Constantine Alexander's Journal

Conserving our biodiversity: Priorities for well-connected protected areas

Only one-third of the world´s countries, and half of EU Member States, currently meet global targets when it comes to the connectivity of their designated natural protected areas (PAs).

While 14.7% of land around the world is covered by PAs, only 7.5% of the land of the world's countries is covered by PAs that are connected. This currently falls short of meeting the UN target for 2020 of having 17% of the land covered by well-connected PA systems. Considerable efforts are therefore needed to improve PA connectivity globally. These results come from the first global assessment of the connectivity of terrestrial PA systems at country level, conducted by the JRC and published in Biological Conservation. PAs, such as Natura 2000 sites or National Parks, are critical for the conservation of biodiversity and for supporting long-term human wellbeing. However, if PAs are isolated from each other, it is unlikely that they can meet these goals.

The study makes specific recommendations for national authorities worldwide - most of which need to make significant progress by designating new protected areas in strategic locations for connectivity.

Joining the dots: priorities for a well-connected PA system in the EU

When PAs are connected it has a direct and positive impact on wildlife. The endangered brown bears native to the Cantabrian Range in northern Spain are a good example.

By designating PAs in this region, national and regional authorities have supported the recovery in the number of brown bears, and promoted connectivity (gene flow) between two populations that were previously isolated.

The JRC's study finds that an effective and functional network of PAs could be accomplished more widely throughout the EU by following three priority strategies:

• First, and most importantly, conserving or restoring pathways for nature (corridors) is vital so that wildlife species can move and other ecological processes can flow through the unprotected lands that separate the PAs. This would require policy planning across a number of areas, from agriculture to transport.
• Second, coordinated planning of PA connectivity between EU countries is essential. A significant number of PAs are located on or near borders. And if they were to work alone, several EU countries would be too small to ensure connectivity on a scale big enough to match the needs of species movements and other ecological flows.
• Third, coordinated management for connectivity of adjacent PAs within countries is needed, to provide effective movement pathways that allow species to reach considerably more land through the concatenation of contiguous PAs than by moving within individual PAs only.

Most of the world's countries need to reinforce their PA systems to reach connectivity targets, particularly by strategically designating new PAs in key locations where they can efficiently function as stepping stones or corridors between other PAs.

The situation and strategic needs in the EU significantly differ from those in other regions or continents. Although half of the EU countries do not yet meet the 17% connectivity target, the PA systems are better designed for connectivity and cover more land in the EU than in the global average.

Currently, when averaging the connectivity levels for all countries across the EU, 18.9% of the land is covered by PAs that are connected (compared to 25.7% of the EU land covered by PAs), which is above the 17% target for 2020. For this reason, less emphasis is necessary in many of the EU countries on designating new PAs for connectivity than on the other priority strategies highlighted above.

Background

The report makes use of the Protected Connected (ProtConn) indicator, which has been developed by JRC scientists to quantify the percentage of a country's land covered by protected and connected areas.

It also differentiates several categories of land through which movement between protected locations may occur, and assesses the part of the connectivity that is actually in the power of a country to influence, factoring out the isolation of terrestrial PAs due to the sea and to foreign lands (both beyond the control of the country).

The JRC's work in this area contributes to stimulating progress towards the global Aichi Target 11 for year 2020, as well as to related efforts in Europe such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2020, the EU Green Infrastructure Strategy and the EU Action Plan for nature, people and the economy.

The results of the indicator are available on the JRC's Digital Observatory for Protected Areas (DOPA).

Citation: Santiago Saura, Bastian Bertzky, Lucy Bastin, Luca Battistella, Andrea Mandrici & Grégoire Dubois; Biological Conservation, Volume 219, March 2018, Pages 53-67; DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.12.020.

Contact: Edward McCafferty
European Commission Joint Research Centre

New application for acoustics helps estimate marine life populations in world's most successful Marine Protected Area.

Scientists use hydroacoustics to find abundance of marine life in reserve is four times greater than in surrounding waters.

Fish swimming along rocky reefs at Cabo Pulmo National Park. Credit: Octavio Aburto, Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego were part of an international team that for the first time used hydroacoustics as a method for comparing the abundance of fishes within and outside marine protected areas (MPAs).

They found that the abundance of fishes was four times greater in Mexico's protected Cabo Pulmo National Park than in areas outside the park. Study authors said that hydroacoustics points the way toward a new, more cost-effective method of assessing fish populations.

"Managers and authorities in many countries spend a lot of financial resources assessing marine protected areas," said study co-author Octavio Aburto, a marine ecologist at Scripps. "The results of this paper demonstrate that it is possible to use acoustic technologies to generate information about marine resources inside MPAs in a faster and less expensive way, reducing the costs for governments in ocean conservation."

The study, "Hydroacoustics as a tool to examine the effects of Marine Protected Areas and habitat type on marine fish communities," appears Jan. 15 in the journal Scientific Reports. The National Science Foundation, the Baja Coastal Institute, the International Community Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and The Helmsley Charitable Trust funded the research.

 

Cabo Pulmo has been the site of several studies by Scripps researchers since 2002. In 1995, local fishermen led the creation of a 71-square-kilometer (27-square-mile) undersea park to protect the waters they fished. The current MPA has been identified as the most successful in the world in terms of maintaining a sustainable fishery in which fleets operate just beyond the boundaries of the MPA. There, as in other parts of the world, surveys of coastal marine life are often performed through underwater visual censuses taken by scuba divers. Results of a 10-year analysis of Cabo Pulmo National Park (CPNP), published in the Public Library of Science (PLoS) ONE journal, revealed that the total amount of fish in the reserve ecosystem (the "biomass") boomed more than 460 percent from 1999 to 2009. Citizens living around Cabo Pulmo, previously depleted by fishing, established the park in 1995 and have strictly enforced its "no take" restrictions.

"We could have never dreamt of such an extraordinary recovery of marine life at Cabo Pulmo," said National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala, who started the study in 1999. "In 1999 there were only medium-sized fishes, but ten years later it's full of large parrotfish, groupers, snappers and even sharks."

The most striking result is that fish communities at a depleted site can recover up to a level comparable to remote, pristine sites that have never been fished by humans. Factors such as the protection of spawning areas for large predators have been key to the reserve's robustness. Most importantly, local enforcement, led by the determined action of a few families, has been a major factor in the park's success. Boat captains, dive masters and other locals work to enforce the park's regulations and share surveillance, fauna protection and ocean cleanliness efforts.

Researchers surveyed the waters of the MPA using sound waves produced by hydroacoustic equipment mounted on boats to image schools of fish and other marine life. They performed transects, scanning the water column in rows. They similarly surveyed waters outside the MPA. Fish density, total biomass, and the size of individuals were significantly greater inside the MPA. In comparison with waters outside the MPA, animal abundance in reefs was as much as 50 times higher, "highlighting the importance of both habitat complexity and protection from fishing for fish populations."

"Both hydroacoustics and marine protected areas are well-established but it is novel to use the former to assess the latter," said study lead author Jack Egerton, now a researcher at the University of Texas who performed the work while at Bangor University in Wales, UK. "Through this, we have been able to see how important the Cabo Pulmo National Park is for fish populations in the area."

Although acoustic surveys can be done much faster than underwater visual censuses, the researchers acknowledge that fish sizes can only be approximated and the method doesn't provide species-specific information. However, they concluded that the hydroacoustic method could still be useful in gauging the benefit of MPAs, as conventional survey methods are often prohibitively expensive and can be limited by issues such as diver depth limits and water clarity.

Citations:

• J. P. Egerton, A. F. Johnson, J. Turner, L. LeVay, I. Mascareñas-Osorio & O. Aburto-Oropeza; Hydroacoustics as a tool to examine the effects of Marine Protected Areas and habitat type on marine fish communities; Scientific Reports 8, Article number: 47 (15 January 2018); DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-18353-3.
• Aburto-Oropeza O, Erisman B, Galland GR, Mascareñas-Osorio I, Sala E & Ezcurra E; Large Recovery of Fish Biomass in a No-Take Marine Reserve; PLoS ONE 6(8): e23601 (2011). DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0023601.

Contact: Rob Monroe
University of California - San Diego

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Bright lights reveal the 'dark' fleet

A new partnership between Global Fishing Watch and NOAA matches night-time imagery with monitoring data from fishing vessels.

Arufura Sea, January, 2018. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data from Indonesia is shown in the Global Fishing Watch map as yellowish dots. This image is overlayed with data from NOAA's satellite-based Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) which detects many vessels not broadcasting VMS. VIIRS-detected vessels are shown here as blue sailboats. Credit: Global Fishing Watch 2018.

Global Fishing Watch has entered into a new data-sharing partnership with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve understanding of the activity of fishing vessels in Indonesian waters. Through the partnership, Global Fishing Watch and NOAA are matching Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data from the Indonesian government with NOAA's satellite based Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), which reveals the locations of brightly lit vessels at night. The idea is to identify fishing vessels that are not picked up by other monitoring systems and to test and refine the use of VIIRS for identifying and distinguishing different types of fishing vessels.

By cross matching VMS from Indonesia with VIIRS, the team found that roughly 80 percent of VIIRS detections could not be correlated to a vessel broadcasting VMS. The vast majority of these vessels are likely to be fishing vessels using bright lights to attract fish. While a small number may be other types of vessels, most ships do not use lights bright enough for detection. This work indicates that the addition of VIIRS data can greatly enhance transparency in commercial fishing in Indonesia.

The team believes most of the VIIRS detections are from fishing vessels not required to carry VMS because they are under the 30 gross ton (GT) threshold established by the government of Indonesia. It is also possible that some vessels detected only by VIIRS meet the size requirement but have switched off their VMS or have a faulty device. Another possibility is that VIIRS is detecting foreign boats that are not carrying VMS because they are poaching from Indonesian waters.

On the left, blue boats represent vessels detected by NOAA's satellite-based Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) over the Arufura Sea on January, 2018. On the right, yellow dots represent active fishing vessels using Indonesia's Vessel Monitoring System plotted on the Global Fishing Watch map. About 80 percent of VIIRS-detected vessels do not broadcast VMS, and so combining the two data sources provides a more complete picture of fishing activity in Indonesia. Credit: Global Fishing Watch 2018.

"I'm excited for this opportunity to see the dark fleet," said David Kroodsma, Global Fishing Watch Research Program Director. The dark fleet being a common term used to describe vessels that don't show up in vessel monitoring systems and therefore are said to operate in the dark. "NOAA's VIIRS data shows us vessels we can't see by any other means and helps us to gain a more complete picture of fishing activity."

Global Fishing Watch detects nearly all large fishing vessels in Indonesian waters by combining Indonesia's VMS data and publicly broadcast AIS data which is required on vessels exceeding 300 GT. Global Fishing Watch can even tell when vessels turn off their monitoring devices. But the system is unable to see vessels when they are not broadcasting either AIS or VMS. Incorporating VIIRS, which represents a completely new source of data, into the Global Fishing Watch database and, eventually, the public mapping platform, will reveal the activity of even more of the world's commercial fishing fleet.

To cross match VMS and VIIRS, NOAA's Earth Observation Group developed an orbital model that predicts the probable location of each VMS-broadcasting vessel at the time of the VIIRS data collection. The model checks the predicted location against the actual VIIRS detections to define matches. Prior to the partnership with Global Fishing Watch, NOAA had access to two months of Indonesia VMS data, which they used to develop their cross-matching algorithm.

The partnership with Global Fishing Watch has provided three years-worth of Indonesian VMS data, which NOAA has now matched to its VIIRS vessel detections. In addition, the partnership has provided NOAA with valuable information on vessel gear types and identification numbers in the VMS records.

Arufura Sea, January, 2018. Comparing Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data from Indonesia with satellite-based Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data reveals a more complete picture of fishing activity in Indonesia. Credit: Global Fishing Watch 2018.

This new data is enabling NOAA to calculate the frequency of VIIRS boat detections for the different fishing gear types and to work towards a calibration for estimating wattage from the VIIRS detected radiance. "When I saw what Global Fishing Watch could provide in the data, I said, Wow, that could really help us a lot, because we don't have access to this information in any other way," said Chris Elvidge, NOAA's Earth Observation Group Lead. His team is creating an atlas of fishing grounds for Indonesia using the three years of VMS provided by Global Fishing Watch and multiple years of VIIRS data.

