LIFE Programme 2014-20202015 call

Seosamh Ó Laoi

IE LIFE National Contact Point

LIFE overview

LIFE 1992-2013: more than 3100 projects in the fields of•nature & biodiversity•environmental protection

LIFE 2014 to 2020, subdivided in:•Sub-programme for environment•Sub-programme for climate action

LIFE 2014-2020 - Overview

Sub-programme for Environment•Environment & Resource Efficiency (ENV)•Nature & Biodiversity (NAT, BIO)•Environmental Governance & Information (GIE)

Sub-programme for Climate Action•Climate Change Mitigation (CMM)•Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)•Climate Change Governance and Information (GIC)

Structure for 2014-2020

LIFE 2014-2020: The Budget

• Total budget of €3.5 billion• For projects funded by action grants and financial

instruments: €2.8 billion (81% of total)• Sub-programme for Environment €2.1 billion• Nature & Biodiversity including related governance and

information at least 55% of Env sub-programme• Sub-programme for Climate Action €0.69 billion

National Allocations

• For the duration of the first multiannual work programme (2014-2017), national allocations applicable only to traditional projects under the ENV sub-programme

- IE allocation 2014-17 = €11,458,751

(~€7 million left after 2014)• From the second multiannual work programme (2018-

2020), national allocations are phased out, selection will be 100% merit based

• Selection for traditional projects under the Climate sub-programme is fully merit based already.

Irish projects 2007-13Year PROPOSAL TITLE APPLICANT NAME2007 Control of aquatic invasive species and

restoration of natural communities in IrelandCentral Fisheries Board

2007 Restoration of the Lr.Shannon SAC for Sea lamprey, Atlantic salmon and European otter

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board

2009 Restoration of the Upper River Blackwater SAC for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Atlantic Salmon, European Otter and Kingfisher

IRD Duhallow Ltd.

2009 Demonstrating Best Practise in Raised Bog Resotration in Ireland

Coillte Teoranta - The Irish Forestry Board

2010 Depolymerisation Technology for Rubber with Energy Optimisation to produce Carbon Products

Erneside Engineering Limited

2011 Burren Tourism for Conservation Clare County Council2012 Aran LIFE - The sustainable management of the

priority terrestrial Habitats Directive Annex 1 habitats of the Aran Islands.

DAHG

2013 LIFE Kerry - Sustainable land use management for the conservation of the freshwater pearl mussel

DAHG/NPWS

2013 RAPTOR LIFE - Connecting and Restoring habitats for Hen Harrier, Merlin, Atlantic Salmon and Brook Lamprey in Duhallow,Ireland

IRD, Duhallow

2013 WISER LIFE - Working with Industrial Spaces to Exemplify Reuse

Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun

Is the LIFE Programme a suitable programme for me?

Who can apply?•SMEs, NGOs, Universities, public bodies. Individuals cannot apply.

What areas can my project cover •Specific project topics for all programmes except Climate Action.(See MAWP or guidelines for full list).Projects meeting one or more of the project topics are awarded extra marks during assessment•General priorities published by DG Clima annually and published in Climate Action programme guidelines. No extra marks available

What is the average project size?•1 to 5 beneficiaries; EU contribution: €500,000 to €1.5m, 3 to 5 years …but larger and longer projects possible

• LIFE is not a suitable fund for research(H2020 a better option).• LIFE is not an appropriate source of operational funding for

organisations but LIFE does fund some European NGOs under a separate funding strand.

• Most successful LIFE projects will involve a degree of innovation(more in next slide)

• LIFE projects should focus primarily on environmental outcomes but economic, social impacts are also important and are now explicitly measured by EU.

• LIFE projects should justify their actions in the European policy context rather than the national one(obviously some overlap).

• LIFE does not fund large infrastructure projects

Is the LIFE Programme a suitable programme for me?

LIFE and innovationType of project Definition in LIFE

regulationAccepted under which programme?

Pilot project pilot projects" means projects that apply a technique or method that has not been applied or tested before, or elsewhere, that offer potential environmental or climate advantages compared to current best practice and that can subsequently be applied on a larger scale to similar situations;

All programmes

Demonstration "demonstration projects" means projects that put into practice, test, evaluate and disseminate actions, methodologies or approaches that are new or unknown in the specific context of the project, such as the geographical, ecological, socio-economic context, and that could be applied elsewhere in similar circumstances;

All programmes

Best Practise "best practice projects" means projects that apply appropriate, cost-effective and state-of-the-art techniques, methods and approaches taking into account the specific context of the project

Climate Action, Nature and some Biodiversity topics

Innovation required

Maximum co-financing rates

• Traditional Projects under the sub-programme of Climate Action and traditional projects under the sub-programme for Environment (Environment & Resources Efficiency and Environment Governance & Information Projects):

• 60% co-financing during the first multiannual work programme (2014-2017)

• 55% co-financing during the second multiannual work programme(2018-2020)

• Traditional Nature and Biodiversity Projects: 60% co-financing until 2020 and 75% for projects targeting priority habitats & species

Where can I get co-finance?

