For 30 years, the European Union has been supporting environmental and climate protection projects through the LIFE Programme (L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement). Funded by the EU budget, the programme provides long-term financial support and promotes the implementation of joint initiatives, such as the Europe-wide network of protected areas, Natura 2000.
From 2012 to 2019, the first project for the reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis in the Alps (LIFE+12 BIO/AT/000143 – LIFE Northern Bald Ibis) was funded by LIFE. In the current funding period, approximately €5.43 billion is available, supporting over 120 projects so far, including the second Northern Bald Ibis project (LIFE20 NAT/AT/000049 – LIFE NBI) with a seven-year duration (2022–2028).
