Watch: Launch of schemes for environmental projects to benefit from the European Commission’s LIFE Programme

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett launched two national funding schemes to help voluntary organisations apply for their projects under the LIFE Programme.

The LIFE Programme is a major European Union fund known for funding projects dealing with environmental aspects and climate action. Over the years, the LIFE programme has funded many environmental work projects by eNGOs and voluntary organisations across the European Union. The schemes being launched will offer financial assistance to NGOs interested in submitting project proposals based on environmental initiatives.

“Given that the Maltese Government recognises that the work of these organizations is indispensable, these two schemes are being issued in order to continue to provide all possible assistance”, explained Minister Miriam Dalli.

Since its inception, the LIFE programme has always been a platform for promoting environmental projects. This year the programme is celebrating its 30th anniversary since its start in 1992. In Malta, this programme has been used for several projects, including the establishment of the first coastal nature reserve for the development of Natura 2000 sites and the protection of wild bird species.

“The main aim of these schemes is to give the Maltese and Gozitan voluntary organisations the incentive they need so that the application for their proposals and ideas in favour of environmental projects can be properly met,” said the Minister Dalli.

The first scheme relates to the possibility of co-financing projects to be submitted for consideration under the LIFE programme. This scheme will offer financial assistance to NGOs wishing to carry out projects related to the conservation of the environment and its protection. The grant for such co-financing can be up to € 150,000.

The second scheme relates to the financing of the cost to be covered by voluntary organisations when recruiting experts to write the environmental project proposal which is then submitted for consideration for funding under the LIFE programme. Registered voluntary organisations can be granted up to a maximum of € 5,000 per application to enable them to hire professional writing services to help them better convey their ideas.

Applications for these funds will be considered on identified environmental priorities including measurement and management of Natura 2000 sites; climate change mitigation and adaptation; green infrastructure; energy efficiency; waste and/or marine waste management and afforestation.

For more information, those interested can contact the National Contact Point within the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise on life.meee@gov.mt or 23316232 as well as on the Facebook page Increasing LIFE in Malta.