• Projects have one coordinating beneficiary and can have any number of associated beneficiaries. Each beneficiary must provide funding and must have a clear and specific role in the project.

• Finance can also be provided by Co-financiers. No requirement for a co-financier to have a formal role in a project.

• Staff time can be used as a means of co-finance. Public bodies should be aware of 2% rule.

• In-kind payments are not possible under LIFE financial rules. Transactions must be transparent and be fully auditable. No profit rule

• Crucial in order to avoid problems during implementation that all financial transactions are transparent and auditable

• N.B. co-funding commitments from partners need to fully confirmed in writing and unambiguous. Never assume commitments are given without written guarantees that will cover your actual budget and your project actions. Make sure partners know exactly to the penny what they are promising you and what the money is covering.

The Environment Sub-Programme

Seosamh Ó Laoi,

LIFE National Contact Point

Sub-programme for Environment

Structure:

•Environment & Resource Efficiency

•Nature and Biodiversity

•Environmental Governance & Information

Sub-programme for Environment

Thematic Priorities for funding (defined in Annex III):

•Thematic Priorities for Nature and for Biodiversity;

•Thematic Priorities for Water, including the marine environment;

•Thematic Priorities for Waste;

•Thematic Priorities for Resource Efficiency, including soil and forests and green and circular economy;

•Thematic Priorities for Environment and Health, including chemicals and noise;

•Thematic Priorities for Air Quality and Emissions, including the urban environment;

•Thematic Priorities for Information and Governance

Sub-programme for Environment

ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

What for?Innovative demonstration and pilot projects for all environmental policy areas

Pay attention to•Project topics•Climate related projects are covered by CLIMA sub programme•Potential overlap with Horizon2020 (guidance in ‘Orientation’ doc in 2015 application pack)

Sub-programme for Environment

NATURE & BIODIVERSITY

What for?EU Birds and Habitats DirectivesEU Biodiversity strategy

Pay attention to:•Demonstration/innovation not obligatory for BIO, Read project topics carefully!•Avoid ongoing and recurrent actions•At least 25% Concrete Conservation Actions (CCA)•Eligibility rules for species/habitats targeted

Sub-programme for Environment

Governance and Information

What for?•Information and awareness raising; control and compliance.

Pay attention to•Project topics (more top down approach)•Projects covering governance and enforcement are now possible.•Target relevant stakeholders!!

The Climate Action Sub-Programme

Seosamh Ó Laoi,

LIFE National Contact Point

Sub-programme for Climate Action

Structure:

•Climate Change Adaptation

•Climate Change Mitigation

•Climate Change Governance & Information

Sub-programme for Climate Action

Priority areas and their objectives:

• Climate Change Mitigation contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

• Climate Change Adaptation supports efforts leading to increased resilience to climate change

• LIFE Climate Governance and Information

Specific objectives:

Implement and develop Union policy and legislation and mainstream activities across policy areas

• Improve and apply knowledge base in practice

• Develop and implement integrated strategies and action plans

• Develop and demonstrate innovative technologies, systems, methods and instruments for replication, transfer or mainstreaming

Sub-programme for Climate Action

Climate change adaptation: Priority areas•Vulnerable areas indicated in the EU Adaptation Strategy: • cross-border floods management, cross-border coastal management •mountain and island areas •drought-prone areas (water, desertification, fire risks) •Green infrastructure and ecosystem-based approaches •Vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies, including those with a cross-border nature •Encourage proposals on urban adaptation

Sub-programme for Climate Action

Climate change adaptation in the urban environment •developing and implementing local adaptation strategies in the framework of "Mayors Adapt”;•developing and deploying innovative adaptation technologies in urban areas, including in the water, energy and construction sectors;•promoting and developing green infrastructure in cities, including combating the urban heat island effect (through green roofs or networks of green space as ventilation areas) and/or controlling flood risks (through multi-use retention areas);•low carbon projects contributing at the same time to climate mitigation and adaptation as well as nature conservation and biodiversity objectives in urban areas.

Sub-programme for Climate Action

Climate Change Mitigation Priority Areas•Energy Intensive Industries: e.g. Development and demonstration of innovative/ cost-effective technologies to reduce emission intensity of manufacturing & process industries•Replacement of Ozone Depleting Substances e.g; innovation/demonstration projects showing the use of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternatives to current practises •Sustainable use of solid biomass;•Agriculture: implementation of low carbon farming practices with a transformational impact and analysis and development of improvements for existing climate measures under CAP, LULUCF etc.