Global Fishing Watch is able to provide the VMS data because of its partnership with Indonesia, which began publicly sharing their VMS through the Global Fishing Watch platform in June 2017. They are the first nation to take such bold steps toward transparency, and Peru has recently signed an MOU to do the same.

Now that Global Fishing Watch has access to the VIIRS boat detection data they can vastly expand the number of fishing boat records reported in the public database. In addition, it would be possible to cross match VMS or AIS data with VIIRS boat detections to identify "dark vessels" which may be fishing illegally. The combined data sources could also be analyzed to detect clusters of fishing boats straddling international boundaries, or fishing in Marine Protected Areas.

Contact: Samantha Emmert
Global Fishing Watch

 

Thinking outside the box on climate mitigation

In a new commentary in the journal Nature Climate Change, IIASA researchers argue that a broader range of scenarios is needed to support international policymakers in the target of limiting climate change to under 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to avoid potential negative environmental and social consequences of carbon dioxide removal on a massive scale.

"Many currently used emissions pathways assume that we can slowly decrease fossil fuel emissions today and make up for it later with heavy implementation of negative emissions technologies," says IIASA Ecosystems Services and Management Program Director Michael Obersteiner, lead author of the article. "This is a problem because it assumes we can put the burden on future generations--which is neither a realistic assumption nor is it morally acceptable from an intergenerational equity point of view."

The researchers point out that 87% of the scenarios in the IPCC 5th Assessment Report that limit climate change to less than 2°C rely heavily on negative emissions in the second half of the century, with most of the carbon dioxide removal coming from a suite of technologies known as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). Assuming that it's even possible to deploy BECCS on the scale required (a big question for a technology that has not yet been widely tested or implemented), massive implementation of land-based carbon dioxide removal strategies would have impacts on both the environment and the food system, with previous research showing trade-offs for food security and environmental conservation.

At the same time, reliance on future negative emissions to achieve climate goals may also fail to account for feedbacks in the climate system such as methane release from thawing permafrost, which are not yet fully understood.

"Many of our scenarios do not account for the uncertainties related to the climate mitigation process. Are our carbon budget estimates reasonable? Are the technologies going to develop the way we need them to be? Are natural carbon sinks reliable, or might they turn around?" says IIASA researcher Johannes Bednar, a coauthor.

In the article, the researchers present four archetype scenarios that incorporate a broader range of potential mitigation options. These include:

• Major reliance on carbon dioxide removal in the future, the current archetype of many existing scenarios for achieving the 2°C or more stringent 1.5°C target.
• Rapid decarbonization starting immediately, and halving every decade as proposed in a recent Science commentary coauthored by IIASA researchers.
• Earlier implementation of carbon dioxide removal technologies, and phasing out by the end of the century
• Consistent implementation of carbon dioxide removal from now until the end of the century.

Under all these scenarios, current country commitments under the Paris Agreement would not be sufficient to achieve the required cuts, the researchers say.

The article adds to a large body of significant IIASA research on pathways and scenarios for climate mitigation, as well as integrated research on climate and other sustainable development goals. It also provides a critical look at the current outlook for reaching climate targets.

IIASA researcher Fabian Wagner, another study coauthor adds, "In this paper we have shown that negative emission technologies may not only be an asset but also an economic burden if not deployed with care. We as scientists need to be careful when we communicate to policymakers about how realistic different scenarios might be. When we present scenarios that require the world to convert an amount of land equivalent to all today's cropland to energy plantations, alarm bells should go off."

Citation: Obersteiner M, Bednar J, Wagner F, Gasser T, Ciais P, Forsell N, Havlik P, Valin H, Janssens IA, Penuelas  & Schmidt-Traub G; How to spend a dwindling greenhouse gas budget; Nature Climate Change 8, 7-10 (02January 2018); DOI:10.1038/s41558-017-0045-1.

Contact: Philippa Baumgartner, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis

 

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Great Barrier Reef protected zones help fish in even lightly exploited areas

Fish biomass up to five times greater compared to unprotected zones at northernmost reefs.

This is the Agincourt Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. Credit: Robert Linsdell (CC-BY).

Protected zones of the Great Barrier Reef benefit fish even at the relatively lightly-fished northern reefs, according to a study published November 8, 2017 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Carolina Castro-Sanguino from the University of Queensland, Australia, and colleagues.

The Australian Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the largest network of marine reserves in the world, and includes both 'no fishing' ('no-take') and 'no-entry' zones as well as fished areas. The authors of the present study analyzed the effect of such policies in the relatively lightly-fished northernmost regions. They measured, counted and calculated the biomass of commonly-fished species found at 31 northern, central and southern reefs in the area north of Cooktown, as well as assessing the seabed habitat at these sites.

The authors found that fish biomass was up to five times greater in protected zones which prevented fishing, whether they had 'no-take' or 'no-entry' policies. The most remote northern reefs had greater fish biomass than more southern zones, regardless of the zones' policies, and the authors speculate that poaching may be common in southern reserves. They also found indication that fishers may frequently operate at reserves' boundaries to exploit the increased fish biomass in these reserves.

The specific seabed habitat of different reefs had a strong effect on the amounts and types of fish found, making it impossible for the researchers to discern any distinct effects of 'no-take' versus 'no-entry' policies. Nonetheless, they did find clear differences in biomass between protected and unprotected areas, despite this region being generally fished relatively lightly. They state that this illustrates the high sensitivity to fishing of many species, reinforcing the case for their protection.

"Even in remote reef habitats, marine reserves increase the biomass of exploited fish but detecting these benefits can be challenging because the state of corals also varies across some management zones and these patterns also affect fishes," says Castro-Sanguino. "We also conclude that fishing is most intense near reserve borders leading to a reduction of biomass just outside reserves."

Citation: Castro-Sanguino C, Bozec Y-M, Dempsey A, Samaniego BR, Lubarsky K, Andrews S, et al. (2017); Detecting conservation benefits of marine reserves on remote reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef; PLoS ONE 12(11): e0186146;  DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0186146.

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation designed the study in consultation with PJM and implemented the collection of the data, curation and quality control of data in collaboration with the co-authors. They also funded CCS to undertake the analysis and collaborated on the preparation of the manuscript. This study was a component of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Global Reef Expedition (2011-2015).

Contact: Beth Baker
PLOS

A solution to fisheries overharvesting

U of G researchers have developed a model that allows fisheries to net enough to meet rising consumer demand while ensuring adequate income and replenishment of natural stocks.

There are fewer fish in the sea - literally. Consumer demand and inadequate scientific information has led to overharvesting, reducing fish species and fish stocks around the world. But University of Guelph researchers have identified a possible solution. They have developed a model that allows fisheries to net enough to meet rising consumer demand while ensuring adequate income and replenishment of natural stocks. The research was published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"We know fish are getting rarer," said John Fryxell, a U of G integrative biology professor and lead author of the paper.

Many commercial fisheries are threatened by overharvesting. For example, the collapse of once-abundant cod stocks in the North Atlantic led to a federal fishing moratorium on the species in the 1990s. Managers and fisheries are hampered by a lack of information, from overall population numbers to data on how fast fish grow and reproduce. As the global population increases and demand for fish protein rises - particularly in developing countries - more fisheries are chasing smaller fish populations in hopes of recouping higher prices for their efforts. This further threatens fish stocks that are already being over-exploited, Fryxell said. Finding the "sweet spot" - where the world's fisheries can function all the while protecting natural fish stocks - was the goal of the new model.

"It gives fisheries and conservation managers a tool for balancing those competing demands," he said.

They developed the model using information about landed fish catches and prices for any species to determine by how much a given fishery has been overharvested. Basically, the model encourages fisheries to reduce short-term harvests in order to realize higher long-term yields without sacrificing economic return.

"The model is based on the premise that it's just as profitable to have high catches and low prices as high prices and lower catches," said Fryxell.

That strategy also helps ensure a more sustainable fishery over the long term, he said. Supportive policy changes might include introducing tariffs that make it less profitable to fish low-yielding, high-priced species. Or managers might encourage fish farming to provide alternative protein sources and push down prices of wild stocks, he said.

"We'd have a better world where the fishery is making money, and we're feeding more people with more fish in the ocean."

The research also connects the world's fisheries with U of G's Food From Thought project, Fryxell said.

"It's Food From Thought in a renewable rather than a managed context - how choices impact production, how we manage to make production more sustainable and still provide enough food." Co-authors are integrative biology professor Kevin McCann and other researchers at University of Guelph, McGill University, the University of Washington, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Citation: John M. Fryxell, Ray Hilborn, Carling Bieg, Katrine Turgeon, Amanda Caskenette & Kevin S. McCann; Supply and demand drive a critical transition to dysfunctional fisheries; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2017; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1705525114.

Contact: Prof. John Fryxell
University of Guelph

 

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Scientists begin bold conservation effort to save the vaquita porpoise from extinction

Fewer than 30 vaquitas left; project aims for temporary sanctuary.

An international team of experts has gathered in San Felipe, Mexico at the request of the Mexican government (SEMARNAT) and has begun a bold, compassionate plan known as VaquitaCPR to save the endangered vaquita porpoise from extinction. The vaquita porpoise, also known as the 'panda of the sea,' is the most endangered marine mammal in the world. Latest estimates by scientists who have been monitoring the vaquita for decades show there are fewer than 30 vaquitas left in the wild. The vaquita only lives in the upper Gulf of California.

The project, which has been recommended by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA), involves locating, rescuing and then temporarily relocating the vaquitas to an ocean sanctuary off the coast of San Felipe. The explicit goal of CPR is to return the vaquitas to their natural habitat once the primary threat to their survival has been eliminated. Experts from Mexico, the United States, Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom are all working together on VaquitaCPR.

"Rescuing these animals and placing them in a temporary sanctuary is necessary to protect them until their natural habitat can be made safe," said Dr. Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, lead vaquita expert and chair of CIRVA. "We realize that capturing even a few vaquitas will be very difficult, but if we don't try the vaquita will disappear from the planet forever."

VaquitaCPR field operations, including efforts to locate and bring vaquitas into temporary sea pens, begin on October 12 and are expected to continue for several weeks.

In an unprecedented move in April of 2015 that demonstrated Mexico's commitment to conservation, President Peña Nieto announced a two-year gillnet ban throughout the vaquitas' range, compensated fishermen and related industries for their loss of income, and enhanced multi-agency enforcement of the ban led by the Mexican Navy. In June of 2017, the ban on gillnet fishing was made permanent. The government also launched an extensive survey of the vaquita population using an approach that included both visual monitoring and advanced techniques that use sound to locate the animals. All told, the Mexican government has committed more than $100 million in an effort to protect the vaquita and support the local fishing community.

"This critical rescue effort is a priority for the Mexican government and we are dedicated to providing the necessary resources in order to give the plan its best chance of success," said Rafael Pacchiano, Mexico's Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources. The plan will be implemented in tandem with ongoing efforts to remove the threat of gillnets in the Upper Gulf of California and eliminate illegal fishing.

A crucial part of CPR is the acoustic monitoring system that will help to locate the remaining vaquitas. This monitoring has been supported since 2012 by WWF and operated by the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change of Mexico (INECC) to help estimate the vaquita's population, and will continue during the CPR operations. WWF will also continue supporting the retrieval of lost or abandoned "ghost" nets, many of them illegal, which drift aimlessly and continue to entangle and kill vaquitas and other marine species. Both the acoustic monitoring and the net retrieval are conducted with the help and experience of local fishermen.

"Although this effort faces a lot of uncertainty and is highly risky, WWF recognizes it as a necessary action to save the vaquita from extinction. WWF supports CPR with the sole aim of returning a healthy vaquita population to the wild, and as such our primary focus will continue to be ensuring a healthy, gillnet-free Upper Gulf of California where both wildlife and local communities can thrive. We remain hopeful that together with all actors, we will see the CPR effort become a success", said Jorge Rickards, CEO of WWF Mexico.

