The Commission has published in the Official Journal of the European Union on May 15th, a Call for Proposals for the development of actions in conservation and environmental policy in the scope of the Programme LIFE+.

The main objectives of the LIFE+ Call for Proposals are focused on:

• Protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity LIFE+, supervising and facilitating thefunctioning of natural systems, natural habitats, wild flora and fauna.
• Enhance Environment Policy and Governance.
• Actions in Communication in environmental awareness.

The overall budget for project action grants under LIFE+ in 2009 is 250 Million Euros.

Project proposals shall be submitted to the national competent authorities by 15 September 2009. Project proposals shall be forwarded to the national authority of the Member State in which the beneficiary is registered. Proposals will then be submitted by the national authorities to the Commission by 22 October 2009.

LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the EU, as well as in some candidate, acceding and neighbouring countries. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed some 2,750 projects, contributing approximately €1.35 billion to the protection of the environment.