The new LIFE Regulation (2014-2020) 23 September 2013
1. Context 1. Why LIFE 2. The LIFE Programme 3. Impact Assessment Outline 2. Objectives of the LIFE Programme 1. Objectives 2. Proposed targets 3. Structure for the period 2014-2020 and budget 1. Structure and budget overview 2. The sub-programme for Environment: priority areas and thematic priorities 3. The sub-programme for Climate Action: priority areas and examples 4. The tools to achieve the objectives 1. Types of funding-overview 2. Action grants (overview types of projects and co-financing rates) 3. Traditional projects selection 4. Integrated projects (conditions, selection and examples) 5. Capacity building projects (conditions and activities funded) 5. Territorial scope 6. Multiannual Work Programme
1. The context: Why LIFE? LIFE is a catalyst: it provides a platform for the development and exchange of best practices and knowledge thereby improving, catalysing and accelerating changes; LIFE creates synergies across EU Funds: increasing the effectiveness and impact of the EU intervention; LIFE is the ideal instrument to show to regional and national authorities the benefits of investing in the environment and to motivate them to develop strategic frameworks for spending.
1. Context: The LIFE Programme The only EU financial instrument specifically targeting the environment. Since 1992, co-financed over 3950 projects with a total budget of 7.2 billion for the protection of the environment. LIFE contribution so far: 3.1 billion. Benefiaries include public authorities, SMEs, NGOs, research institutions,.
1. Context: the Impact Assessment LIFE+ (2007-2013) is a successful instrument. EU Action for Environment & Climate is necessary. But Better Thematic Prioritisation is needed. Further simplification is possible. Management can be improved.
2. Objectives of the LIFE Programme (2014-2020) LIFE should be used as a catalyst; LIFE should promote implementation and integration of environment and climate objectives in other policies and Member State practice, including mainstreaming; Emphasis will also be placed on better governance; Specific link to EU priorities: resource efficiency, biodiversity loss and climate adaptation and mitigation.
2. Objectives: Proposed targets 6% River basin districts brought to adequate management 5% Regions adequately managing waste 5% of EU population benefiting from improved air quality 25% habitats targeted by projects have improved conservation status 25% species targeted by projects have improved conservation status 3% ecosystem services restored 10% Natura2000 network adequately managed.
3. Structure for 2014-2020 period and budget: overview Creation of two sub-programmes: LIFE sub-programme for Environment, including as priorities areas environment and resource efficiency, nature and biodiversity, and governance and information LIFE sub-programme for Climate Action, including as priorities areas adaptation, mitigation and governance and information Budget: 3,456.7 million ( 2,592.5 m for ENV, 864.2 m for CLIMA)
3. Structure for 2014-2020 period: overview LIFE Programme 3,456.7 (2014-2020) 2,592.5 (75% of LIFE budget) 1,155 min (55% of ENV Sub-progrm) Nature & Biodiversity 864.2 (25% of LIFE budget) Climate Change Mitigation Sub-programme for Environment Environment & Resource Efficiency Sub-programme for Climate Action Climate Change Adaptation Information & Governance Information & Governance
3. Structure: sub-programme for Environment Three priority areas: 1. Environment & Resource Efficiency: Development, testing and demonstration of policy approaches, best practices and solutions to environmental problems, including innovative technologies; Shift focus towards implementation through Integrated Projects (waste, water, air); Includes a specific objective in relation to Resource Efficiency
3. Structure Sub-programme for Environment 2. Nature and Biodiversity: Focused on Natura2000 (in particular Integrated Projects to implement Prioritised Action Frameworks); and the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020; Best practice and demonstration projects for nature and biodiversity 55% of resources allocated to projects under the sub-programme for Environment.
3. Structure Sub-programme for Environment 3. Environmental Governance & Information: Supports information and awareness raising projects and activities and facilitates knowledge sharing; Supports cooperation networks, and best practices for enforcement and compliance; Promotes better governance and supports environmental NGOs.
3. Structure Sub-programme for Environment 3. Thematic Priorities for funding- defined in Annex III including: 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 This will be translated into project topics for funding in the Multiannual work programme
3. Structure Sub-programme for Climate Action Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020 sets out budgetary framework and main orientations for delivering Europe 2020 strategy Climate as integral part of all main instruments and interventions Mainstreaming Commission s intention to increase the proportion of climate related expenditure to at least 20% in the next EU budget (2014-2020) LIFE should also contribute to this goal
3. Structure 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 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
3. Structure Sub-programme for Climate Action LIFE Climate Governance and Information contributes to raising awareness, communication, networks, cooperation platforms, raise compliance and enforcement of legislation, better governance and dissemination on climate mitigation and adaptation actions
Example: awareness raising project currently funded under LIFE+ A Member State with a large GHG emission, large renewable energy potential, and in need of adaptation strategies NGO raises awareness of climate impacts Among leading politicians and businesses Stimulates initiatives to support practical local climate measures Network of 220 people, training for 1400 local managers Pilot low carbon development programme Mainstreaming of climate action at local level Increased knowledge and awareness of climate threats and of ways to protect the climate.
