Agenda item 3.1 (d)

LIFE – proposals on Invasive Species

CGBNCo-ordination Group for Biodiversity and Nature13th meeting – 06/09/12

LIFE – a practical tool helping to address the problem of Invasive Alien Species

What is LIFE?

LIFE is the only EU financial instrument specifically targeting the environment.

Since 1992 LIFE contributed to the protection of environment through over 3100 projects.

Budget: € 2.143 billion for the period 2007-2013 (LIFE+)

LIFE+ (2007-2013)

Three components:

LIFE+ Environment

Policy and Governance

LIFE+Nature and Biodiversity

LIFE+ Information

and Communicati

on

LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity

LIFE+ Nature projects contribute to the implementation of the Birds and/or Habitats Directives. The focus is on long-term sustainable investments in Natura 2000 sites and on the conservation of species and habitats targeted by these Directives.

LIFE+ Biodiversity projects contribute to the implementation of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy. They are different from LIFE+ Nature projects insofar as their focus is on the demonstration of measures and practices that contribute to halting the loss of biodiversity on the territory of the Member States, other than those related to the implementation of the objectives of the Birds and Habitats Directives.

LIFE + Nature

Classic nature conservation projects;

Geographical scope limited to Natura 2000 sites;

The maximum EU co-financing rate is 50% of the total eligible project costs. By way of exception, a co-financing rate of up to 75% of the total eligible costs may be granted to LIFE+ Nature proposals that focus on concrete conservation actions for priority species or habitat types of the Birds and Habitats Directives.

LIFE + Biodiversity

Demonstration or innovation projects; Evaluation and active dissemination of the

results and lessons learnt needs to be an integral part of the project;

Recurring actions cannot be financed; Projects must have at least 25% of their budget

earmarked for concrete conservation actions; 50% maximum co-financing rate.

LIFE+ Information and Communication

Aim at communication actions and awareness raising campaigns on environmental issues;

50% maximum co-financing rateShould address a specific environmental problemMonitoring of environmental results as compared to intial status is a key action

Examples of LIFE Projects addressing the problem of IAS

• More than 180 LIFE projects for some 44 M€ have either partially or exclusively addressedd the threat posed by IAS.

• Where are we strong?• Actions focused mainly on eradication and control, as

well as some information and awareness raising campaigns with significant achievements in islands or even larger territories.

Examples of LIFE Projects addressing the problem of IAS

• LIFE97 NAT/IT/4153

• Protection of biodiversity in Capraia and other minor islands in Tuscany. (Italy)

A view of Mediterranean maquis in the Capraia Island after the removal of the tree of heaven.

Examples of LIFE Projects addressing the problem of IAS

• LIFE99 NAT/E/6392

• Restoration of the islets and cliffs of Famara (Lanzarote Island). (Spain)

A view of Famara. The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) (from Scalera, 2001)

Examples of LIFE Projects addressing the problem of IAS

• LIFE97 NAT/UK/4244

• Restoration of Atlantic Oakwoods. (United Kingdom)

Mechanical removal of flowering Rhododendron ponticum

Where could we improve?

• Identification of pathways• Inspection and control• Early detection and rapid eradication• Communication and awareness raising• …and more…to do this we need to involve different

stakeholders! … but do not forget LIFE Nature and fture Integrated Projects!

More Information• Over the years LIFE projects have gathered a number of lessons learnt, which have been disseminated

through a publication „Alien Species and nature conservation in the EU” available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/alienspecies_en.pdf

More on LIFE:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm