LIFE+ PROGRAMME 2010 INFORMATION ... · LIFE+ PROGRAMME PRESENTATION Welcome! 2010 2 José Ospina...

LIFE+ PROGRAMMEhttp://ec.europa.eu/life

2010 INFORMATION SESSIONIRELAND – 3RD JUNE 2010

12010 LIFE+ Presentation 1

IRELAND – 3RD JUNE 2010

LIFE+ PROGRAMMEPRESENTATION

Welcome!

22010 2

Welcome! José Ospina

The content of this presentation is intended for information purposes only, and in no way replaces the official information on the LIFE website by the European Commission

LIFE+ Presentation

PART 1

INTRODUCTION TO LIFE+ INTRODUCTION TO LIFE+

2010 3LIFE+ Presentation - Part 1

THE LIFE+ PROGRAMME

“Financial instrument for the environment”Co-funding in nature conservation and in otherenvironmental fields that are of European interest (e.g.,environmental fields that are of European interest (e.g.,water, waste, climate)Co-funding information and communication activities for the environmentSixth Environment Action Programme of the EU


LIFE+ FIGURES

Duration: 01.01.2007 to 31.12.2013Budget: over €2 billionBudget: over €2 billion2010 budget: €243 millionBudget distribution

§ 78% for project grants, of which§ 50% for nature and biodiversity§ 15% target for transnational projects


THE LIFE+ PROGRAMME 2010 IN IRELAND

2010 indicative allocation for Ireland is €3,833,051€3,833,051National prioritiesNumber of projects:• 2007: 3 proposals, 2 projects• 2008: 3 proposals, 1 project• 2009: 5 proposals


THREE COMPONENTS

LIFE+ LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity LIFE+ LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance LIFE+ LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance LIFE+ LIFE+ Information and Communication


THREE APPROACHES

Best Practice… applies appropriate, cost-effective, state-of-the-arttechniques and methods for the conservation oftechniques and methods for the conservation ofspecies/habitats.


Testing and evaluating of best practicetechniques should NOT be part of theproject as they are already state of the art.Monitoring is obligatory.Examples ...

THREE APPROACHES

Demonstration… puts into practice, tests, evaluates and disseminates actionsand methods that are to some degree new or unfamiliar in theand methods that are to some degree new or unfamiliar in theproject’s specific context and that should be more widelyapplied in similar circumstances.


Monitoring, evaluating and disseminationare integral parts of the demonstrationapproach.Example ...

THREE APPROACHES

Innovation… applies a conservation technique or method that has not… applies a conservation technique or method that has notbeen applied/tested before or elsewhere and that offerspotential advantages compared to current best practice.

… must be innovative at EU level.Example ...


LIFE+ NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY

Aims to contribute to the implementation ofEU policy and legislation on nature andbiodiversityEU policy and legislation on nature andbiodiversity

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A project may be EITHER:•LIFE+ Nature OR•LIFE+ Biodiversity

LIFE+ Presentation - Part 1

LIFE+ NATURE Objective: Contributes to the implementation of the Birds andHabitats Directives (Council Directives 2009/147/EC and92/43/EEC)92/43/EEC)Approach: Must be best practice and/or demonstrationprojects

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Focus: Long-term sustainable investments in Natura 2000sites and on the conservation of species and habitatstargeted by the Birds and Habitats DirectivesExamples ...


LIFE+ BIODIVERSITYObjective: Contributes to the implementation of theobjectives of the Commission’s Communication COM (2006)216 final: “Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – andbeyond”

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beyond”Approach: Must be demonstration and/or innovation projectsFocus: The demonstration of measures and practices thatcontribute to halting the loss of biodiversity in the EU, otherthan those related to the implementation of the objectives ofthe Birds and Habitats DirectivesNOT an overflow for LIFE+ Nature-type projects


LIFE+ BIODIVERSITY

Types of projects:A proposal consisting essentially of best practice A proposal consisting essentially of best practice actions will be rejected Proposals must be compatible with national and/or regional strategies for biodiversity where these existNatural habitats and wild fauna/flora

Examples …


LIFE+ ENVIRONMENT POLICY AND GOVERNANCE

Objective: Implementation, updating and development ofvarious European Union environmental policy and legislationApproach: Must be demonstration and/or innovationApproach: Must be demonstration and/or innovation


Focus: To bridge the gap betweenresearch and development resultsand widespread implementation,and to promote innovative solutionswith a public dimension


Two kinds of projects:Actions related to European Union policy on climate change,Actions related to European Union policy on climate change,water, air, soil, urban environment, noise, chemicals,environment and health, waste and natural resources,forests, innovation, and strategic approachesComprehensive and long-term monitoring of forests and environmental interactionsExamples ...


LIFE+ Environment proposals should NOT include:Research and technological development activities


Research and technological development activities Studies not specifically addressing the objective aimed at by the proposal Development of industrial capacity


LIFE+ INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Objective: Communication and awareness raising campaignsand actions for implementing, updating and developing

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and actions for implementing, updating and developingEuropean environmental policy and legislationAlso covers: Awareness raising campaigns andtraining activities for forest fire preventionCharacter: Highly visible communication and awarenessraising targeting a defined environmental problemDo NOT have to be innovation or demonstration



Two types of projects:1. Communication actions and awareness raising

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1. Communication actions and awareness raising campaigns

2. Awareness raising campaigns and trainingactivities for forest fire prevention

Examples ...

2010 192010 19LIFE+ Presentation - Part 1


LIFE+ Information and Communication proposals should NOT include:EMAS and Ecolabel registration procedure Investments in major


EMAS and Ecolabel registration procedure information and dissemination activities (see CIP programme)Forest fire prevention actions covered by EAFRDProtection of intellectual propertyDevelopment of a knowledge base (research, etc.)Forest fire extinction (see Civil Protection instrument)

Investments in major infrastructureLand purchase Research and technological development Marketing for products Lobbying activities of NGOs

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2010 AND PREVIOUS CALLS (1)

Shortening of the selection processModification in co-financing rates for LIFE+ NatureModification in co-financing rates for LIFE+ NatureChange in selection procedure for applicants scored as non-viable in economic indicatorsReview of exclusion of NATURA 2000 inventories in territorial watersObligation to include networkingReview of eligibility of recurring actions

212010 LIFE+ Presentation - Part 1

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2010 AND PREVIOUS CALLS (2)

More precise guidelines for LIFE+ Biodiversity and LIFE+ Information and CommunicationInformation and CommunicationProject indicators removed from the application processChanges to project payment schemesExtension of eligibility of durable goods for LIFE+ BiodiversityEmphasis on sustainability of projects

222010 LIFE+ Presentation - Part 1

PART 2

PREPARING A LIFE+ PROPOSALPREPARING A LIFE+ PROPOSAL


SIX SUGGESTED STEPS

1. Read the documentation2. Think about whether LIFE+ is right for your

projectproject3. Decide the scope of your project4. Put together a project team5. Assemble the information for the forms6. Complete the forms and submit the proposal

2010 LIFE+ Presentation – Part 2 24

STEP 1 – READ THE DOCUMENTATIONDOCUMENTATION


RULES AND REGULATIONS

Regulation 614/2007 of the European Parliament andRegulation 614/2007 of the European Parliament andCouncil of 23/05/2007 (LIFE+)Common Provisions2010 Guidelines for Applicants2010 Guide for the Evaluation of LIFE+Project Proposals


RELEVANT EC POLICY OR LEGISLATION

For example:

272010 27

Council Directives on the Conservation of Natural Habitats or Wild Birds


European Commission Communicationon Halting the Loss of BiodiversityWater Framework Directive, etc.

STEP 2 – THINK ABOUT WHETHER LIFE+ IS RIGHT FOR YOU


IS LIFE+ THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOU?

Three specific components“Bottom-up” instrument“Bottom-up” instrumentEU added-valueAverage project grant of €1 million (EU contribution)Average project duration - between 2 and 5 years Maximum 50% co-financing (exceptions for LIFE+ Nature)


IS LIFE+ THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOU?

Payment schedule: one, two or three pre-financing payments and one final payment

302010 30

financing payments and one final paymentOne Call for Proposals per year until 2013Actions within the EU onlyPublic or private bodies, actors or institutionsregistered in the EU


PROJECTS IN THE SAME FIELD

Check other projects that may have addressed similar or related problems:

2010 31

similar or related problems:Build on their successesLearn from their problems


Avoid unnecessary overlaps or duplicationBuild up a network

COMMON REASONS FOR FAILURE IN LIFE PROJECTS

Being badly prepared, in particular: § unrealistic planning§ no contingency plan§ poor management Stakeholder opposition


Unclear roles or commitment of project participantsLack of understanding of LIFE+ responsibilities and rules

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF PROJECT FAILURE

No – or even negative – impact on the environmental problemWaste of time, resources and opportunityWaste of time, resources and opportunityCancellation of the projectReimbursement of all or part of the provisional payments made by the Commission Modification of the projectReduction in project budgetExtension of timeframe with no extra budget2010 33LIFE+ Presentation - Part 2

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM A LIFE+ PROJECT

Opportunity to address an important environmental issueVisibility for your organisationIncreased capacity or competencesIncreased capacity or competencesOpportunity to pursue ideasNetworking opportunities (opportunity to work with European organisations, exchange experience, access to European state of the art)Door to new opportunitiesOverall success rate of 32% in the 2008 Call ...2010 34LIFE+ Presentation - Part 2

OTHER PROGRAMMES THAT MIGHT BE MORE APPROPRIATE (1)

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

35

ü National Ministry of Agriculture ü National Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Developmentü EC Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentEuropean Regional Development Fund ü National Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housingü EC Directorate General for Regional Policy


Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)


CIP Eco-Innovation: • Pilot and market replication projects (very similar to LIFE III

Environment)• Focuses on SMEs; LIFE+ focuses on public actorsBoth programmes are open to proposals from both kinds of applicantsPotential overlaps, e.g., for waste projectsCall published April – deadline 9 September 2010European Agency for Competiveness and Innovation:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/index_en.htm



7th Research Framework Programme

37

7 Research Framework Programmeü EC Directorate General for ResearchCivil Protection Financial Instrumentü EC DG Humanitarian Aid and Civil ProtectionCohesion Fund ü EC Directorate General for Regional PolicyEuropean Fisheries Fund ü EC Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries


STEP 3 – DECIDE ON THE SCOPE OF YOUR PROJECT


SUPPORT TOOLS (1)

PROBLEM-TREE ANALYSISØ Problem tree (environmental problem)Ø Objectives tree (project approach)


http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/evaluation/methodology/tools/too_dpm_def_en.htm

SUPPORT TOOLS (2)LOGICAL FRAMEWORK APPROACH ØWhat must be done?ØWhen?ØWhen?ØIs it realistic?ØConstraints and risks?


http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/how/delivering-aid/project-approach/index_en.htm

STEP 4 – PUT TOGETHER A PROJECT TEAMPROJECT TEAM


PROJECT PARTICIPANTS Organisations necessary for the implementation of the project:

TechnicalTechnicalAdministrativeFinancialProject managementOwnership / commitment


PROJECT PARTICIPANTS One coordinating beneficiary: legally and financially responsible. Single point of contact for the Commission. Must contribute technically and financially to the project. contribute technically and financially to the project. Optional: associated beneficiaries may be included in a project where they bring an added value to the project. They must contribute technically and financially. Optional: co-financers have no technical responsibilities and cannot benefit from the EC financial contribution. Optional: sub-contractors can be foreseen for specific tasks of a limited scope. 2010 4343LIFE+ Presentation - Part 2

CO-FINANCINGAll beneficiaries must provide a “reasonable financial contribution” to the project budgetAll beneficiaries of the project should receive a share of the EC contributioncontributionThe EC contribution is calculated as a % of the eligible costs - usually a maximum of 50% (exception for some LIFE+ Nature projects)Once this maximum amount is fixed it cannot be increased, but it can be reduced.The sum of public body beneficiaries’ financial contributions must exceed (by at least 2%) the sum of the salary costs of their permanent staff charged to the project


STEP 5 – ASSEMBLE INFORMATION FOR THE FORMSFOR THE FORMS


APPLICATION FORMS

The application forms are broken down into:Administrative – A FormsAdministrative – A FormsTechnical – B and C FormsFinancial Forms


ADMINISTRATIVE FORMS

Summary information (project title, budget requested)Administrative and financial information on projectAdministrative and financial information on projectparticipantsSigned participant declarationsOverlaps with other EU funds

