The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment. The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental policy and legislation by co-financing pilot or demonstration projects with European added value.

The legal basis for LIFE+ is the Regulation (EC) No 614/2007. LIFE+ covers both the operational expenditure of DG Environment and the co-financing of projects.

The Nature & Biodiversity component will co-finance best practice or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. In addition, it will co-finance innovative or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the objectives of Commission Communication (COM (2006) 216 final) on "Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond". At least 50percent of the LIFE+ budget for project co-financing must be dedicated to LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity projects.

Projects financed by LIFE+ must satisfy the following criteria:

• Projects must be of EU interest, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the general objective of LIFE+;
• They must be technically and financially coherent and feasible and provide value for money;
• Where possible, projects financed by LIFE+ should promote synergies between different priorities under the 6th Environmental Action Programme