VaquitaCPR is led by Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The National Marine Mammal Foundation, Chicago Zoological Society and the Marine Mammal Center are primary partners in this extraordinary conservation effort.

"The international team of experts that have stepped up to save the most endangered marine mammal on the planet is extraordinary and a project like this has never been tried before," said Cynthia Smith, Executive Director of the National Marine Mammal Foundation. "VaquitaCPR is important because if this conservation model works, we may be able to use a similar approach to save other marine mammals that face extinction."

A floating sea pen is anchored off the coast of San Felipe, Mexico where vaquitas will temporarily be held. Photo by Kerry Coughlin/National Marine Mammal Foundation.

VaquitaCPR operates as a private and public partnership, relying on both private donors and government funds. VaquitaCPR has many key collaborators including the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and groups like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Baja Aqua Farms, and Museo de la Ballena.

"The rescue project is, quite literally, the last chance to save the vaquita," said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. "We know and accept that the rescue plan is risky, but if we do nothing, extinction of the vaquita is certain. Zoos and aquariums have a proud history of working to save species from extinction, including black-footed ferrets, the California condor, the Florida manatee and the blue iguana. AZA and its members are proud to stand with the Mexican government and the VaquitaCPR coalition. Together, we will do everything we can to prevent the extinction of the vaquita."

As part of VaquitaCPR, large floating sea pens will be anchored off the coast of San Felipe, where veterinarians and animal care experts will carefully monitor the health of any vaquitas that are successfully rescued. The sea pens have been designed and built by Baja Aqua Farms, a fish farm operation based in Ensenada.

"Baja Aqua Farms believes strongly in the work being done to save the vaquita and we're so glad we are able to help," said Benito Sarmiento, CEO of Baja Aqua Farms. "Our communities all need to work together, not only to protect the wildlife in the Gulf of California, but also to support a sustainable fishing economy in Mexico that can continue into the future.

The Museo de la Ballena's mission is to promote the knowledge, study and conservation of cetaceans. Since the museum initiated a conservation operation last year, its vessel has succeeded in retrieving more than 900,000 linear feet of 'ghost' and illegal fishing nets. The museum is providing key logistical support for the VaquitaCPR team. "The vaquita porpoise is a national treasure in Mexico and we are committed to helping save this species for future generations," said museum Operations Director Diego Ruiz.

In order to make the Gulf safe for the vaquita in the future, experts agree it's important to prevent illegal fishing of the also-endangered totoaba fish and to support alternative economies for the fishing community.

The plight of the vaquita continues to gain increasing international attention after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim signed an agreement committing Mexico to save the vaquita, identifying specific conservation goals.

VaquitaCPR has been adopted by Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) on the recommendation of their expert advisory group, the Comité Internacional Para La Recuperación De La Vaquita (CIRVA).

Contact: Steve Walker
National Marine Mammal Foundation

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is also trying to protect the vaquita but without removing it from its natural environment. The crews of Sea Shepherd’s vessels M/V Sam Simon and M/V Farley Mowat are patrolling in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, the only waters on Earth called home by the world’s smallest and rarest cetacean. The organization has partnered with the government of Mexico to protect the waters of the vaquita refuge, is patrolling for poachers, is documenting issues facing the endangered cetacean, and is collecting vital data to share with the scientific community. It is also conducting outreach in the region, meeting with marine biologists, researchers and other NGOs working locally to save the vaquita.

 

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The European Union will invest over €222 million in its environment, nature and climate action.

The European Commission has approved an investment package of €222 million from the EU budget to support Europe's transition to more sustainable and low-carbon future under the LIFE programme for the Environment and Climate Action.

The EU funding will mobilise additional investments leading to a total of €379 million going towards 139 new projects in 20 Member States.

Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said: "In its 25^th year, the LIFE programme continues to invest in innovative projects with high added value for people, businesses and nature. I am delighted to see that the programme transforms close-to-market technologies into new, green business.”

Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete added: "The historic Paris Agreement on climate change has added wind to the sails of already accelerating climate-smart investments. With these projects, we use limited public finance in a catalytic way: we unlock private finance to protect the environment, fight climate change and provide cleaner energy to our citizens. These kinds of investments are of critical importance if we are to move from aspirations to action."

Financing a circular and low-carbon future

€181.9 million will go to projects in the field of environment and resource efficiency, nature and biodiversity, and environmental governance and information.

In line with the European Commission's circular economy package, projects will help Member States in their transition to a more circular economy. Project examples include: testing an Italian prototype that could cost-effectively convert petrol cars into hybrid vehicles, creating bio-based products from wastewater sludge in the Netherlands, and applying a new biological treatment to remove pesticides and nitrates from water in southern Spain. Other projects will support the implementation of the Action Plan for Nature, in particular the management of Nature 2000 sites. Species protection is another focus, such as in the Slovenian cross-border project to help the survival of a highly endangered Alpine lynx species.

In the area of climate action, the EU will invest €40.2 million to support climate change adaptation, mitigation and governance and information projects. Selected projects support the EU's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. LIFE funding will also help improve the resilience of one of Europe's busiest waterways, the Scheldt Estuary in Belgium, develop tools to forecast desert dust storms, and counteract the heat island effect in cities.

• 59 LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency projects will mobilise €134.6 million, of which the EU will provide €73.0 million. These projects cover actions in five thematic areas: air, environment and health, resource efficiency, waste, and water. The 15 resource efficiency projects alone will mobilise €37.9 million to help in Europe's transition to a more circular economy.
• 39 LIFE Nature & Biodiversity projects support the implementation of the Action Plan for Nature, the Birds and Habitats Directives and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. They have a total budget of €135.5 million, of which the EU will contribute €90.9 million.
• 14 LIFE Environmental Governance and Information projects will raise awareness on environmental matters. They have a total budget of €30.2 million, of which the EU will contribute €18 million.
• 12 LIFE Climate Change Adaptation projects will mobilise €42.6 million, of which the EU will provide €20.6 million. These action grants are awarded to projects in six thematic areas: ecosystem-based adaptation, health and wellbeing, mountain/island areas adaptation focusing on the agriculture sector, urban adaptation/planning, vulnerability assessments/adaptation strategies, and water (including flood management, coastal areas and desertification).
• 9 LIFE Climate Change Mitigation projects have a total budget of €25.7 million, of which the EU will contribute €13.6 million. These action grants are awarded to best practice, pilot and demonstration projects in three thematic areas: industry, greenhouse gas accounting/reporting, and land use/forestry/agriculture.
• 6 LIFE Climate Governance and Information projects will improve governance   and raise awareness of climate change. They have a total budget of €10.4 million, of which the EU will contribute €6 million.

Project descriptions and more details can be found below.

Background

The LIFE programme is the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action. It has been running since 1992 and has co-financed more than 4 500 projects across the EU and in third countries, mobilising over €9 billion and contributing over €4 billion to the protection of the environment and climate. At any given moment some

1100 projects are ongoing. The budget for the LIFE Programme for 2014–2020 is set at €3.4 billion in current prices, and has a sub-programme for environment and a sub-programme for climate action.

For information on LIFE

• LIFE Programme
• To contact the relevant national authorities see here.

 

LIFE Programme Projects 

BELGIUM (BE) (3 projects – 14.8 million)

LIFE Climate Change Adaptation (1 project – 8.5 million)

Increasing climate change resilience on the Scheldt estuary (LIFE SPARC)

Climate change could have a huge environmental and socio-economic impact on the Scheldt estuary and its highly urbanised river banks. Increasing resilience means implementing nature-based solutions appropriate to tidal rivers, as proposed by the EU Floods Directive. This means creating areas that can safely fill with water during flooding, decreasing river levels and reducing the risk of flooding in towns and cities. Restoration of tidal mud flats will make ecosystems more robust and safeguard valuable ecosystem services and protected species.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Mitigation (2 projects – 6.2 million)

Harmonising regulation of climate-friendly refrigerants (LIFE FRONT)

Legislative and market barriers are limiting the uptake of climate-friendly alternative refrigerant gases. Developing a harmonised regulatory approach to the use of fluorinated gases in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump units is a priority of this project. It will also promote non-fluorinated alternatives, such as hydrocarbons, as a climate-smart and sustainable approach for this industry. This is expected to increase market uptake of these alternatives by up to 60% by 2023.

Project summary

Making glass facades solar powered (LIFE BIPV)

Integrating solar panels into the glass facades of buildings could improve their energy performance in line with EU targets, as well as becoming a significant new source of renewable energy. This demonstration project will generate clean energy through building integrated photovoltaic facades fitted on refurbished and new buildings in Belgium and Spain, the final stage before market launch of the technology. LIFE BIPV expects to reduce the buildings' carbon dioxide emissions by 34% on average.

Project summary

BULGARIA (BG) (6 projects – 16.9 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (5 projects – 14.1 million)

Protecting migrating birds from power lines (LIFEBIRDS on POWER LINES)

Large numbers of wild birds are killed or injured by overhead power lines. The aim of this project is to reduce deaths of protected birds along the Via Aristoteles, an important migration route in western Bulgaria. The project will identify the power lines that pose the most serious electrocution or collision hazards for birds within and around key Natura 2000 network sites, and implement measures to prevent mortalities and injuries.

Project summary

Helping Bulgarian forests to regenerate (LIFEFORHAB)

Protected forests in south-western Bulgaria are struggling to regenerate naturally. To tackle this challenge, the project will collect seeds and store them to support the future conservation of species typical of seven habitat types across six Natura 2000 network sites. It will also develop infrastructure and build expert capacity, demonstrate best practices for habitat restoration, and increase support from stakeholders for sustainable forest management.

Project summary

Reducing threats to the red-breasted goose (LIFE FOR SAFE FLIGHT)

The red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis) is one of the most threatened geese in the world, facing major challenges both within the EU and along its global migration flyway. The project will improve knowledge of the threats to the species (e.g. by satellite-tagging individuals), introduce measures to reduce deaths caused by hunting and disturbance along the migratory route, develop national action plans, and manage key sites in ways that support goose conservation. It will play a key role in implementing the International Species Action Plan for the red-breasted goose.

Project summary

Conserving protected forests and grasslands (LIFE IAS Free Habitats)

Three types of the rarest and most vulnerable natural forest and grassland habitats in Bulgaria are 'endemic forests with Juniperus', 'Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines', and lowland hay meadows. A range of measures will be implemented by the project to improve their conservation condition. These include removing competitive and invasive species, sowing seeds and planting seedlings of characteristic forest species, and improving institutional capacity for addressing conservation issues related to invasive alien species.

Project summary

Strengthening Egyptian vulture populations in the Balkans (Egyptian Vulture New LIFE)

The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) population is threatened by direct persecution, poisoning, electrocution on energy infrastructure and lack of food in its easternmost range in the EU. This project aims to reinforce the population by carrying out measures in both its Mediterranean breeding grounds and along its migratory flyway, with the active involvement of 12 countries in Africa and the Middle East. The project will also reinforce the Balkan breeding population through a targeted restocking programme, and raise awareness and support for Egyptian vulture conservation all along its flyway. These actions are considered vital for securing the survival of the species at the global level.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Mitigation (1 project – 2.8 million)

Reducing emissions from furnaces (LIFE CleanOx)

For every tonne of tableware glass produced, 600 kg of carbon dioxide is emitted. A new heat-exchanger system to capture and recycle waste heat from oxy-fuel furnaces could cut process CO₂ emissions by 30% and nitrous oxide emissions by 90%, as well enhancing thermal efficiency and significantly reducing operating costs. The technology being demonstrated by this LIFE project is applicable to any industrial furnace operating above 700°C, meaning it could be widely used in the cement, steel and porcelain sectors, as well as the glass industry.

