LIFE+ new call for proposals to be launched

LIFE+, the new Financial Instrument for the Environment, entered into force with the
publication of the Regulation in the Official Journal L149 of 9 June 2007. With a budget of €2.143
billion (for the period 2007-2013), LIFE+ is a limited but focused funding instrument providing
specific support for the development and implementation of Community environmental policy and legislation, in particular the objectives of the 6th Environment Action Programme and resulting thematic strategies. It comprises three components:
o LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity
o LIFE+ Environment Policy & Governance
o LIFE+ Information & Communication
At least 78% of LIFE+ funding will be for the cofinancing of project action grants, of which at least
50% will be for nature and biodiversity projects (including projects in support of water and marine
policies). A call for proposals will be launched each year.  The first call closed last December, and the proposals submitted have now been evaluated by external experts. The list of successful proposals will be finalised this summer, and the new projects will start in January 2009. Information on these new projects will be given in the December 2008 issue of the WISE Newsletter.
The next call for proposals will be launched on 15 July.