4. The Tools/Types of Funding: overview Projects (at least 81% of the budget): Action grants for both traditional and new types of projects: integrated Projects, technical assistance projects for IPs, Capacity building projects and preparatory projects NEW: Possibility to make contributions to innovative financial instruments to finance projects To be decided by an assessment Operating grants and Other types of funding cannot exceed 19% of ENV sub-programme budget Operating Grants (NGOs, IMPEL)- no earmarking but about 3% of the Programme- 70% co-financing rate; Other types of funding - public procurement (e.g., studies, conferences, service contracts, technical assistance for the monitoring of LIFE, etc.)- no earmarking but about 15% of the Programme
Example ENV sub-programme At least 81% of ENV sub-progrm ( 2,010mln) Action Grants (Projects) Financial Instruments 2,592.4 (75% of LIFE budget) 1,155min (55% of ENV Sub-progrm) Max 30% of budget for projects ( 637 mln) Nature & Biodiversity Integrated Projects Traditional Projects Preparatory projects Capacity Building Nature Water Waste Air Innovation, Demonstration Best practices Projects in the interest of the Commission for implementation, development of legislation Support NCP or RCP- Max 1.75 mln per MS Supports projects To be decided after assessment; Budget to be transferred from projects Sub-programme for Environment Environment & Resource Efficiency Operating grants Information & Governance NGOs Other, e.g., Networks No earmarking but about 3% Public Procurement Both together cannot exceed 19% of the ENV sub-programme budget Management of the Programme and other Technical assistance Policy support to the DG (public procurement contracts) No earmarking but about 15%
4. The tools: Projects At least 81% of the budget for the Programme (approx. 2,800 million): Traditional projects: best practice, innovation and demonstration projects, as well as dissemination/information projects and governance projects (similar to LIFE+) Integrated projects: projects aiming at the implementation on a large territorial scale plans and strategies required by EU legislation in the areas of nature, water, waste, air; Preparatory projects : projects identified by the Commission to support specific needs for the implementation and development of EU environmental or climate policy and legislation Capacity building projects: financial support to the activities required to build the capacity of Member States with a view to enabling their more effective participation in LIFE
4. The tools: Integrated Projects Aiming at implementation of plans, programmes or strategies required by EU environmental or climate legislation or pursuant to other acts or developed by MS authorities; Larger scale, e.g., regional, multiregional, national; Primarily in the areas of nature, water, waste, air, climate mitigation and adaptation; They are inclusive: stakeholders must be involved as associated beneficiaries; Sustainability will be important as well as mobilisation of other funds (EU or other);
Budget: 4. The tools: Integrated Projects 30% ceiling of the funds dedicated to projects Max. 855 million for 7 years (of which around 637million in the subprogramme for Environment) Other aspects: Technical assistance in support of IPs possible for potential applicants Provisions regarding exchange of experience, best practices, and National Contact Point support enhanced Active dissemination of examples and good practices by LIFE and in the specific working groups and committees for the sectors concerned
4. The tools: Integrated Projects Complementarity: Reference in LIFE to the CPR and CSF and mechanisms set out in the Partnership contracts Specific section in the Common Provisions Regulation regarding LIFE: Member States shall promote and, where appropriate [ ] ensure complementarity and coordination with LIFE, in particular with integrated projects [ ] through measures such as [ ] promoting the funding of activities through the European Structural and Investment Funds that complement IP
4. The tools: Integrated Projects Selection: 2-step application procedure Proposals to be accompanied by a Financial Plan to evaluate compliance with the obligation to mobilise funds Letters of intent from at least one other funding source to be submitted in the second step The extent to which other Funds are mobilised to be taken into account during the award phase Geographical balance: 3 IPs per Member State over 7 years
4. The tools: IP examples - Nature A Region develops a Regional Programme for Natura2000 covering all 50 sites under its jurisdiction It identifies a range of management and conservation activities. The region then identifies the financial needs for the implementation of these activities and submits a proposal for a LIFE Integrated Project. This project clearly specifies the activities or group of activities among those included in the programme that will be financed by LIFE e.g. the restoration and connectivity activities, capacity building, awareness raising. In addition, it presents evidence on how it will use other funds (EARDF, ERDF, private) to implement the complementary measures compensation payments, making power lines safe for birds, infrastructure etc.
