Tool
LIFE+

The Financial Instrument for the Environment

LIFE is an acronym for The Financial Instrument for the Environment. LIFE projects benefit from EU funds as part of its environmental policy. Since 1992, the EU has been financing biodiversity and conservation projects throughout its territory, including in overseas territories, Since the launch of the LIFE programs (which work by annual calls for proposals), more than 4,000 projects have been funded! LIFE + projects implement EU policy on nature and biodiversity in order to halt biodiversity loss by 2020. All projects must be demonstration projects and / or be innovative! Reunion Island is the first French overseas territory to have initiated, hosted and led a LIFE + project. Called LIFE+ COREXERUN (2009-2014), this project had the support of local partners and its aim was to save the semi-dry forest from extinction, one of the most endangered natural environments in the world. The project removed invasive alien species from 30 hectares of forest and reforested 9 hectares. At the end of 2014, the Reunion National Park, the Conservatoire du littoral, the Regional Council, Reunion council Department and the state obtained further EU funding. The goal of the LIFE + Dry Forests project (2014-2020) is to continue efforts to save this unique forest situated in a UNESCO world heritage site. Reunion National Park co-piloted the LIFE + CapDOM program which ended in September 2015. This project provided technical, human and financial resources to protect threatened birds and their habitats in French overseas territories. It developed experimental, innovative and replicable initiatives which were implemented in Guyana, Martinique and Reunion Island.

Find out more about LIFE + :
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/