality are of concern to many European citizens and transcend national boundaries. The contents of 66-page publication are drawn from the proceedings of the first LIFE Environment thematic conference, which took place in Brussels in October 2009.

LIFEnews - March 10

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:05:00 GMT

European sustainable energy initiatives form the focus for the March edition of LIFEnews, which profiles the recent Energy Days taking place around the EU and features a selection of LIFE project contributions to European energy policy agendas. Other projects covered in the newsletter include LIFE Nature’s support for endangered bird species in the Azores and a life-saving flood protection system in Egypt’s Sinai desert funded by the TCY component.

Three Iberian lynx released totally into the wild

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMT

A LIFE project has successfully completed the release into the wild of three adult Iberian lynx - Europe’s most threatened carnivorous mammal. Taking place in Guadalmellato, near Córdoba, this follows on from an earlier pre-release stage reported here in January 2010.

LIFEplus project looks to “give packaging a new life”

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:29:00 GMT

On 15-17 February 2010, the project partners celebrated the kick-off meeting of the LIFEplus project: FENIX. European experts from the project partners in Spain, Portugal and Germany discussed the work programme and technical specifications for the delivery of a user-friendly and flexible software tool to provide environmental life-cycle assessments (LCA) for packaging waste.

LIFE project honoured with visit by Hungarian President

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:29:00 GMT

A LIFE Nature project to save the Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis) was this month honoured by a visit from the President of Hungary, László Sólyom. After taking part in the release of a viper back into the wild, the President highlighted that “Of all the EU’s LIFE Nature projects, this is one of the top five. It is something we can really be proud of.”

Follow LIFE on Facebook and Twitter

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:05:00 GMT

LIFE is reaching out to whole a new audience with the launch of two new social networking services. Firstly, there is now an official fan page on Facebook. Members of the service who become ‘fans’ of LIFE will be able to see breaking news stories from the LIFE website, find out when new LIFE publications are available and read about relevant forthcoming events, such as Green Week.

Aragon celebrates ongoing success from protecting birds from electricity lines

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMT

The regional government of Aragon and the electricity company Endesa celebrated the continued success of their LIFE project “improvement of power lines in zepas in Aragon” at an event on 22 February 2010. The project, which finished at the end of 2008 continues to deliver results: a 94% reduction in bird mortality from electricity lines.

LIFEnews - February 10

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:05:00 GMT

February’s LIFEnews focuses its attention on the launch of the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity and highlights a new Communication from the European Commission warning about loss of species.

LIFE climate change projects meet in Helsinki

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 GMT

The first ever seminar of LIFE and LIFEplus climate change projects took place 18-19 January at the invitation of the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, in Helsinki.

LIFE ES-WAMAR reports ‘promising’ early results

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Spanish LIFE Environment ‘ES-WAMAR’ project (LIFE06 ENV/E/000044) – to improve the management of the considerable quantities of pig waste generated annually on pig farms in the autonomous community Aragon – is showing some ‘promising’ demonstration phase results, according to the project beneficiary.

New LIFE project focuses on reducing CO2 emissions in industrial areas

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:06:00 GMT

The recently selected H-REII LIFEplus project will investigate the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by improving heat recovery in energy intensive industries. The project will focus its activities around Brescia, a highly industrialised area in northern Italy.

"Science for Environment Policy" features LIFE projects that bridge research-policy gap

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:10:00 GMT

LIFE-funded projects were featured on 28 occasions in the influential news service Science for Environment Policy in 2009, twice the number featured in 2008. This means that decision makers across Europe were given even greater opportunity to learn about the essential work carried out by LIFE projects.

LIFE project actions defended in landmark case against illegal poisoning

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:10:00 GMT

A landmark legal judgement in Andalusia (Spain) has resulted in a 1.5 year prison sentence for the illegal use of poisoned baits. This is the highest ever sentence for such a crime in the Spanish region.

BurrenLIFE “blueprint” receives government backing

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:10:00 GMT

The Irish government has approved funding for the implementation of an agri-environmental “blueprint” developed by the BurrenLife project, which officially ended on 31 January 2009.

European Waste Reduction Awards + call for 2010 actions

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 GMT

The 1st annual awards for ‘outstanding actions’ developed to reduce waste across Europe will be announced on 15 March 2010, in Brussels. The event, organised by the three-year LIFEplus Information and Communication project, the European Week for Waste Reduction, will unveil the winners of over 2 600 waste reduction activities, organised during last year’s waste reduction week.

