Press Release: LIFE Nature 2004: Commission funds 77 nature conservation projects with EUR 76 million

The European Commission has approved funding for 77 nature conservation projects under the LIFE Nature programme 2004. These projects will further contribute to the establishment of the EU-wide Natura 2000 network of areas safeguarding important wildlife habitats and threatened species. The projects will physically restore protected areas and their fauna and flora, establish sustainable management structures and strengthen public awareness. Of the selected projects, 75 will be carried out in EU Member States and two in Romania. LIFE Nature is one of three funding strands under the EU's environmental programme LIFE whose goal is to support the implementation of EU environmental policies and legislation. Funding under LIFE approved in 2004 totals €160 million.

European Commission: DG Environment: Policies: Nature and Biodiversity http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/index_en.htm

European Commission: DG Environment: Funding: LIFE http://ec.europa.eu/comm/environment/life/home.htm

---