The Spanish strategy for the conservation of the Iberian Lynx 4. The tools: IP examples - Nature Gov. Andalucía Regional recovery plan for the Iberian Lynx Education, awareness conflict resolution Correction of black spots Reintroduction & monitoring In situ conservation Leasing hunting rights Refuges for rabbits 35 million (of which 66% EU co-financing) LIFE Up to 51 million EARDF Habitats management (recurrent activities) Management plans Others Captive breeding centres 0.75 million ERDF Tourism promotion Visitors facilities National funds (Ministry of Env), Regional (Dept. Agri, ENV, Public works) & private (hunters assoc., land owners, farmers assoc., WWF, etc.). 12 million Under LIFE project
4. The tools: IP examples - Nature A real example: Combining EU Funds in Laplaand The aim of this project was to help the five largest protected areas in central Lapland so that ecotourism and recreational use can be organised on a sustainable basis. It combined LIFE (for planning), ERDF for construction of the tourism infrastructure and national funds (for construction of barns on the hay meadows) Lessons learned: the combination of funds Provided the opportunity to make environmental objectives more ambitious without significant additional administrative costs Provided confidence in the approach: it will be used in the future
4. The tools: IP examples - Nature A real example: NATURA 2000 in Slovenia Slovenia has developed a national Management Plan for Natura 2000. It is considering the idea of an IP, building on a previous LIFE project: A previous LIFE project led to a transnational co-operation between different actors and different sectors Slovenia is developing legislation to ensure that IP are feasible Benefits: Combining activities and different funding sources provides a real opportunity to bring together economic, social and environmental objectives leading to enhanced results. Practicalities: One single regulation and one set of guidelines would cover administrative and reporting aspects across all funding instruments. To ensure IP are feasible it is essential that there is a strong project design phase with rigorous and detailed preparation and with agreed priorities across funding instruments.
4. The tools: IP examples - Water A RBD Competent Authority develops a River Basin Management Plan as per the WFD The CA submits a proposal for a LIFE IP, which clearly specifies the measures/activities or group of measures/activities among those included in the RBMP (and programme of measures) that will be financed by LIFE e.g. removal of obstacles to improve river connectivity and fish migration, development of monitoring methods, awareness raising, partnerships etc.) In addition, it presents evidence on how it will use other available Funds (e.g.erdf, EARDF, public, private) to implement the complementary measures included in the programme compensations payments, infrastructure etc.
4. The tools: IP examples - Air PM10 control in urban areas - a precursor of IP Four Austrian LIFE projects in Klagenfurt are interconnected and all have PM10 control in urban areas as a main objective. Each project has been used as a further step in developing a more holistic approach and contributing to a long term plan. The four projects could theoretically have been combined into a single IP which drew on several funding sources; The larger IP would (arguably) have had greater impacts; it would have enabled partners from different sectors to work together and allowed a more effective implementation;
4. Example IP- Climate Mitigation: Integrated Urban plan to reduce GHG Emissions Regional authority/ppp: Develops a local or regional strategy or action plan with transregional elements. Regional strategy identifies needs and objectives and an action plan Funding LIFE co-funding of Integrated Project Examples of individual projects funded under the Integrated Project: Integrated Project Competitions on reducing carbon footprint Facilitate introduction of low carbon accounting tools Demonstration of innovative energy efficiency technology Refuelling stations for electric cars Raising awareness for energy efficiency Develop energy efficiency action plan Governance Local/regional management and implementation and supervision of projects Other funds are mobilised at national/regional level to finance comple-mentary activities included in the plan EU Cofunding Cohesion Research Life action can be replicated and scaled up through EU instruments Coordination (EC) National and regional funds, private sector funds
4. Example IP- Climate Adaptation: Sustainable Water Management in Rural Areas Regional authority/ PPP: Develops a local or regional strategy or action plan with trans-regional elements. Regional strategy identifies needs and objectives and an action plan Funding LIFE co-funding of Integrated Project Examples of individual projects funded under the Integrated Project: Integrated Project Interregional cooperation to develop and implement joint flood insurance scheme Ecosystem services Test new systems to reduce water pollution Renaturalise riverbeds Bio algae research to improve wastewater treatment Awareness raising of farmers on climate impacts and resilient crops Discourage use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers Governance Local/regional management and implementation and supervision of projects Other funds are mobilised at national/regional level to finance comple-mentary activities included in the plan EU Cofunding Cohesion CAP Research Life action can be replicated and scaled up through EU instruments Coordination (EC) National and regional funds, private sector funds
More information at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/about/beyond2013.htm#proposal