N.B. Public and non-public bodies:Legal statusFinancial status


TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMS

B FORMSB FORMS: SUMMARY AND OVERALL CONTEXT:CONTEXT:

• Summary description• EU added-value• Best practice / innovation / demonstration character

of the project• Project’s carbon footprint• Expected constraints and risks• Long term sustainability


TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMS

C FORMSC FORMS: DETAILEDDESCRIPTION OF PROJECT


PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

Obligatory for all LIFE+ projectsObligatory for all LIFE+ projectsActivities undertaken by the beneficiaries for the administrative, technical and financial management of the projectMonitoring and evaluation of project progress and impactForesee sufficient management, administrative and financial staff


PREPARATORY ACTIONS

Not obligatory, but most projects include preparatory actions preparatory actions Preparatory actions must lead to direct implementation during the project In general, they should be of a limited duration (significantly shorter than the duration of the project)

... Reflect on whether preparatory actions are necessary 2010 5151LIFE+ Presentation - Part 2

PROJECT ACTIONS

Check the Guidelines for Applicants for suggestions of thekinds of actions appropriate for your LIFE+ componentLIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity: minimum 25% of budget (seeexceptions)Recurring actions are ineligible (with certain exceptions)

2010 5252

Are aimed at solving environmental problem... Foresee sufficient resources. Carefullyreflect on the relative roles of the projectparticipants.


COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION

Obligatory for all LIFE+ projects:Communication and/or dissemination planCommunication and/or dissemination planLayman’s Report, an After-LIFE Conservation Plan (for LIFE+ Nature) or an After-LIFE Communication Plan (for the other components)Project website, notice boards

In addition, for demonstration and innovation projects:A significant set of actions to disseminate results

... Communication is not an after-thought. Networking. Ensure an effective communication and dissemination plan.


FINANCIAL APPLICATION FORMS

Excel sheets covering a break down of all costs and the co-financing contributions of all costs and the co-financing contributions of all partners


PROJECT BUDGETPersonnel costs of all beneficiariesTravel and subsistence costs of all beneficiariesExternal assistance costsExternal assistance costsDurable goods (depreciation rules apply)Land/rights purchase, land lease (LIFE+ Nature only)Consumable materialsOther costsOverheads (flat rate: maximum 7% of eligible costs excluding land purchase costs)READ THE COMMON PROVISIONS ARTICLES 25 AND 26


STEP 6 – FILL IN THE FORMS AND SUBMIT THE PROPOSALSUBMIT THE PROPOSAL


TIPS ON FILLING OUT THE FORMSMost important of all: Read the Common ProvisionsIt`s all there in black and white: Follow the Guidelines, page by pagepageYou`re not the only one: Refer to the FAQs on the LIFE website or start a Forum discussion pointLearn from others: Check the proposal against the Common Problems in the next part of the presentationA fresh pair of eyes: When you have finished, ask someone else to read the proposal for you to give an objective opinion


HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

In the requested formatTo the national authority To the national authority By the deadline: 01.09.2010The national authority will forward it to the Commission by: 04.10.2010Role of the national authority


TIMETABLE AND PROCESS

The 2010 Selection Process will be undertaken from October 2010 to April 2011from October 2010 to April 2011Grant agreements should be sent out in July and August 2011Earliest possible project start date: 01.09.2011


PART 3

LIFE+ SELECTION PROCESSLIFE+ SELECTION PROCESS

2010 LIFE+ Presentation - Part 3 60

A. ADMISSIBILITY AND ELIGIBILITY PHASE

Eligibility – scope of LIFE+Admissibility – timeliness, completeness and formatEligibility – scope of LIFE+To ensure fairness, the Commission must be strict in its application of the rulesIn the 2008 Call, 49 / 613 (8%) proposals were rejected at this stage


COMMON MISTAKESAdmissibility

The applicant did not reply to a request for further informationThe applicant did not reply to a request for further informationForms missing or incomplete / signatures or dates missing / obligatory financial annexes missing or incomplete / …Proposals not submitted in the correct electronic formatBeneficiaries not legally constituted in the EU

EligibilityThe project does not fall within the scope of LIFE+


DO’S AND DON`TSDO:

Read the Guidelines for Applicants carefully – use the checklistschecklistsUse the 2010 Guidelines for Applicants and Application FormsFill in ALL required formsProvide ALL the information requested, in the right format and languageReply to requests for further information


DO’S AND DON`TSDON’T:

Provide an email address which no-one checks / with a full

Forget to CHECK page by page that the pdfversion corresponds to the paper version,and prints out properly from the CD / DVDPropose a project that does not:1. Take place in the EU2. Fall within scope of one LIFE+ component


Provide an email address which no-one checks / with a fullinbox / which spams the Commission’s emails

B. SELECTION PHASE

Technical selection criteria – technical reliability of participants, scope of project, etc.Financial selection criteria – compliance with financial rulesIn the 2008 Call, 101 / 613 (16%) proposals rejected at the Selection Phase63% of these were LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity proposals rejected on technical criteria2010 LIFE+ Presentation - Part 3 65

COMMON MISTAKESLIFE+ NATURE

Less than 25% of budget on concrete conservation actionsActions not clearly described enoughWith site related actions:

1. Main project actions (e.g., land purchase, habitat restoration) did not comply with the criteria for an appropriate Natura 2000 designation of the project area, nor with any exemptions

2. The official Standard Data forms for Natura 2000 sites did not include any information on the presence of the target species / habitat type (therefore, legally, the site not designated for it)


COMMON MISTAKESLIFE+ BIODIVERSITY

Less than 25% of budget on concrete conservation Less than 25% of budget on concrete conservation actionsInsufficient evidence that the project was demonstration or innovation (many projects were best practice conservation actions, outside Natura 2000 areas)Outside the scope of LIFE+ Biodiversity


COMMON MISTAKESOTHER COMPONENTS

LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance:LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance:§ Projects neither innovation nor demonstration

No LIFE+ Information and Communication proposals were rejected for technical criteria2010 LIFE+ Presentation - Part 3 68

COMMON MISTAKESFINANCIAL CRITERIA

Lack of financial capacityData incoherent or incomplete


DO’S AND DON`TSDO:

Make sure that you include at least 25% concreteconservation actions for LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, andthat the amounts are identifiable in the budgetthat the amounts are identifiable in the budgetLIFE+ Nature: check the data on Natura 2000 sitedesignationLIFE+ Biodiversity: check compliance with the LIFE+application guides (compliance with the Communicationdoes not necessarily equal eligibility for LIFE+)LIFE+ Biodiversity: ensure all Project Actions aredemonstration or innovation2010 LIFE+ Presentation - Part 3 70

DO’S AND DON`TS

DON’T:Provide incomplete information on legal andProvide incomplete information on legal andfinancial statusBe vague when explaining the environmental problemSubmit a poorly elaborated project proposal


C. AWARD PHASE

Criteria Maximum points ThresholdTechnical coherence and quality 15 8


Financial coherence and quality 15 8

Contribution to the general objectives of LIFE+ 25 12

European added value and complementarily and optimal use of EU funding

30 15

Transnational character 5 -

Compliance with national annual priorities and national added value according to LIFE+ national authority

10 -

Total 100 -

COMMON MISTAKES

259 / 613 (42%) of proposals rejected because they were below rejected because they were below the threshold for at least one of the Award CriteriaUsually Criteria 1 and/or 2 (technical and/or financial coherence)


DO’S AND DON`TS

DO:Use a formal project management tool to Use a formal project management tool to plan the project (e.g., Logical Framework)

DON’T:Ignore any of the criteria – you have to pass criteria 1-4Forget to provide all information requested


D. REVISION PHASE AND AFTER

204 / 613 (33%) of proposals entered the Revision PhaseLong, short and reserve listsRevisionLIFE+ Committee Scrutiny by European ParliamentGrant agreements (“contracts”)


OVER TO YOU …

Follow the steps in this presentationCheck the LIFE websiteRead the Common Provisions …… and read the Common Provisions again


WHERE TO FIND ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

The Guidelines for ApplicantsThe Common ProvisionsThe national authorityThe LIFE websiteForum on LIFE website: http://www.lifecommunity.eu/2010 77LIFE+ Presentation - Part 3

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

2010 78LIFE+ Presentation

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