The LIFE programme is the EU's financial instrument for supporting environmental projects, nature protection and climate action across the EU. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed more than 4 000 projects, contributing around € 3.4 billion for environmental and climate protection in the 2014-2020 period.
The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of the EU environmental and climate policy and the co-financing legislation for projects with European added value.
The LIFE programme contributes to sustainable development and the achievement of the general and specific objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, the Union's 7th environmental action program and other European strategies and plans for the environment and the climate.
For further information on the LIFE programme refer to: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/index.htm
Natura 2000 is the main instrument of EU policy used for conservation of biodiversity. It is an ecological network, spread throughout the territory of the Union, as established under Directive 92/43/EEC "Habitat" to ensure the long-term maintenance of natural habitats and species of flora and fauna threatened with extinction or existing at rare levels in the Community.
The areas included in the Natura 2000 network are not strictly protected reserves where human activities are excluded; the Habitats Directive aims to ensure the protection of nature whilst taking into account "economic, social and cultural requirements as well as regional and local characteristics" (Art . 2). Individuals and(or) private citizens can be owners of Natura 2000 sites, ensuring sustainable management both in terms of ecological and economical needs.
For further information on the italian Natura 2000 network refer to: http://www.minambiente.it/pagina/rete-natura-2000