Project summary

CYPRUS (CY) (3 projects – 6.3 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 1.7 million)

Establishing an early warning against invasive lionfish (RELIONMED-LIFE)

Lionfish (Pterois) are poisonous sub-tropical fish native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Two lionfish species are being observed more and more in the Mediterranean, where they have no natural predators and can damage marine ecosystems and local fishing economies. By setting up an early warning and rapid response system off the coast of Cyprus, RELIONMED-LIFE will prevent a lionfish invasion of the Mediterranean from the Red Sea. This focus on prevention is in line with the proposals for tackling invasive alien species set out in the EU's Invasive Alien Species Regulation.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (1 project – 1.3 million)

Increasing awareness of a biodiversity hotspot (LIFE TROODOS)

Troodos national forest park is one of the most visited Natura 2000 sites in Cyprus, and a hotspot for biodiversity. Targeting local people and tourists, the project aims to increase awareness of the importance of the national forest park's natural values and the ecosystem services it provides. Through various publicity actions, including an advertising campaign, cartoons that will be shown in schools and a mobile exhibition, the project hopes to reach the majority of Cypriots and a quarter of the more than one million tourists that visit the island every year.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Adaptation (1 project – 3.3 million)

Warning vulnerable populations about desert dust storms (LIFE-MEDEA)

Desert dust storms pose a major health risk to people living in Mediterranean countries. The prevalence and intensity of such storms is increasing because of climate change. LIFE-MEDEA will pioneer the development of an adaptation strategy for desert dust storms. This will focus on reducing exposure through improved forecasting and systems for giving an early warning to vulnerable populations, in particular children with asthma and adults with atrial fibrillation. Measures will be developed and tested in Cyprus, Greece and Israel and will be applicable to other affected regions of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Project summary

CZECH REPUBLIC (CZ) (4 projects – 14.8 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (3 projects – 13.7 million)

Boosting management of Czech and Slovak Natura 2000 sites (CZ-SK SOUTH LIFE)

Protectedgrassland, forest and raised bog habitats and associated species such as the hermit beetle are in decline in South Bohemia (Czech Republic) and southern Slovakia. This is linked to the growth of intensive farming and forestry and the abandonment of traditional meadow management. This large-scale LIFE project is designed to have a positive impact on the target habitats and species in a total of 55 Natura 2000 network sites across the two countries. This will be achieved through actions to reverse drainage of bog habitats, restore mowing and grazing regimes on grasslands, and tree-planting and invasive species removal in forests.

Project summary

Protecting species-rich grasslands and forests (LIFE České středohoří)

The natural volcanic rock of the Central Bohemian Highlands has enabled the development of species-rich grasslands and forests. These 'thermophilic' (heat-loving) habitats and species depend upon traditional animal husbandry and land management practices that are supported by EU payments to farmers for conservation actions. However, the target habitat continues to be lost because of the high cost of eliminating self-seeding invasive plant species, such as the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). This project will address that issue and restore and stabilise grassland and forest habitats across a 277 hectare area, leading to an increase in biodiversity. It will also give eco-tourism a boost through the development of an audio guide for visitors.

Project summary

Restoring insect-friendly open canopy forests (LIFE for insects)

The sunlit areas found within the open-canopy middle forests of central Europe are a haven for insects, including protected species such as the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and clouded Apollo butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne). The decline of forest grazing and traditional coppicing of woodlands and the spread of self-seeding trees is a threat to the existence of these forests in the area of the western Carpathians along the Czech/Slovak border. To improve the condition of the habitat and connect populations of protected insects, the project will remove excess vegetation and invasive trees and shrubs. It will also reintroduce coppicing, that is cutting back trees to ground level to stimulate growth, and extensive grazing.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (1 project – 1.1 million)

Improving access to environmental justice (LIFE-A2J-EARL)

'Citizen enforcement' can close the growing gap between EU environmental legislation and its implementation. This depends on knowledge of and access to justice. This project will produce handbooks and national toolkits on access to justice, EU procedural rules and case law. These will be distributed to judges, public interest lawyers, public administrations and other justice adminstrators. The goal is to increase awareness of existing rules and case-law on access to justice in environmental matters. An online platform will allow citizens to 'ask a lawyer' about specific cases.

Project summary

ESTONIA (EE) (2 projects – 1.6 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 1.0 million)

Securing roosting sites of the pond bat (EstBatLIFE)

The pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) is a rare and threatened species in Europe, listed in the EU Habitats Directive. The loss of many of its safe winter roosts has been key to its decline. This project will work to protect and improve underground hibernation sites for the species in Estonia. It will secure the most important of these against uncontrolled visits, reduce visitor numbers during the hibernation period in the most vulnerable habitats, stop roost degradation, involve local volunteers in cleaning caves, and make policy recommendations for management plans for the pond bat and its protected areas.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (1 project – 0.7 million)

Demonstrating the flexibility of the Natura 2000 network (NaturallyEst-LIFE)

The Natura 2000 network is the centrepiece of EU biodiversity policy. To avoid conflicts over the management of Natura 2000 sites in Estonia, this project will enhance communication between local communities, landowners and nature conservation stakeholders. This is also expected to reduce illegal activities in protected areas. Solutions to conflicts successfully applied elsewhere will be used to show that the network is a flexible and efficient tool for nature conservation. Improving the overall image of the Natura 2000 network will also help to promote the implementation of the EU Habitats and Birds directives.

Project summary

FINLAND (FI) (2 projects – 9.8 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 8.9 million)

Improving the condition of Finnish peatlands (Hydrology LIFE)

More than 60% of Finland's original peatland area has disappeared in recent decades, mostly drained for forestry. This extensive wetland conservation project aims to improve the quality of 12 wetland habitats, protected by the EU Habitats Directive, by restoring peatlands and headwater systems in 103 Natura 2000 network sites. The water level management actions, which include filling ditches, restoring streams, and raising water levels, will enhance the ecosystem services provided by peatlands, including improved water quality and reduced downstream water fluctuations to reduce flooding risk. Wetland habitats for birds will also be improved.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Governance & Information (1 project – 0.9 million)

An online platform for energy efficient buildings (LIFE EconomisE)

Energy consumption in Finnish buildings could be cut by 50% by 2050 if existing structures are made more energy efficient and new buildings adhere to low carbon standards. This project is establishing a collaborative online platform for municipalities, developers and institutional investors to accelerate this process. The new platform, along with 30 investable multi-stakeholder projects and 15 to 20 new business concepts, will encourage a shift towards a low-carbon, sustainable buildings sector in which energy efficiency, life-cycle planning and climate resilience are integral. The goal is for three-quarters of institutional investors to have aligned their property portfolios with climate change targets.

Project summary  

FRANCE (FR) (6 projects – 22.2 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (2 projects – 7.8 million)

Managing a national park in a tourism hotspot (LIFE HABITATS CALANQUES)

The Calanques national park in Provence is a Natura 2000 network site noted for its coastal habitats. But their proximity to coastal resorts is putting protected habitats and species under pressure. Crucially, this project will not only carry out restoration actions, it will produce best practice guidelines for integrated coastal management. These will focus on how to protect outstanding and fragile natural heritage while allowing a leisure and tourism-based economy to flourish.

Project summary

Giving the European mink a fighting chance in France (LIFE MAMMAQ)

The European mink (Mustela lutreola) is among the three most endangered mammals in France and the EU. One of its remaining strongholds in France is the Charente river basin, the location of this project. Actions will focus on limiting the causes of mink mortality, increasing the area of favourable habitat, improving ecological corridors and securing land tenure. The threat from the invasive American mink (Neovison vison) will also be addressed by disrupting its attempts to settle in the project area.

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (1 project – 2.3 million)

New road surfaces to reduce noise and urban heat (LIFE C-LOW-N ASPHALT)

Some 37 million Europeans are exposed to transport noise at levels dangerous for their health. Most of those people live in cities, where the health impacts of heatwaves are also more pronounced. Changes to road surfaces could lessen both environmental problems. The city of Paris is leading a LIFE project to devise durable asphalt surfaces with phonic and thermal properties that will reduce noise pollution and mitigate the urban heat island effect. The measurable impact at three pilot sites is expected to be a 2 decibel reduction in noise experienced by neighbouring residents and a 0.5°C to 1.5°C reduction in the urban heat island effect due to lighter road surfaces and increased water retention.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Mitigation (1 project – 7.4 million)

Making silicon production more heat efficient (LIFE WHIN)

Silicon manufacturing is an energy-intensive process that produces a lot of greenhouse gas emissions. This project will install a pioneering full-scale waste heat recovery system in a silicon plant in France. This system is expected to recover at least 47% of the waste heat generated during the production process and transform it into carbon-free electricity using an organic rankine cycle that replaces traditional refrigerants with a climate-friendly alternative. The system will reduce by 10% electricity costs for the plant's furnace and eliminate more than 50,000 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide emissions (26% reduction). The project will identify a further ten industrial sites where its heat recovery technology could be used and draft detailed plans for installation.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Governance & Information (2 projects – 4.7 million)

Helping assess investments against climate goals (LIFE PACTA)

By applying the Paris Agreement Capital Transition Assessment (PACTA) model, this project will give financial regulators and policy-makers the ability to assess EU insurance companies and pension fund assets against global climate goals. This will help them better assess the risks of investments under a range of different decarbonisation scenarios. At least 200 EU financial institutions are expected to adopt the PACTA model within three years of the project's completion. The project will also contribute to the broader goal of standardising climate-related accounting.

Project summary

Integrating climate resilient infrastructure into local planning (NATURE 4 CITY LIFE)

Natural and semi-natural landscape elements in towns and cities can increase resilience to climate change. These can range from a simple row of trees or a pond to complex modern structures such as green roofs and rainwater storage systems. NATURE 4 CITY LIFE will use a participatory approach to integrate such 'green and blue infrastructure' into local planning processes in south-east France. This will involve establishing sites incorporating multifunctional landscape elements in the cities of Marseille, Nice and Toulon. These demonstration sites will have an equal focus on socio-economic benefits. The project will also develop (transferable) integrated climate governance tools for measuring air quality, humidity and the 'heat island effect' in which heat is retained in urban areas.

Project summary

GERMANY (DE) (6 projects – 23.1 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 4.1 million)

Implementing best practices for meadow birds (LIFE Limicodra)

Populations of meadow bird species have been significantly declining in Central Europe for several decades. There are two main reasons: the degradation of breeding habitats, and predation. To improve conditions for meadow birds in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, LIFE Limicodra will implement a number of actions, such as mowing, cutting of overgrowth vegetation and installing fences to keep out foxes. These will supplement and improve EU rural agri-environmental schemes that have not been enough to achieve a good status for meadow birds.

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (1 project – 0.9 million)

Smart valves to halve water loss from leaks (LIFE SmartWater)

Leaky pipes account for millions of litres of lost water from mains supplies every year. In Gouda, the Netherlands, a new system of smart valves will be installed with the goal of achieving a 50% reduction in physical water loss. Wireless-controlled valve actuators will be retrofitted to existing infrastructure and controlled by remote sensors. This smart system is designed to be cost effective to implement and it will save energy as well as water.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (3 projects – 16.0 million)

A better appreciation of Natura 2000 in Bavaria (LIFE living Natura 2000)

Understanding, acceptance and appreciation of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas is crucial to the protection of Europe's natural heritage and counteracting biodiversity loss. As elsewhere in the EU, in Bavaria, there is a lack of public understanding of the aims and importance of the Natura 2000 network. This project sets out to improve the image of the network through an extensive communication and information campaign aimed at changing the perception and behaviour of stakeholders. The project's medium term impact will be to promote cooperative implementation of the Natura 2000 network in at least half the sites in Bavaria. It will thereby contribute to achieving the goals of the EU Habitats and Birds directives.

Project summary

Improving cross-border cooperation on large carnivores (LIFE EUROLARGECARNIVORES)

Europe's large carnivores (brown bears, wolves and lynx) don't know the meaning of borders: 29 of the 33 populations of these species in the EU are transboundary. Yet there is limited cooperation between Member States on managing large carnivore populations and ensuring their conservation. This project aims to heighten awareness among relevant countries of the ecological role of large carnivores, their socio-economic impacts and the potential benefits of their presence. The project will also encourage regional, national and European-wide exchanges on human and large carnivores coexistence best practices relating to, for example, livestock protection measures or sustainable tourism.

Project summary

Increasing awareness of chemicals of concern (LIFE AskReach)

Greater consumer awareness about substances of very high concern is crucial to the successful implementation of REACH, the EU chemicals Regulation. Chemical suppliers also need to be more aware of their responsibilities. This project will increase incentives for manufacturers, importers, users and retailers to replace hazardous substances with less harmful alternatives. Importantly, it will develop a Central European IT system allowing both consumers and producers to communicate on chemical issues. This should ultimately lead to a substantial reduction in the use of substances of very high concern.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Mitigation (1 project – 2.1 million)

Reusing waste heat in glass container manufacturing (LIFE GreenPower)

Europe's energy-intensive industries waste heat with a usable energy potential of over 2800 megawatt, equivalent to a large power station. LIFE GreenPower will test a new technology for converting low-grade waste heat from a glass container factory into mechanical energy. It is expected to show that fluorinated greenhouse gases in waste heat recovery can be eliminated and energy savings for compressed air production of up to 30% achieved. A further three installations of the technology are expected during the project, and five potential European customers will be identified.

Project summary

GREECE (GR) (6 projects – 12.2 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (2 projects – 3.6 million)

Demonstrating the biodiversity benefits of high nature value farming (LIFE IGIC)

Improving the coherence of habitats is a key way of maintaining the value of the Natura 2000 network. This project aims to develop a network of green areas, reconnecting existing natural areas, in order to demonstrate its beneficial impact on biodiversity. It will focus on a representative degraded ecosystem surrounded by protected areas and carry out measures to improve habitats as well as to enhance the conservation status of 47 targeted flora and fauna species. The project will also promote the development of green infrastructure outside protected areas through 'high nature value' farming, thereby helping implement national and EU biodiversity goals.

Project summary

Boosting biodiversity in and around a Mediterranean island (LIFE Andros Park)

From high mountains grasslands and rivers to its marine area, Andros, the northernmost island of the Cyclades, is home to a rich and varied biodiversity – but much of its flora and fauna is threatened, especially the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world's most endangered marine mammals. This project will address these threats by adopting a holistic approach to the protection of marine life, seabirds and alluvial forest habitats. For example, the project will help reduce seal and seabird mortality by tackling plastic debris and 'ghost fishing', when fishing fear is lost at sea and continues to affect marine life. It will also create a seed bank for native plant species and grow specimens for replanting, while establishing a brand trademark to promote value-added fisheries products and fishing tourism.

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (2 projects – 4.0 million)

An energy efficient solution for old wastewater treatment plants (LIFE B2E4sustainable-WWTP)

Wastewater treatment plants built more than 20 years ago may struggle to deal with higher loading rates, especially in areas with a large seasonal increase in population (e.g. tourist resorts). To improve the performance of overloaded extended aeration wastewater treatment plants, this project proposes a novel process for removing solids prior to aeration. The microscreening system for biosolids removal will be installed at a wastewater treatment plant in Rethymno, Crete. It will be integrated with a biosolids drying and gasification system to enable combustion for energy production. The goal is to produce enough energy to meet all the needs of the treatment plant, making it totally self-sufficient. By reducing the biological load in treated wastewater, the project will also protect the aquatic environment.

Project summary

Exploiting the commercial potential of petroleum sludge (LIFE DIANA)

Europe's crude oil refineries produce around one million tonnes of petroleum sludge each year. Treatment and disposal of this waste material is complex and expensive. This project will demonstrate the smart exploitation of petroleum sludge by treating it with modified minerals at an industrial-scale plant at Corinth Refineries in Greece. In the process it will transform hazardous waste into an added-value commercial product that can be used to make an 'engineered soil' for construction of landfills and remediation of abandoned quarries. The demonstration plant will treat 3500 tonnes of petroleum sludge per year.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Adaptation (1 project – 2.7 million)

Restoring dry-stone terrace ecosystems to the Aegean (LIFE TERRACESCAPE)

For centuries, farmers on Aegean islands cultivated dry-stone terraces. The recent abandonment of this practice makes those island ecosystems more vulnerable and susceptible to climate change impacts. LIFE TERRACESCAPE will work with local farmers on Andros to bring back the terraces, which also help to filter rainwater, reduce soil erosion and support biodiversity. This will involve setting up a dry-stone wall 'school', re-establishing cultivation on over 150 hectares of abandoned terraces and bringing together farmers, food and tourism businesses to create a certification label for climate-smart local produce. A strategic adaptation plan for agriculture will enable outcomes to be transferred to rural communities on other Aegean islands.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Mitigation (1 project – 1.9 million)

Getting biofuel from aquatic plants (LIFE Biomass C+)

Could aquatic plants be a major new source of sustainable biofuel? Using an innovative green technology, this project will produce zero-input biomass using macrophytes (floating and submerged plants) found in irrigation channels, ponds, lakes and rivers. The biomass can be converted into bioethanol and eventually biofuel, thereby helping to contribute to climate change mitigation strategies.

Project summary

HUNGARY (HU) (2 projects – 5.2 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 2.7 million)

Conserving Hungary's chalk forest steppes (OAKEYLIFE)

Forest steppes are home to many different types of habitats depending on their soil and climate. The project aims to improve the conservation status and enlarge the protected calcareous sand forest steppe habitat in Hungary. It will eliminate obstacles to restoring sites and increase the population sizes of plants and invertebrates. In addition, it will restore key ecosystem services provided by this habitat type.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Adaptation (1 project – 2.5 million)

Making Hungary's towns and cities more climate resilient (LIFE-MICACC)

Hungary is forecast to suffer a greater than average impact from climate change, including water scarcity and more extreme and unpredictable floods. LIFE MICACC will build capacity among Hungary's 3000+ municipalities through demonstration actions, smart online tools, training and support networks. This will enable them to develop policies and action plans that map risks associated with climate change and enhance their resilience. In particular, the project will focus on promoting ecosystem-based natural water retention measures to manage and mitigate flooding caused by climate change.

Project summary  

ITALY (IT) (31 projects – 83.0 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (5 projects – 19.3 million)

Boosting protected oak forests in Italy and Hungary (LIFE 4 Oak Forests)

Centuries of commercial logging, unsuitable forest management and overpopulation of wild game have resulted in an 'unfavourable' conservation status for many types of valuable oak forests in the EU. This project sets out to improve the conservation status of five protected oak forest habitat types found in Italy and Hungary. Actions will include nature conservation management of more than 2000 hectares of oak forests, fencing other areas to stop damage caused by game and eradication of invasive tree species.

Project summary

Restoring coastal dunes of the North Adriatic (LIFE REDUNE)

Coastal dunes have long been subject to unsustainable exploitation and mismanagement, generally due to lack of awareness about problems such as habitat loss, spread of invasive alien species and degradation due to tourism and recreational activities. LIFE REDUNE's goal is to restore and maintain the dune habitats of four Natura 2000 sites along the North Adriatic coastline, along with their populations of Stipa veneta, an endangered plant endemic to the dunes of north-east Italy.

Project summary

Restocking threatened Egyptian vulture populations in Italy and the Canaries

(LIFE EGYPTIAN VULTURE)

Close to extinction in Italy, only eight breeding pairs of the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) remained in 2015. These were found in the southern regions of Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily. The vulture is also at risk in the Canary Islands, Spain, where it faces the threat of poisoning, poaching and collisions with power lines. This project aims to improve the conservation status of both populations by defining and spreading best practices for captive-breeding and restocking programmes.

Project summary

Restoring coastal lagoons in Venice (LIFE LAGOON REFRESH)

Coastal lagoons are a priority for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. Many have have receded significantly in recent decades as a result of human activities. This project will work to restore the coastal lagoons of Venice's northern lagoon. In particular, it aims to conserve them in order to exploit the ecosystem services they provide, such as supporting numerous biological communities and stabilising tidal flats. The project targets improvements in both lagoon bottom (benthic) and fish communities, especially a rare fish species, the Canestrini's goby (Pomatoschistus canestrinii).

Project summary

Restoring ecologically important brown algae (ROC-POP-LIFE)

Brown algae (Cystoseira) plays a key role in marine conservation, supporting biodiversity and food cycles and sequestrating a large amount of carbon dioxide. However, the impacts of tourism and other human activities are causing this highly vulnerable reef habitat type to decline in the Mediterranean. This project aims to trigger brown algae restoration in two Natura 2000 network marine sites - Cinque Terre and Miramare. Restoration work will involve experimental transplanting techniques, including taking young cultured specimens from areas of more robust populations, saving time, money and lowering the ecological impact.

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (18 projects – 45.5 million)

Reducing the impact of urban freight transport (LIFE ASPIRE)

Urban freight has a disproportionately large impact on air quality and congestion, accounting for 25% of total transport air pollution and over 20% of congestion costs. Such issues are compounded in cities with a medieval centre, such as Lucca in Tuscany. The city has already implemented a 'limited transport zone' for freight through an earlier LIFE project. This project will introduce a 'credit-based' system for transport operators that applies flexible road pricing and rewards cleaner vehicles with high credit points. This is one of an integrated set of measures for improving energy efficiency and urban air quality. Others include load/unload parking lots and cargo-bike sharing. The project expects to reduce the number of last-mile deliveries in the historic centre and cut emissions of CO₂, NO_X and particulate matter by over 10%. It will assess the potential for replicating the access control policy in Stockholm, Sweden, and Zadar, Croatia.

Project summary

New software to implement REACH chemicals legislation (LIFE VERMEER)

Software modelling can help assess the risk to health and the environment of chemicals, and to identify potential substitutes for harmful substances. LIFE VERMEER is developing two new tools that will have broad application and will help implement the EU REACH Regulation. Both tools will be validated within six case studies (food contact materials, biocides, petroleum and oil fraction, greener solvents, dispersants, and cosmetics), so that they can become part of a platform called VEGA (Virtual models for property Evaluation of chemicals within a Global Architecture).

Project summary

Making fertiliser and additives from organic waste (LIFECAB)

The EU generates an estimated 76.5 to 102 million tonnes of municipal bio-waste each year. This is mostly food and pruning waste from gardens and green public areas. LIFECAB will demonstrate a new bio-waste treatment cycle, involving biochemical and chemical processes within a hydrolysis prototype facility with strong technology transfer potential. Composted municipal bio-wastes will be hydrolysed to yield soluble bio-based substances, for use as products (e.g. fertiliser) and as additives that improve the anaerobic fermentation process, thereby increasing biogas productivity and quality.

Project summary

A tool to help companies comply with environmental legislation (LIFE MATHER)

Potentially hazardous chemicals used in the home appliances sector such as lead should be regulated, monitored and, when possible, replaced with safer alternatives. This project will develop a new chemical monitoring data tool for use by companies linking each chemical substance they use to both the relevant regulatory framework and its known harmful impacts. This will be demonstrated on around 15 to 20 products. The tool will raise awareness of the health and environmental impacts of materials and chemicals in product components, reduce the costs related to updating in-house databases and inventories, and result in quicker and more effective compliance with EU environmental and chemicals directives and regulations.

Project summary

Improving recycling of end-of-life vehicles (LIFE De-BAY)

When a vehicle reaches the end of its useful life, what's next? According to EU legislation, at least 85% (by weight) should be recycled. This project is seeking to lower the environmental impact of so-called end-of-life vehicles by developing more efficient recovery systems and techniques for small and medium-sized dismantlers. It will validate and demonstrate its new technology at two pilot vehicle dismantling sites. This will enable the recovery of larger amounts of materials and components, and up to 99% of all vehicle fluids by weight. It will be faster, safer and more efficient than current commercial systems.

Project summary

Making Grana Padano processing greener (LIFE TTGG)

Nearly a quarter of all milk produced in Italy is used to make Grana Padano. With 183,000 tonnes produced in 2015, it is one of the country's best-known and most widely consumed cheeses and has EU Protected Designation of Origin status. But the environmental impact of the manufacturing process could be lowered. This project will develop and test an environmental decision-support system to improve the efficiency of the supply chain, measuring performance against the Product Environmental Footprint metric. French dairy organisation, CNIEL, a project partner, will subsequently transfer the decision-support system to other EU Protected Designation of Origin cheeses.

Project summary

Saving materials and energy in steel component manufacturing (LIFE 4GreenSteel)

The manufacture of high-density steel components for the automotive industry has a considerable negative impact on the environment. This could be alleviated with more efficient use of raw materials and energy. LIFE 4GreenSteel will show that it is feasible to replace the traditional energy-intensive machining process with innovative High Density Powder Metallurgy technology. This should result in considerable energy and material savings, and reduce by more than 70% the lubricant premixed with metal powder, increasing energy efficiency and solving related emission problems.

Project summary

Increasing the sustainability of ceramic tile production (LIFE: Force of the Future)

Construction accounts for about 40% of the EU's total energy consumption and contributes almost 36% of its greenhouse gas emissions. To alleviate these significant environmental impacts, there has been a growing move towards more sustainable processes. This project will demonstrate dynamic monitoring of environmental, economic and social impacts at a ceramics company and will use these to inform a 'new production systems' concept. An integrated management tool will be used to identify the sustainable properties of materials and processes. This will enable the project to develop prototypes of more sustainable ceramic tiles, which will be produced on a small scale.

Project summary

Testing integrated mobility services in Tuscany (LIFE_SC)

Would you need to own a car if you could access integrated mobility services? This project integrates the benefits of public and private transport by developing a sustainable mobility programme for Tuscany's Argentario Coast. Inhabitants and tourists will be able access private or public transport services, depending on their needs and destination. Users will be able to travel on all services, including ferries, using a single ticketing system.

Project summary

Implementing a circular economy approach to aquaculture (REMEDIA Life)

The World Bank forecasts that aquaculture production will triple by 2030. Fish farm waste is often discharged into the sea without treatment. REMEDIA Life will mitigate associated environmental impacts by replacing commonly-used mussels and macroalgae with stress-tolerant bio-remediators, such as polychaetes and sponges. The 'integrated multi trophic aquaculture' system should significantly improve a range of indicators of seawater quality around a pilot mariculture farm. It will also enable production of edible and inedible biomass that could have commercial (biotechnological) applications. This sustainable aquaculture project is in line with the European Blue Growth Strategy.

Project summary

Tackling nitrogen pollution from digital textile printing (LIFE DeNTreat)

Digital textile printing has been gaining popularity among textile manufacturers. However, it is considered responsible for more than a 200% increase of nitrogen in wastewater, resulting in higher treatment costs. One solution could be to use decentralised wastewater pre-treatment modules, based on the Anammox (ANaerobic AMMonium Oxidatation) microbial process, as this project will demonstrate. These are capable of sustainably reducing nitrogen pollutants linked to textile industry discharges, hence decreasing the nitrogen content of urban wastewater.

Project summary

Reducing the impact of tannery effluents (LIFE GOAST)

Tannery effluents, if not properly treated, cause significant damage to soil and water bodies. LIFE GOAST will demonstrate a new tanning technology on a semi-industrial scale in Arzignano, Veneto. The technology is expected to have fewer environmental impacts than the standard chrome tanning process, while producing comparable or better quality leather. In particular, the project will produce chrome-free, high-quality leather articles, and improve the quality of tannery effluents by eliminating the use of chromium salts and other harmful substances. The process is also expected to reduce water consumption (by about 20%) and enable the recycling/reuse of 10% of tanning agents.

Project summary

Turning ordinary cars into hybrid vehicles (LIFE SAVE)

The EU aims to achieve a 95 g CO₂/km cap in emissions from transport by 2020 with further restrictions to follow. To this end, this project is further developing a prototype (called HySolarKit) for converting internal combustion engine cars into hybrid electric vehicles, so that the technology is market-ready. Project actions will include improving the integration of the system into cars through upgraded power electronics, and demonstrating reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in retrofitted vehicles. It will also optimise production costs to obtain a favourable payback time for consumers and define commercial and licensing agreements.

Project summary

Cutting the carbon footprint of industrial wastewater treatment (LIFE LESSWATT)

The carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants can be significantly reduced by optimising treatment steps and lowering energy requirements. This project is targeting improvements in the energy consumption of industrial treatment plants and their direct greenhouse gas emissions. It will develop and implement a new tool for assessing the contribution that the aerated compartments of a treatment plant make to its overall carbon footprint. The tool will be demonstrated in the wastewater treatment units of six tanneries, located in Italy and the Netherlands.

Project summary

Reducing health costs of persistent contaminants in the water cycle (LIFE PHOENIX)

Persistent mobile organic contaminants are pollutants found in the water cycle that are of growing concern to health professionals, policy-makers and citizens. They degrade very slowly and can cause serious health effects. The project will introduce a new system of governance for managing the risks these contaminants pose. This inter-institutional system will be supported by innovative forecasting tools based on ongoing monitoring. LIFE PHOENIX will develop early warning tools and mitigation measures that are expected to reduce public expenditure on dealing with the health impacts of damage caused by persisent mobile organic contaminants.

Project summary

Generating energy from waste food (i-REXFO LIFE)

What if instead of going to waste, out of date food could be used to generate energy? i-REXFO LIFE will demonstrate the feasibility, sustainability and replicability of an innovative approach that could prevent costly landfilling, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create new uses for 'expired food'. The approach centres on development of a tool to assess the bioenergy potential of locally-available waste food in terms of business models, legislative frameworks and other factors. This will be used to demonstrate sustainable 'reduction of expired food' strategies in the Umbria region of Italy, with actions focused on promoting the use of near-to-expiration food, such as distribution to charities, and raising consumer awareness about food label information.

Project summary

New tools for real-time monitoring of radon in buildings (LIFE RESPIRE)

Radon is a short-lived radioactive gas from natural sources that poses a health risk in buildings. Local authorities need better tools for real-time monitoring of indoor radon in order to reduce those risks and implement the EU Directive on human exposure to natural radiation. LIFE RESPIRE will demonstrate a cost-effective solution in four areas of Italy and Belgium, where it will be used to provide local authorities with real-time radon maps and to help implement remediation actions. Mapping of 'radon prone areas' will enable national action plans to be developed, as well as helping to raise public awareness about radon.

Project summary

Demonstrating a natural approach to plant disease in vineyards (LIFE GREEN GRAPES)

Plant diseases in vineyards are a major headache for wine producers. Control of those diseases is becoming more difficult as pathogens acquire resistance to the most used active ingredients in commercial fungicides. Stimulation of plants' natural metabolic resistance is a promising way of overcoming this problem. LIFE GREEN GRAPES seeks to improve the anti-parasitic response of vineyards through innovative natural products. It will demonstrate the effectiveness of predictive crop protection models, coupled with agronomic techniques and foliar interventions on vine plants, based on the use of products to increase plant resistance and biocontrol agents. This will also help reduce the amount of chemical fertilisers and pesticides used, as well as improving the harvest and product quality.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (4 projects – 6.0 million)

Involving distributors and retailers in waste electronics collection (LIFE WEEE)

Recovery rates of waste electrical and electronic equipment could be improved with greater consumer awareness and involvement of equipment retailers and distributors in the collection process. LIFE WEEE will trial a new governance model that follows this approach in Tuscany, Italy, and Andalusia, Spain. This includes setting up new information exchanges and equipment disposal sites and simplifying adminstrative procedures for businesses involved in its collection and management. Making people aware of the importance of separate collection of electrical and electronic waste is essential both to eliminate behaviour that leads to severe environmental risks and for the full implementation of the EU Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Project summary

Cycling through the Italian Natura 2000 Network (LIFE Sic2Sic)

Many Natura 2000 network sites are seriously threatened by degradation, severe fragmentation of habitats, the introduction of invasive alien species and the overexploitation of resources and valuable species. LIFE Sic2Sic will promote awareness and active public participation in the protection of biodiversity. It seeks to increase people's awareness of the Natura 2000 network and to encourage Italians to adopt more environmentally sustainable behaviour, for instance by promoting bike lanes and sustainable tourism. Other aims are to foster and stimulate processes of active citizenship concerning environmental issues, and to promote the activation of 'territorial governance' collaborative models.

Project summary

Making festivals greener (LIFE GreenFEST)

Green public procurement has been identified as one of the main tools public administrations can use to drive the necessary changes to current consumption and production patterns. By promoting green public procurement among stakeholders, this project can make festivals and cutural events greener across Italy. The idea is that cultural events, funded, sponsored or organised by local authorities, would be subject to a number of minimum environmental criteria, in line with the EU's goal of moving towards a circular economy.

Project summary

Monitoring and restoring underwater meadows (LIFE SEPOSSO)

Protected underwater meadows of Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica) are under threat along the Italian coast and especially near towns and cities. LIFE SEPOSSO will help address the loss and fragmentation of these important habitats by creating an electronic information system to measure and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of inspection and surveillance works. It will also transplant Neptune grass to restore missing sections of meadows and raise awareness of their importance among public authorities and the general public.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Adaptation (3 projects – 9.3 million)

Adapting to desertification is an opportunity for farmers (LIFE DESERT-ADAPT)

Climate change adaptation is not only a huge challenge, it is also an opportunity to open up new income sources for farmers. Desertification Adaptation Models tested by this project in vulnerable parts of Italy, Spain and Portugal will combine methods such as inter-planting, reforestation, water-saving technologies and soil protection to increase resilience. As well as improved biodiversity, there will be a net carbon removal of one tonne of carbon dioxide per hectare using the new models. Another expected outcome is eight viable new sources of income (organic products and ecosystem services) generating an extra 100 euros per hectare.

Project summary

Sustainably managing alpine pastureland (LIFE PASTORALP)

Better understanding the carbon sequestration potential of pastureland in the Alps, and devising more sustainable ways to manage it, could change the current ad hoc approach to pastureland preservation. LIFE PASTORALP will work with graziers to develop and test adaptation measures, build capacity and improve management strategies for climate change adaptation in two national parks (one in Italy, one in France). Defining environmental and socio-economic indicators for the status of pastureland and consolidating results into guidelines will enable other alpine regions to benefit from lessons learned.

Project summary

Reducing flood risk in Veneto (LIFE Veneto ADAPT)

A major flood in 2010 in north-east Italy highlighted the increased risk of catastrophic flooding provoked by climate change. This LIFE project will devise integrated approaches for flood management throughout the Veneto region. Mapping of risks, vulnerabilities and resilience will provide a baseline for comprehensive and sustainable adaptation measures. These action plans will be aligned with urban planning policies to mitigate the expected increase in major flood events in the coming decades. More than 1.7 million citizens will benefit from improved resilience to flooding.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Mitigation (1 project – 2.9 million)

Making climate-friendly refrigerants commercially viable (LIFE-IREPRO)

Refrigerant gases containing hydrocarbons have a much lower global warming potential than fluorinated gases currently used in industrial refrigeration and air conditioning units. Uptake of these alternatives is limited by technological barriers. By introducing a separation column and changing the blending process during distillation of hydrocarbon refrigerants, this project expects to reduce costs by 20%, making the climate-friendly gases more commercially viable. Showing that it is possible to cut greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and energy usage will support the implementation of new standards and regulations on fluorinated gases.

Project summary

LATVIA (LV) (1 project – 4.4 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 4.4 million)

Establishing long-term management of Latvia's protected grasslands (GrassLIFE)

Latvia'spriority grassland habitats are in urgent need of support. This project will restore and reconnect more than 1300 hectares of grasslands and establish long-term management through grazing. This will involve working with partner farms to identify grassland-related business products with high added value. The project will also submit proposals to the Latvian government of hotspots for further grassland restoration and ways to incorporate protection of these habitats into the country's Rural Development Programme for 2021-2027.

Project summary

LITHUANIA (LT) (1 project – 1.4 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 1.4 million)

Creating favourable habitats for the hermit beetle (LIFE OSMODERMA)

The hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita) is a 'near threatened' species in the EU, restricted to old-growth trees, notably the decaying trunks of old oaks, left in situ in forests. The project will improve conditions for the beetle in core project areas through measures such as management of its preferred habitats, creation of migratory corridors and eradication of competing invasive saproxylic (deadwood dependent) species. It will also identify the ecological network for the hermit beetle and other protected insect species and develop a cross-border (Lithuania-Latvia) plan for this network. Through its efforts, LIFE OSMODERMA expects to restore at least one viable hermit beetle population.