Sub-programme for Climate Action

LIFE Climate Governance and Information Priorities•Knowledge of global emission reduction strategies and the consequences on the agricultural and land use sectors locally•Awareness of biomass production in an integrated perspective (biodiversity, forest, other land)•Dialogue with business on future energy and climate investments•Evaluation of functioning of EU ETS and its impact on policy tools•Awareness on best practice in the field of climate policy evaluation to support development of cost-effective climate action•Exchange of best practice on enabling mechanisms and innovative solutions for industrial processes and production methods to facilitate low carbon transition of industry, transport

Climate Priority Action Policy 2015

• EU F gas regulation will phase down HFCs (80% by 2030) and use of low GWP alternatives will be required

Life will support eg:• Innovation and demonstration projects showing the use of low

GWP alternatives e.g. air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, heat pumps, electrical switchgear, production processes in electronic industry, metered dose inhalers ( asthma sprays)

• New blowing agents for insulation foam

• New halon fire fighting systems

• Alternatives for laboratory and analytical of ODS

LIFE- from the beginning

• Research previous successful projects online

• Read the LIFE guidelines

• Identify a clear, specific and measurable project aim

• Link that project aim to one of the LIFE project topics(if applicable)

• Scope out your project idea using a project planning tool such as logical framework planning.

• Be ambitious but don’t try and cover too many policy areas.

• Focus on EU added value. You need to be able to justify your project idea at an EU level(e.g. read 7th EAP etc)

• It is absolutely crucial that you approach the public bodies responsible for policy in the area you have chosen as soon as possible especially if you are looking for co-funding.

• A good application will take time to put together.

Getting Started

Getting StartedIn order to write a clear, well constructed, logical application you need to show exactly: •What the problem is you are looking to solve •Why it is needed •How you will do it •Who will do it •How much it will cost •How you will prove it worked

(N.B. the European context)

Essential Reading Read the guidance documents at least TWICE:

•Multiannual Work Programme (NB ‘Project Topics’ for Environment Sub-Programme – make sure your project fits one of the project topics)

•Guidelines for Applicants

•General Conditions/Model LIFE grant agreement

•Evaluation Guidelines

(all available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life.htm)

The Proposal

What makes a Good Proposal • Set the scene. Explain how the identified

problem is of EU importance. Justify what you hope to do.

• There should be a logical link between the threats/problems identified and the objectives, actions and expected results of the project.

• The project results should be realistic and have a significant impact on the environmental problem identified

What Makes a Good Proposal • All actions need to be appropriately monitored

and relevant indicators should be identified to measure progress.

• The proposal should identify and involve relevant stakeholders/competent authorities where possible

• The project should include appropriate risk management measures

• The importance of illustrating good project management and financial management should not be underestimated(40% of available marks)

What makes a Good Proposal

Proposal Structure

Technical application forms •A – administrative information •B – technical summary and overall context of the project •C – detailed technical description of the proposed actions

•F - Financial application forms •Detailed budget breakdown for the project •Costs broken down into seperate cost categories

Public Awareness & Dissemination of Results

Obligatory for all projects: •Layman’s Report, website, notice boards •Networking with other LIFE projects •Demonstration/pilot projects should have significant set of actions to disseminate results •Describe any difficulties may face and how to address them •Communication/Dissemination is important– start from day 1

2015 Deadlines for traditional projects

Climate Action(CLIMA)

Common opening date1 June 2015

Closing date 15 September 2015

Environment & Resource Efficiency(ENV)

Closing date 1 October 2015

Nature and Biodiversity(NAT)/Environment Government & Information(GIE)

Closing date 7 October 2015

2015 LIFE Timetable

eProposal • Full online application submission process Preparation and submission Communication Revision Amendment• Proposal is a structured set of forms• Can allow third parties to see applications in

development• For traditional projects only

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/eproposalWeb/

eProposal – Registration

• Screen shot of eProposal on this slide

eProposal - Registration

eProposalPasswords•It can take up to 30 minutes for the email to arrive•You then have 90 minutes to activate your username with a password•Minimum 10 characters long and contain at least 3 of the 4 types:

–Capitals: A-Z

–Lower case: a-z

–Number: 0-9

–Character: !”#$%&’*~{}[]^_=+:;@,.?

Example: iL0ve_L!FE

eProposal – Log-on page

eProposal – Applicant User Account

eProposal – Register User

eProposal – ‘create new proposal’ page

eProposal – Form A1 page

• Screen shot of eProposal ‘create new proposal’ page

4.1 Key Information

Keep in touch!Email: LIFE@environ.ie

Twitter:@EULIFE_PROG_IE Seosamh Ó Laoi/Pat Martin

LIFE National Contact PointEU and International Environment Policy

Department of Environment, Community

& Local Government

Room 2.41

Custom House

Dublin 1

Tel: 00353 (0)1 888 2014

Email: LIFE@environ.ie

More LIFE information at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/

http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/LIFEProgramme

2015 LIFE call documentation: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life2015/index.htm

LIFE Projects database: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm