LIFE+ is a financial instrument to support environmental policy of the European Community, adopted for the first time in 1992. The LIFE + program is divided into three major areas of action: Nature and Biodiversity, Environmental policies and government of the territory, Communication and Information.
The program funds pilot projects and innovative actions, aimed to integrate the issues of environmental protection with the land planning and sustainable development. Grants are awarded to the best projects, particularly to those with highest demonstration contents.
In the frame of LIFE+ Nature, conservation actions are those "necessary to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the populations of species of wild fauna and flora at a favorable status." In practice, LIFE-Nature contributes to the implementation of EC Directives "Birds" (79/409/EEC) and "Habitats" (92/43/EEC) and, in particular, to the establishment of the European network of protected areas - NATURE 2000 - realised to favour the management and preservation 'in situ' (in their natural environment) of species of fauna and flora and habitats most valuable European Union.
further information on LIFE+:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/index.htm and at http://94.86.40.85/home_it/menu.html?mp=/menu/menu_attivita/&m=LIFE_.html&lang=it
Natura 2000 is the main instrument of EU policy for the conservation of biodiversity. It is an ecological network spread throughout the territory of the Union, as established under Directive 92/43/EEC "Habitat" to ensure the long-term maintenance of natural habitats and species of flora and fauna threatened of extinction or existing at rare level in the Community.
The areas being part of theNatura 2000 network are not strictly protected reserves where human activities are excluded: the Habitats Directive aims to ensure the protection of nature taking into account "economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics" (Art . 2). Individuals private citizens can be owners of Natura 2000 sites, ensuring sustainable management both in terms of ecological and economical needs.
For further information on the italian Natura 2000 network refer to : http://94.86.40.85/home_it/menu.html?mp=/menu/menu_attivita/&m=Rete_Natura_2000.html&lang=it