Project summary

THE NETHERLANDS (NL) (5 projects – 33.5 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 7.0 million)

Restoring estuarine areas for migrating fish and wading birds (Fish migration & BirdLIFE)

Is there a better approach to the management of habitats favoured by migratory fish species and wading birds? This project in Friesland will attempt to find out by focusing on a gradual, ecological freshwater-saltwater transition between the Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer and the hinterland. Natural landscaping of the transition from the sea to the Ijsselmeer will provide an acclimatisation zone and habitat for Atlantic salmon, lampreys and other fish migrating between the Wadden Sea and the wider Rhine river basin. Restoration of the estuary will include the creation of breeding islands and high-tide resting areas for birds.

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (3 projects – 18.5 million)

Developing new products from sewage sludge (LIFE Waste2NeoAlginate)

Granular sludge produced during wastewater treatment contains a relatively high percentage of valuable components such as alginate-like exopolysaccharides. These are comparable to the alginates traditionally derived from seaweed and could replace many fossil fuel-based chemicals used to manufacture paper, textiles and concrete, as well as in agriculture. This project will set up a full-scale demonstration plant to produce around 1000 tonnes per year of NeoAlginate from granular sludge, developing new markets for bio-based products, in line with circular economy principles. The payback period for a full-scale plant is estimated to be three years only.

Project summary

Scaling up recycling of expanded polystyrene (LIFE-PSLOOP)

Expanded polystyrene foam is used extensively throughout Europe as an insulation material. However, only 7.5% of it is recycled; the rest is landfilled or incinerated. The objective of LIFE-PSLOOP is to recycle both expanded polystyrene construction waste and extruded polystyrene and to demonstrate an economically viable alternative to incineration. The project will construct an industrial-scale recycling plant that can process 3000 tonnes per year of polystyrene waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 78% (12,000 tonnes annually).

Project summary

Recycling ammonia from dairy cattle barns (LIFE-CMCD)

Ammonia (NH₃) is a precursor of particulate matter when released into the atmosphere. It causes acidification and eutrophication in soils and water. Dairy cattle farming is responsible for 44% of all ammonia emissions in the EU. Ammonia is formed when cow faeces mixes with urea. This project could reduce ammonia emissions from cattle barns by over 60% by separating faeces and urine immediately, using a robotic system called Lely RFX. The faeces will be separated into a fibrous fraction, for use as cattle bedding, and a liquid slurry fertiliser. The urine will be treated to produce other types of fertiliser that can reduce ammonia emissions on fields by more than 60% compared to non-processed manure. The new system will be tested in the Netherlands, Denmark, France and Germany.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Adaptation (1 project – 8.0 million)

Multiple benefits from multifunctional roofs (LIFE@Urban Roofs)

Multifunctional roofs have more benefits for the owners of buildings than green roofs, since they also enable water storage, energy production and social uses. The city of Rotterdam wants to stimulate the spread of these multi-purpose roofs by incentivising real estate developers and property owners. Through this LIFE project it will establish three demonstration sites on buildings with very different characteristics and demographics, including an experimental space for companies to test new technology. The project's new approach will be replicated in Vejle, Denmark.

Project summary

POLAND (PL) (3 projects – 7.2 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 4.3 million)

Protecting waterbird habitats in the Upper Vistula (LIFE.VISTULA.PL)

The Upper Vistula River Valley is noted for its waterbird habitats, in particluar it is home to the common tern (Sterna hirundo) and the night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). This LIFE project will restore conditions for both protected species in four Natura 2000 network sites of the Upper Vistula. Nesting birds will benefit from new gravel beaches and actions to stop shoreline erosion. Ponds will also be restored. The project will give new insights into night heron conservation that can be applied in other areas where artificial reservoirs are being used for leisure activities.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (1 project – 0.5 million)

Supporting local action for nature in the Carpathians (LIFE Green-Go!Carpathians)

The Carpathian mountains are one of Europe's most important ecological corridors and a haven for biodiversity. The Polish part of the Carpathians includes nearly half a million hectares of protected areas. Rivers and grasslands within these areas are becoming increasingly degraded and fragmented. Restoration depends on the support and involvement of local communities. This LIFE project will establish networks of local residents and authorities to carry out actions to protect landscapes and biodiversity. These networks will show the benefits of nature conservation for local development and share good practices for participatory governance of Natura 2000 sites throughout the Carpathian region.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Governance & Information (1 project – 2.4 million)

Helping deliver EU climate and energy policy at national level (LIFE Climate CAKE PL)

Implementation of EU climate and energy policies depends upon effective action at national level. To give decision-makers in Poland the capacity to efficiently implement those policies, LIFE Climate CAKE PL will establish a centre for climate and energy analyses that will develop modelling tools for assessing the precise climate change impact of proposed agriculture, transport and energy policies. At least five Polish government ministries will test the modelling tool. The new centre will also act as an information hub to increase awareness of climate and energy policies among businesses and the general public.

Project summary

PORTUGAL (PT) (2 projects – 5.0 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 1.7 million)

Conserving Portugal's relict habitats (LIFE RELICT)

Relict habitats (remnants of the last Ice Age more than 10 000 years ago) in Portugal are officially recognised as being in an inadequate condition and in decline. This project takes place in three Natura 2000 network sites where they can still be found. It will focus in particular on two unique habitat sub-types with relict shrubland species: Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica) and pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum ssp. baeticum). Conservation and management actions will include extending the habitat into favourable adjacent areas, implementing measures to reduce the risk of fires, and removal of invasive alien plant species. Reforestation is expected to improve the ecological function of the project area in the medium to long term, increasing carbon sequestration and soil organic matter.  

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (1 project – 3.3 million)

Improving the condition of the Vouga river basin (LIFE AGUEDA)

Modifications to the structure or water flow of rivers affect their ability to retain sediments, make them more vulnerable to pollution, and have a negative impact on flora and fauna. LIFE AGUEDA will improve the condition of the Vouga river basin in the Centro region by renaturalising stretches of the river and restoring or recreating associated habitats. Actions will include building fish passes that mimic natural conditions, restocking the population of the protected European eel, and involving anglers in fish monitoring. The project will also set up mobile fish auctions to create market differentiation (and higher prices) for fish from the the Vouga.

Project summary

ROMANIA (RO) (1 project – 1.5 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (1 project – 1.5 million)

Reconnecting the River Gilort (Fish for LIFE)

The Gilort is a tributary of the River Jiu in southern Romania. Damming of the Gilort to generate hydropower and the construction of a coal-fired power station have upset the preferred habitat conditions for many rheophilic fish species (i.e. those that prefer fast-flowing water). Fish for LIFE will restore river connectivity and improve habitats for four target fish species. This will be achieved by restoring the Gilort's natural physical characteristics, re-establishing a link between two stretches of the river, stabilising river banks by planting native species, and by constructing two fish passages.

Project summary

SLOVENIA (SI) (7 projects – 22.9 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (3 projects – 12.9 million)

Creating a stepping stone for lynx in Slovenia (LIFE Lynx)

Urgent action is needed to protect the Dinaric-SE Alpine lynx (Lynx lynx) population from extinction. This project will create favourable areas and food sources to help link together lynx populations and thereby promote their survival. It will also form a new population nucleus further west of the current Dinaric population, through the release of individuals transplanted from a viable source population in the Carpathians. Cross-border conservation management will help reduce potential human-lynx conflicts.

Project summary

Saving a rare fish from extinction (LIFE for LASCA)

The South European nase (Protochondrostoma genei) is a very rare fish species that occurs in northern Italy and western Slovenia, where it is close to extinction with populations in rapid decline across its entire range. This project will release captive-bred fish to reinforce wild populations, establish a South European nase conservation management plan, and reduce numbers of an invasive fish species, the sneep (Chondrostoma nasus), which competes with it for resources.

Project summary

Measures to restore the functioning of intermittent lakes (LIFE STRŽEN)

Turloughs are a type of intermittent lake, a seasonal expanse of water that is dry for part of the year. They are a priority for conservation in the EU Habitats Directive. Lake Cerknica in Slovenia is a turlough whose natural water dynamics have been compromised by drainage to maximise agricultural use. To reverse these effects, this project will restore the former Stržen riverbed in two Natura 2000 network sites. Extending the watercourse by 1.5 km will increase saturation of soil with water and improve conditions for characteristic species of fish, invertebrates, birds and mammals. To reduce negative impacts of visitors on the restored riverbed, the project will establish 'quiet zones' in the breeding habitat of the Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris).

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (1 project – 4.4 million)

Turning acid whey into an income stream for dairies (LIFE for Acid Whey)

Only 40% of whey, the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained, is further processed in the EU. This despite the fact that it contains proteins with high market demand. Acid (sour) whey in particular is usually discharged into the sewage system and can end up depleting oxygen levels in water. This project will demonstrate a technology that can extract high-value proteins, such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and immunoglobulins, from waste whey streams in an economically viable way. It will also produce methane from acid whey in a biogas co-digestion plant. These technologies should reduce the environmental burden of acid whey and give small and medium-sized dairies new sources of income.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (2 projects – 3.8 million)

Boosting biodiversity awareness in Slovenia (LIFE NATURAVIVA)

Slovenia has a larger share of Natura 2000 sites than any other EU Member State, with 37% of its territory inside the network. In spite of this fact, biodiversity awareness remains low. This ambitious project promises to raise awareness on a grand scale (i.e. reaching 50% of the population), highlighting the importance of biodiversity and increasing support among Slovenians for action to halt biodiversity loss, and in support of nature, protected areas and the Natura 2000 network. A variety of innovative activities targeting different sectors are planned, including creating three biodiversity educational trails and connecting nature conservation with cultural and arts events.

Project summary

Raising awareness of environmental liability (ECOLEX LIFE)

A recent survey found that few Slovenians were familiar with the EU Environmental Liability Directive. To raise awareness among those most affected by this directive, ECOLEX LIFE will target communications at people who prepare environmental risk assessments, experts in environmental law, and people working for companies and organisations whose activities have an environmental impact. Among other actions, the project will develop a toolkit to help stakeholders understand their environmental responsibility and act accordingly. By promoting behavioural change, the idea is that environmental incidents may be reduced.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Governance & Information (1 project – 1.7 million)

Encouraging local climate action to meet Paris targets (LIFE ClimatePath2050)

A new decision-support system will help authorities in Slovenia meet the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set out in the Paris Agreement. The tool developed by this LIFE project will enable authorities to fully assess the impact of different greenhouse gas mitigation scenarios. It will also enhance monitoring and reporting with no extra administrative burden. Local 'climate action scoreboards' will be set up to motivate local communities to compare their progress with that of other communities. This will allow the government to propose more ambitious targets and actions in the future. The ultimate outcome: a robust national mid-century climate strategy.

Project summary

SPAIN (ES) (44 projects – 79.4 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (5 projects – 12.5 million)

Restoring habitats on a rare songbird's migration route (LIFE PALUDICOLA)

The aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paudicola) is a specialist migratory bird species whose preferred habitats include large open reedlands, peatlands and fens with species of the genus Cladium. It is suffering a serious decline in western and central Europe due to the loss of its habitats, mainly caused by drainage of shallow wetlands, peatlands and flood plains for use as agricultural land or for peat extraction. The project will restore and improve some 380 hectares of preferred aquatic warbler habitat in Spain, which is on the species' main migration route between Europe and Africa.

Project summary

Habitat improvement for Bonelli's eagle (AQUALIA a-LIFE)

Between the 1970s and 1990s, Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) disappeared from many western Mediterranean areas. To increase its occurrence and reverse the current regressive population trend, this project will focus on restoring the habitats where it once lived. Among other actions, it will release birds in areas where a previous project (LIFE BONELLI) has achieved some success in reintroducing the species. AQUALIA a-LIFE will also address a range of threats to the eagle.

Project summary

Helping the Cantabrian brown bear expand its range (LIFE OSO COUREL)

In recent years there has been an increase in numbers of the Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos). However, the population is still under threat. Serra do Courel in Galicia is an important potential expansion zone for the brown bear. This LIFE project will take steps to enable the species to become permanantly established there. Habitats will be connected and made more suitable for bears. Outreach work with the local community and interest groups (farmers, graziers, hunters) will seek to promote greater social acceptance of the presence of this large carnivore.

