Life is a funding instrument that provides specific support for the development and implementation of eu environmental policy. Started in 1992

LIFE is a funding instrument that provides specific support for the development and implementation of EU environmental policy. Started in 1992.

• LIFE is a funding instrument that provides specific support for the development and implementation of EU environmental policy. Started in 1992.

• LIFE+ budget of €2.143 million (2007-2013)

• It comprises three components:

• LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity
• LIFE+ Environment Policy & Governance
• LIFE+ Information & Communication

• One of the priority areas of action under the principal objective “Water” of the Environment Policy & Governance strand of LIFE+ concerns assessment and management of flood risks.

The project demonstrated the use of a natural depression in a flood plain as a natural water regulation system combined with extensive land use (cattle breeding and fisheries)

• The project demonstrated the use of a natural depression in a flood plain as a natural water regulation system combined with extensive land use (cattle breeding and fisheries)

Between the 1830s and the 1950s the Tisza was radically de-naturalised, eliminating meanders, significantly reducing its length and increasing the flow velocity.

• Between the 1830s and the 1950s the Tisza was radically de-naturalised, eliminating meanders, significantly reducing its length and increasing the flow velocity.

The project not only increased the natural capacity to absorb high floods but also increased the productivity of the land concerned and, therefore, the income of the local population.

• The project not only increased the natural capacity to absorb high floods but also increased the productivity of the land concerned and, therefore, the income of the local population.

• Other projects dealing with improving the water management in other parts of the River Tisza floodplain were also financed under LIFE.

LIFE+ Nature co-finances best practice or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives.

• LIFE+ Nature co-finances best practice or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives.

• The maximum co-financing rate is 50% but may be 75% for projects focusing on priority species or habitats.

• LIFE+ Biodiversity co-finances innovation or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the objectives of Commission Communication (COM (2006) 216 final) "Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond".

• The maximum co-financing rate is 50%.

Many habitats of EU importance depend on regular flooding

• Many habitats of EU importance depend on regular flooding

• Even if the focus of LIFE-Nature is on preserving habitats and species, many projects have to use flood management for that purpose
• Restoration of flood plains, which were eliminated or restricted by channelling rivers in the past, contributes actively to flood management

One in a series of projects, some funded through LIFE and some with national funds, aiming at reconciling nature conservation in the Donau-Auen National Park with commercial navigation in the Danube

• One in a series of projects, some funded through LIFE and some with national funds, aiming at reconciling nature conservation in the Donau-Auen National Park with commercial navigation in the Danube

The whole set of projects included:

• The whole set of projects included:

• Reconnecting cut-off branches of the Danube (LIFE)
• Restoring river banks (LIFE)
• Removal of river bank reinforcements (national funds)

The projects contributed to flood protection of the cities of Hainburg (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia)

• The projects contributed to flood protection of the cities of Hainburg (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia)

The project aimed at a significant improvement of the hydro-dynamics of the river in the area of concern, in particular reversing the silting-up of former river arms and improving the inter-connection between the river and floodplain wetlands.

• The project aimed at a significant improvement of the hydro-dynamics of the river in the area of concern, in particular reversing the silting-up of former river arms and improving the inter-connection between the river and floodplain wetlands.

Dykes were built in the past and could not be removed. However, 7500 ha of floodplain still existed in good condition, so the objective of the project was to preserve it from pressure deriving from changes in land use.

• Dykes were built in the past and could not be removed. However, 7500 ha of floodplain still existed in good condition, so the objective of the project was to preserve it from pressure deriving from changes in land use.

A significant part of the budget was used for restoring the existing hydraulic network in the floodplain.

• A significant part of the budget was used for restoring the existing hydraulic network in the floodplain.

Establishment of a network of policy makers, river basin planners, practitioners and experts in the UK

• Establishment of a network of policy makers, river basin planners, practitioners and experts in the UK

• Restoration of a freshwater tidal area in the Netherlands

• Re-meandering of rivers and re-connection of side channels

• Restoration of wetlands in the upper parts of a river basin, increasing the water retention capacity

http://ec.europa.eu/life/

• http://ec.europa.eu/life/

• Useful project examples - LIFE Focus publications:

• LIFE building up Europe’s green infrastructure
• LIFE improving the conservation status of species and habitats
• Reptiles and amphibians: Conservation in practice
• Protecting Europe’s Nature: Learning from LIFE
• Grasslands
• Plants
• Wetlands
• Rivers
• Marine
• Forests