Study on the European souslik shows that nearly half of the population is endangered

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:10:00 GMT

About half of the populations of the European souslik located in wasted agricultural lands are in danger. This is the conclusion of the first phase of the European souslik study, conducted in 10 Natura 2000 sites

LIFE project stars at Spanish trade fairs

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:10:00 GMT

The German LIFE project Best4VarioUse was the subject of important presentations at two recent trade fairs focusing on renewable energy and waste management that took place in the context of the Feria Valencia 2009

LIFE workshop on monitoring and data evaluation under the WFD

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:05:00 GMT

The LIFEplus funded M3 project invites participants to attend its first workshop on ‘Monitoring and data evaluation under the Water Framework Directive – Achievements, deficits and new horizons’, which will be held on 16-17 June 2010 in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

LIFE project makes historic reintroduction of the Iberian lynx into the wild

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:05:00 GMT

A Spanish LIFE Nature project working to ensure the survival of Europe’s most threatened carnivorous mammal, the Iberian lynx, has ceremoniously reintroduced the species into a region from which it had disappeared in Guadalmellato near Cordoba, southern Spain.

LIFEnews - December 09/January 10

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:05:00 GMT

This special annual edition of LIFEnews spends some time with the LIFE Programme’s two new Heads of Unit and hears about their perspectives on some of the future challenges and opportunities for the LIFE programme’s components.

LIFEnews: Online survey

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:05:00 GMT

This survey of LIFEnews, the monthly newsletter of the LIFE programme, is targeted at existing and potential subscribers. The survey contains six questions and will only take 1-2 minutes of your time. Thank you for your help!

Survey on "Science for Environment Policy"

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:05:00 GMT

"Science for Environment Policy" is a weekly DG Environment news alert service that strengthens the links between science and policy by placing the latest scientific research in a policy context.

LIFE’s environmental contributions in the olive sector

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:05:00 GMT

LIFE projects featured strongly in the recent International Seminar of the International Olive Council in Madrid, Spain.

Spanish success story shows life after LIFE

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:05:00 GMT

The positive effects of the Spanish LIFE Environment project "Delta del Ebro" are continuing to build. This demonstration action has now led to the development of a successful industry producing 200 tonnes of rice per year, using methods that respect and favour local flora and fauna.

LIFE project uses GPS to conserve the Imperial Eagle in Bulgaria

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:05:00 GMT

As part of the LIFEplus project, “Save the raptors”, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), the BirdLife International’s partner in Bulgaria, has tagged with satellite transmitters seven juvenile Imperial Eagles.

"Forces in Nature" movie wins international film festival

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:05:00 GMT

"Forces in Nature", a short movie made by the DANAH LIFE project (LIFE03 NAT/B/000024) has won first prize in the category, “nature and environmental protection”, at an international military film festival in Bracciano, Italy.

LIFE TCY support spotlighted at EC environmental workshop in Israel

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:05:00 GMT

On 12 November 2009, the EC Delegation in Israel hosted a workshop which brought together close to 70 beneficiaries and stakeholders of EU supported environmental projects, as well as Ministry of Environmental Protection and Foreign Affairs officials.

Travelling exhibition highlights LIFE’s role in Irish habitat restoration

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:05:00 GMT

Coillte Teoranta, the Irish Forestry Board, has continued to spread the word about its restoration activities co-funded by LIFE, even after the completion of the latest of its three LIFE Nature projects.

New Publication: Best LIFE-Nature Projects 2007-2008

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:10:00 GMT

The Best LIFE-Nature Projects 2007-2008 is now available online.

Sustainable Energy Europe Awards 2010: call for entries

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:20:00 GMT

The Sustainable Energy Europe initiative has announced the 4th edition of the Sustainable Energy Europe Awards 2010.

Spanish Environment Minister thanks LIFE project

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:40:00 GMT

On 26th October 2009, the Spanish Environment Minister, Elena Espinosa, praised the valuable contribution of a Spanish LIFE project to the long-term protection of seabirds.

Leading European cartoon channel signs up to LIFEplus supported animation series for 10 countries

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:24:00 GMT

Central European cartoon channel Minimax has signed up to new animation series My Friend Boo. The series which targets 5-8 year olds follows the journeys of three regular kids who one day bring to life a magical toy called Boo.

"Water for life – LIFE for water" Conference presentations online

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:24:00 GMT

A series of ‘best practice’ presentations from the thematic workshops of the recent “Water for life – LIFE for water” Conference held on the 14-15 October 2009 are now online.

