LIFE-Nature: 61 conservation projects approved

The 2006 LIFE-Nature projects will take place in 20 countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom). Many of the newly selected projects are aimed at improving the living conditions for a range of particularly threatened wildlife
species. For example, the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and the endangered European Bison (Bison bonasus). A range of threatened bird species are also targeted including the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and Fea's Petrel (Pterodroma feae). Targeted plant species include the endemic "Rouen" violet (Viola hispida) and the long-lasting pink (Dianthus diutinus). Habitats that will be managed with LIFE co-funding include: freshwater habitats, heathlands and grasslands, raised
bogs and mires, vulnerable forest habitats and marine/coastal and dune habitats.
All projects contribute to the implementation of the EU Birds Directive and/or Habitats Directive. Many projects will include new schemes and ideas for involving EU citizens in Natura 2000 sites. These will help more people to become actively involved in the management of Natura 200 sites and to become more knowledgeable of their nature protection aims.