Commission to provide over €200 million for nearly 200 new LIFEplus projects

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:24:00 GMT

The European Commission has approved funding for 196 new projects under the second call for the LIFEplus programme (2007-2013).The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication.

Sharing LIFE experience in water management

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:12:00 GMT

More than 150 delegates attended the European Commission’s LIFE Environment water conference, "Water for life – LIFE for Water" , which took place in Brussels on the 15 October 2009, providing a successful platform for transferring experience in EU water management.

Fresh hope for Swedish pearl mussels

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:10:00 GMT

Deterioration of water quality, inadequate regulation of water-flow and habitat degradation has led to the disappearance of the freshwater pearl mussel from many waterways in Europe. A manual provides practical advice for restoring the species.

The Commission LIFE Unit Reorganised

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:50:00 GMT

Following an internal reorganisation, as from 1 October 2009 there are now two LIFE units responsible for the LIFE programme in DG Environment. The first is called LIFE Nature (DG ENV E3), the second is called LIFE Environment and Eco-Innovation (DG ENV E4)."

Royal seal of approval for the LIFE Houting project

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:50:00 GMT

In September, HRH Prince Joakim of Denmark officially opened a new fish pass (riffle) at Bachmann’s mill (Denmark) and the wetlands Svinevads kog/Nörre Sö, both part of the LIFE project, "Urgent actions for the endangered Houting (Coregonus oxyrhunchus)"

LIFE project launches search for Europe’s Capital of Biodiversity

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:02:00 GMT

Seven European environmental protection organisations have joined forces within the framework of a LIFE co-funded project to launch a new "Capital of Biodiversity" competition, which will run in five European countries. The project aims to identify and recognise cities, towns and villages with the best performance in preserving biodiversity.

A toast to the Viper! LIFE project teams up with local brewery to promote conservation awareness

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:48:00 GMT

The LIFE project LIFE06 NAT/F/000143 in Aix-en-Provence (France) has found a refreshing way of increasing public awareness about the Orsini Viper (Vipera ursinii), via a joint venture with a local brewery to produce a special edition organic beer.

Vulture experts call for coordinated conservation actions

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:33:00 GMT

Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) remain of one of Europe’s rarest raptors and a LIFE sponsored international conference took place recently to explore opportunities for improving the conservation status of this endangered species.

LIFE support for Britain’s biggest bogland’s restoration project

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:36:00 GMT

In August, work was completed on a project to restore the Border Mires, one of the most important remaining active blanket bogs in the UK.

UPDATE: European Commission Conference: Water for life – LIFE for water

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:25:00 GMT

The European Commission’s Environment Directorate-General is organising a high profile conference entitled Water for life – LIFE for water. The conference will disseminate the results of projects supported by the EU’s LIFE Programme...

LIFE project launches new European Week for Waste Reduction

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:15:00 GMT

The first ever European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is set to go ahead from 21st to 29th November, as part of an innovative three-year multi-Member State project supported by the LIFE + Programme’s Information and Communication component....

Call for papers- World Sustainable Energy days 2010

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:15:00 GMT

The World Sustainable Energy Days (WSED), is one of the largest annual conferences in this field in Europe.WSED has launched an invitation to submit papers on the following subjects...

New publication – LIFE and Europe’s reptiles and amphibians: Conservation in practice

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:10:00 GMT

Reptiles and amphibians (collectively known as herpetofauna) are among the most diverse and colourful vertebrates in Europe. Sadly, they are often amongst the most threatened species too.

Celebrating the cream of the LIFE crop

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The annual award ceremony for the best LIFE projects took place on Thursday, 25th June in Brussels, as part of the EU’s Green Week.

New publication – LIFE and sustainable production in the EU

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

This 40 page LIFE Focus publication aims to showcase how LIFE funding has helped to reduce the environmental footprint of production processes in five of Europe’s main industrial sectors

UK magazine features LIFE Green Roofs project

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The LIFE Green Roofs project is the subject of a two-page article in the May 2009 edition of Constructor and Architect magazine.

LIFE at Green Week 2009

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:20:00 GMT

The LIFE Unit’s communication team will host a stand at this years Green Week event, which takes place from June 23 to 26. Located on the second floor (stand n°35)

Water for life – LIFE for water

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:05:00 GMT

The LIFE Unit is organising a conference in Brussels on 14-15 October 2009 to facilitate the dissemination of results of LIFE water projects.

Best4VarioUse project launch in the news

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:05:00 GMT

The LIFEplus Best4VarioUse project has successfully launched its website. Continuing the dissemination efforts, the project kick-off meeting on April 30, 2009 attracted the attention...

Best LIFE-Nature Projects 2007-2008

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:05:00 GMT

The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee, together with the LIFE Unit, have identified the 26 Best LIFE-Nature projects completed during 2007 and 2008.

Great bustard returns to Great Britain

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:05:00 GMT

Building on achievements of the Salisbury Plain LIFE project (LIFE00 NAT/UK/007071), the UK Great Bustard Reintroduction Project has successfully bred great bustards in the UK for the first time since 1832.

LIFEnews May 2009

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:05:00 GMT

May’s issue of LIFEnews explores LIFE’s various contributions to improving the conservation status of EU habitats and species

First LIFEplus yearly compilations published

Mon, 25 May 2009 09:30:00 GMT

The first yearly compilations of LIFEplus projects have now been published on the LIFE website. The 2007 LIFEplus Nature and Biodiversity compilation features 57 innovation projects in 21 Member States

Sweden’s toads defend song contest crown

Wed, 20 May 2009 10:30:00 GMT

The LIFE-BOMBINA project (LIFE 04 NAT/DE/000028) has successfully organised the 2nd European Bombina Song Contest, which took place on Saturday 10 May.

Best LIFE Environment projects 2008-2009 uncovered

Tue, 12 May 2009 09:30:00 GMT

The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European Commission’s LIFE Unit have announced the selection of the 22 best LIFE Environment projects for 2008-2009.

LIFEplus Financial reporting document

Tue, 05 May 2009 08:30:00 GMT

In order to assist beneficiaries in the preparation of the interim and final LIFE programme financial reports, the European Commission has developed a file for use on a voluntary basis which includes an MS-Excel worksheet with all the standard forms for the use of LIFEplus project beneficiaries.

LIFE Nature BioMares project wins Portuguese biodiversity award

Tue, 05 May 2009 08:30:00 GMT

A Portugueses LIFE-Nature project has won a prize in the Banco Espírito Santo (BES) Biodiversity Award Scheme

EU eco-innovation funding now available

Mon, 04 May 2009 09:30:00 GMT

The European Commission has announced the availability of around €30m in funding for eco-innovation projects.

Staff changes at the LIFE Unit

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

After four years as Head of the LIFE unit, Philip Owen has just moved to become the Head of the Clean Air and Transport Unit.

Second European Bombina Song Contest

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:30:00 GMT

Following the success of the 2007 “European Bombina Song Contest”, the LIFE-Bombina project has announced a second edition for 2009.

New publication - Protecting Europe’s Nature: Learning from LIFE

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:30:00 GMT

This 66-page publication is based on the proceedings of the LIFE Nature thematic conference, “Protecting Europe’s Nature: Learning from LIFE”, which took place in November 2008, in Brussels.

Planning for the LIFEplus 2009 call for proposals

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:30:00 GMT

The LIFEplus 2009 call for proposals will be published on 15 May 2009, with a deadline of 15 September for submitting proposals to national authorities.

First LIFEplus projects get underway

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:30:00 GMT

During the week of March 2, the first 143 LIFEplus projects officially got underway, with kick-off meetings held in 10 regional centres across the EU.

LIFE projects from Wallonia showcase themselves

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:45:00 GMT

Leaving their natural environment, a large number of the LIFE projects supported in Wallonia participated in a recent Procurement Fair held in Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium.

LIFEnews February 2009

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:05:00 GMT

February LIFEnews highlights LIFE projects which have worked to promote sustainable hunting. The newsletter also features a selection of interesting LIFE projects...

Italian mountain brown bear population grows to 124

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:05:00 GMT

Projects to reintroduce the brown bear (Ursus arctos) to Italy’s mountains are slowly bearing fruit, as shown by a new census in the Central Appenines and the Central Alps of the brown bear population.

LIFEplus Information Workshops 2009

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:05:00 GMT

09 February 2009 DG ENV will be organising a series of LIFEplus Information Workshops in the context of the 2009 LIFEplus Call for Proposals.

May 15 is launch day for 2009 call for proposals

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:05:00 GMT

28 Jan 2009 DG ENV is planning to launch its 2009 call for proposals for LIFEplus projects on May 15 2009. The 2009 applications package will be made available on that date on the LIFE web site.

LIFE project tracks Yelkouan shearwaters return to Malta

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:10:00 GMT

A pair of adult Yelkouan shearwaters which was tagged by tracking devices during migration in Malta in 2008 has returned to the island.

Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Water

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:15:00 GMT

The European Water Partnership is organising a conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Water (CCAW) on the 12 - 13 March 2009 in Brussels, Belgium.

'Farming the Living Landscape of the Burren' DVD launch

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:32:00 GMT

The Farming for conservation in the Burren project is organising the formal national launch of the first ever Irish made farming for conservation DVD – ‘Farming the Living Landscape of the Burren’.

EU Biodiversity Action Plan: mid-term review confirms need for much greater efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2010

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:40:00 GMT

This mid-term assessment of implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan to halt biodiversity loss in the EU represents the last real stock-taking opportunity before 2010 on progress at both European and Member State levels.

The LIFE Programme

Meet LIFE at the European Maritime Day 2013

Black vulture returns to East Balkans

LIFEnews April

Scale of raptor deaths in Hungary shows need for LIFE 'HELICON' project

SAMBAH project reveals extent of Baltic harbour porpoise population

LIFEplus Nature and agriculture platform meeting

LANDLIFE Workshop 1 on Land Stewardship: France

Have your say on the Natura 2000 newsletter

Vulture TV 'joke' not funny – says Bulgarian LIFE team

Workshop on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture

Climate commissioner praises 'Carbon 20' project

SOL-BRINE – 'Water is necessary' invite, Greece

MHyBus presentation in Ravenna

Workshop on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture

LIFEnews March

Meet LIFE at the 7th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns!

Communication key to efficient N2000 sites in Romania

Best LIFE Project Award-winners for 2012 revealed

'ETA-BETA' project points the way to eco-managed business areas

Green publishing project launches membership campaign

'Salt of Life' project starts work to improve the status of Atanasovsko Lake

Polish LIFE project promotes eagle conservation in Montenegro following shooting incident

PROM.SUS.FIS.PR.PRESPA project documentary to be premiered at the 15th Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival

Oroklini Lake LIFE project opens photo competition

LIFE project leads agriculture's response to climate change

LIFEnews February

Conference on invasive species in rivers and wetlands

Agricarbon project wins award of climate change actions

GREENLYSIS holds final workshop

The 2013 call for proposals is now open!

LIFE inspires legislation to protect Italy's red squirrels

New calendar for the 2013 call published

LIFEnews December-January

Recycling campaign targets French shoppers

New LIFE project aims to raise the profile of Natura 2000 in Spain

Top 5 LIFEnews stories of 2012

New publication! LIFE managing habitats for birds

New publication out! LIFE's Blueprint for water resources

Sky's the limit for LIFE 'COSMOS' project

CARBONTOUR final conference points the way towards sustainable tourism

French LIFE project scoops sustainable development prize

European Week for Waste Reduction continues to grow

French citizens' initiative project wins sustainability award

LIFEnews November

Commissioner Potocnik's visit highlights LIFE support for Albufera

Recycled waste jewellery photo wins EPA award

Brussels workshop launches prioritised action framework initiative

New publication out! Best LIFE-Nature Projects 2011

Film promotes climate-friendly air conditioning in cars

Italian town wins WWF award for wetland recovery LIFE project

LIFEnews October

Danish project confirms presence of rare weatherfish

'Malta Seabird' project radio tracks storm petrel

Assessing LIFE's impact on EU noise and air policy

"Identifying critical marine areas for bottlenose dolphin" workshop

"Identifying critical marine areas for bottlenose dolphin" workshop

Tracking Egyptian vultures from the Balkans to central Africa

'LiveWell for LIFE' project to unveil pilot sustainable diets for three EU countries

Grand finale for groundwater improvement project

Spreading know-how about Water Change

Analysing LIFE's contribution to the water sector

New publication out! Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2011

Farmland Biodiversity Conference

Freshwater Sciences Symposium calls for LIFE project participants

LIFEnews September

Rhine wetlands trail opened

MoorLIFE project airlifts Sphagnum moss in pioneering action to restore UK moors

Bringing LIFE to a European Congress in Portsmouth

"Lands of Priolo" awarded European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas

International conference on habitat connectivity

River Wiki enables restoration community to share best practices

Danish farmers cooperate in collective nature conservation actions

Coastal dune projects network in Cagliari

LIFE project prepares for first European Land Stewardship Week

Tuscan seabirds continue to benefit more than a decade after LIFE

'E-transformer' on the road for Slovenia WEEE promo tour

SuperAlp! 6: sustainable crossing of the Alps

Read all about the latest projects to receive LIFE co-funding

Imperial eagle in the urban jungle on video