Project summary

Maintaining protected habitats on common land (LIFE IN COMMON LAND)

How do you manage protected habitats situated on land with common grazing rights? This project in the Sierra do Xistral Natura 2000 network site in Galicia, north-west Spain, hopes to provide some answers. To prevent conflict between nature conservation and economic activities, it will introduce integrated, results-based management of common land where Atlantic wet heaths, raised bogs and blanket bogs are found. Measures will include management of livestock density and the implementation of payment schemes for people exercising their grazing rights. The goal is to incorporate these schemes into the regional rural development plan to ensure results are sustained and replicated.

Project summary

Alternative conservation strategies for Mediterranean alder forests (LIFE ALNUS)

Mediterranean alder forests are in decline, but the causes are not fully understood. To address this, LIFE ALNUS will design and promote alternative conservation strategies to improve the condition of alder forests in Catalonia. These include creating hundreds of core areas of dispersed habitat from which plants can expand outwards, increasing the area of alder forest, restoring connectivity and ecological functioning. These strategies will be tested in three pilot areas with a view to replicating the methods throughout the Mediterranean.

Project summary

LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency (32 projects – 55.6 million)

Identifying the most polluting vehicles in real time (LIFE GySTRA)

Targeting a reduction in air pollution in towns and cities, the project will develop a tool that will remotely measure real-time vehicle emissions in order to identify high-emitting vehicles. The tool will be tested in real conditions on vehicles driving in Madrid and on a fleet of buses in the Austrian city of Graz. It will enable authorities to require polluting vehicles to be repaired or face a fine.

Project summary

Removing phosphorous with natural coagulants (LIFE NEWEST)

Phosphorous is widely used in agricultural fertilisers, detergents, household cleaning products and industrial processes. As a result, more phosphorus has been measured in lakes and rivers in recent years. This project will use new, natural-based coagulants in tertiary wastewater treatment processes. These are designed to replace potentially toxic synthetic coagulants and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of phosphorous removal. Sludge from the treatment process will be used in biomethanation processes to produce biogas as well as agricultural applications.

Project summary

Reusing spent yeast in brewing and pharmaceuticals (LIFE YEAST)

Brewers' spent yeast is a brewing industry by-product. It contains a high level of nutrients. However, it is highly susceptible to rapid contamination and spoilage caused by microorganisms. This has hampered the large-scale deployment of some technologies for its reuse. This project will process spent yeast in order to generate valuable materials for a range of industrial applications. It will test, optimise and scale-up the processing of the yeast, aiming to demonstrate the commercial use of yeast constituents in the brewing and pharmaceutical industries. It will also explore options in the animal feed, wine, food and cosmetics industries. At the end of the project, a full engineering package will be developed to transfer the technology to AB InBev breweries.

Project summary

Turning brewery by-products into fish food (LIFE-Brewery)

Brewers' spent grain and spent yeast are by-products of the brewing process. Most spent grain is turned into feed, but it only has a 48-hour shelf life. Brewers' spent yeast is mixed with wastewater and discharged as effluent. By optimising and scaling up a low carbon dehydration process the two by-products could become ingredients in aquaculture feeds. These will be tested in fish growth trials to optimise formulas and prove the potential for replication. The project is also expected to create up to 50 new jobs within three years of completion.

Project summary

A new means of removing emerging pollutants from wastewater (LIFE CLEAN UP)

New and emerging pollutants are synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals that are known or suspected of causing negative impacts on human health and the environment, but which are not yet commonly monitored. This project will demonstrate and validate a new process for removing emerging pollutants from wastewater, using an absorption system coupled with advanced oxidation technology involving light pulses, photocatalysis and photosensitisers. It thereby aims to show the feasibility at industrial scale of a process to degrade pollutants and pathogens that were not previously removed.

Project summary

Making bottles, jars and cosmetics using citrus peel (LIFE CITRUSPACK)

Spain produces around six million tonnes of citrus fruits per year. The sector generates a large amount of organic waste and also waste from non-biodegradable plastic packaging. This circular economy project will use treated citrus peel as a replacement for non-biodegradable plastics in the production of juice bottles and cosmetics jars. And it will complete the cycle by showing the use of pulp residues as natural ingredients in cosmetic creams.

Project summary

Solar-powered treatment of fruit and vegetable processing effluent (LIFE ALGAECAN)

Fruit and vegetable processing uses a lot of water, including for cleaning produce and machinery. The sector generated an estimated 200 million m³ of wastewater in the EU in 2014. LIFE ALGAECAN will use innovative solar-powered algal treatment of effluents from fruit and vegetable processing. This is expected to produce a high-quality stream for discharge to water bodies at a fraction of the cost of standard aerobic treatment – a predicted 80% reduction in treatment costs.

Project summary

Helping smaller food and drink companies evaluate their environmental footprint (Life-RENDER)

Small and medium-sized companies often struggle to evaluate the environmental performance of their products using the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. Life-RENDER will develop and demonstrate an innovative decision-support tool that will help SMEs in the food and drink sector to carry out studies and to identify focused environmental measures.

Project summary

Making liquid biofuel from municipal waste (LIFE WASTE2BIOFUEL)

Treatment and reuse options are needed for municipal waste. This project will develop a new process for the thermal treatment of the biomass fraction of municipal solid waste and its processing into liquid biofuel. The process will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste treatment by an estimated 19%.

Project summary

Using old inefficient wind turbine blades to make roads (LIFE REFIBRE)

Wind turbine blades are made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic, a composite material that is difficult to recycle. LIFE REFIBRE will design and build an innovative prototype plant to recycle the blades and obtain glass fibres, which will be added to asphalt mixes for road construction. The fibres will improve the mechanical properties of road surfaces, increasing their durability and reducing maintenance requirements and costs.

Project summary

Removing pesticides and nitrates from groundwater (LIFE ECOGRANULARWATER)

Groundwater pollution can be a problem in intensively farmed areas, such as the province of Granada in southern Spain. Nitrates, phosphates and agrochemicals in soil percolate into aquifers, affecting water quality. To address this problem, this project will develop and demonstrate a new biological treatment method to remove organic and inorganic nutrients such as pesticides and nitrates from water. It is expected to remove 90% of those nutrients and make significant energy and cost savings in comparison with conventional treatment.

Project summary

Removing pollutants from abandoned mines (LIFE-DEMINE)

Abandoned mines are a major contamination concern, capable of polluting surrounding soils and water with heavy metals and salts. This is why the EU Mining Waste Directive requires a risk-based inventory of closed and abandoned mine sites. LIFE-DEMINE plans to demonstrate a mining effluent treatment process that combines proven membrane and electrocoagulation technologies for washing wastewater in a novel way. This will be used to treat wastewater from two abandoned mines: Nant Bwlch-yr-Haearn in Wales, UK, and Menteroda, Germany. It is expected to remove more than 95% of metals and salts, leaving a final effluent that is within legal limits and can be discharged to water bodies without risk. The project will also analyse the composition of at least 50 abandoned mine wastewaters in different European regions in preparation for transfer and upscaling of the process.

Project summary

Improving the desalination process (LIFE DREAMER)

Desalination of seawater could be an extremely important alternative source of drinking water if costs and environmental impacts can be reduced. This project seeks to show the value of an improved and more resource-efficient desalination process based on reverse osmosis. The technology aims to fully convert the seawater into usable water and other valuable products that can be used in various industries. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to finding a long-term solution to the ever increasing pressures on global water resources.

Project summary

Reducing exposure to cancer-causing formaldehyde (LIFE SENSSEI)

Formaldehyde is a high-volume compound widely used in the manufacture of resins and adhesives and as a disinfectant, preservative and industrial additive. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic, which has implications for worker health and safety. LIFE SENSSEI is developing a real-time formaldehyde monitoring and alarm system that will reduce workers' exposure to the compound by 20% and reduce the concentration of formaldehyde in air at facilities where it is used by 80%.

Project summary

Recovering valuable materials from steel galvanising (LIFE-2-ACID)

Around 20 million tonnes of galvanised steel is produced in the EU every year. Spent pickling acids from the steel galvanising process are typically treated using conventional processes, producing a residue that is sent to landfill. A new technology developed by this project promises to selectively recover zinc and iron chloride from spent pickling acids. The recovered zinc will be reused as a raw material for galvanising, and the iron chloride will be used as a reagent in wastewater treatment plants.

Project summary

Using polyurethane waste in building materials (LIFE REPOLYUSE)

Polyurethane is widely found in home furnishings: more than 3.5 million tonnes of the material is used in Europe each year. This generates some 675 000 tonnes/year of waste, most of which goes to landfill. This project sets out to increase the reuse of polyurethane waste that is currently managed as inert waste, or is recovered through techniques that are not environmentally sustainable. Using a novel technology, it will integrate polyurethane waste into new building materials, thereby extending its life-cycle. Widespread uptake of the new technology would also mean less gypsum needs to be mined.

Project summary

Making new food packaging from old fish boxes (LIFE EPS SURE)

Some 335,000 tonnes per year of expanded polystyrene is used for food packaging in the EU. Only 25% of this is recycled, 30% is incinerated, and the rest is landfilled. Polystyrene boxes containing fish products are a particular challenge for recyclers. LIFE EPS SURE has a potential solution: a technically and economically viable new process for converting those fish boxes into food-grade polystyrene. It will collect 10 tonnes of boxes from El Corte Inglés stores in Spain and produce 4-5 tonnes of recycled polystyrene. This will be used to make 40 prototypes of food contact packaging. A set of good manufacturing practices adapted to legal and operational requirements in Greece, Italy and the UK will set the scene for replication in those countries.

Project summary

Making farming profitable again in Mediterranean oak landscapes (LIFE Regenerate)

More than six million hectares of farmland in the Mediterranean basin are noted for their oak habitats. Known as dehesas in Spain, montadosin Portugal and meriagos in Sardinia, Italy, these plantations are rapid declining as a result of rural abandonment and the low productivity as a source of wood; most are lossmaking. LIFE Regenerate intends to prove a sustainable and profitable new business model for small and medium-sized farms on oak-based silvopastoral systems in Spain and Sardinia and then scale it up to cover 5000 hectares in the three countries. The new model will be based on nature protection and resource efficiency – mosaic landscape management, multi-species rotational grazing and recycling of biomass waste to create new income streams (organic fertiliser, high-protein cattle feed, and cultivation of edible mushrooms). It is expected to increase biodiversity by 20% and bring economic benefits of €654 per hectare per year.

Project summary

Making new plastic products from commercial packaging waste (LIFE RECYPACK)

There is scope to improve the management of commercial plastics packaging waste in the EU. LIFE RECYCPACK is a demonstration project to foster green public procurement of this waste stream in towns and cities and show that it is a valuable resource. It will operate two recycling facilities, in Hungary and Spain, producing recycled polyethylene and polystyrene from such waste. The recycled material will be used to manufacture new plastic products, thereby closing the loop. The project will also evaluate the potential for replication of its recycling systems and circular economy business model in Belgium, Croatia, Poland, Romania and Turkey.

Project summary

Using sewage sludge in agriculture, construction and for energy (LIFE DRY4GAS)

LIFE DRY4GAS will develop a pilot plant to dry sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants for reuse in energy generation, the construction industry and agriculture. The technology will be installed at an existing treatment plant in Torrepacheco,Spain, where it is expected to reduce waste volume by more than 80%. The project should bring numerous environmental benefits, including reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 880 to 1111 tonnes per year, cutting chemical fertiliser use and water consumption by 20% and increasing carbon sequestration in soil by the same amount. It will also address negative environmental impacts associated with using sludge in agriculture.

Project summary

Converting waste heat from industry into energy (LIFE-HEAT-R)

This project will showcase a marketable, new technology for directly converting waste heat into electricity, based on a thermoelectric principle called the Seebeck effect. The technology consists of a modular unit using multiple thermo-electric generator cells controlled through a patented programmable control unit based on system-on-chip technology. The technology will be demonstrated in industrial sectors with high levels of waste heat emissions, through three pilot projects (classified by temperature ranges) that will permit part of the wasted energy to be recovered in the form of heat and transformed into electricity. The net effect will be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Project summary

Substituting safer alternatives to conventional flame retardants (LIFE-FLAREX)

Flame retardants are a group of environmental contaminants used at relatively high concentrations in many sectors, notably the textile industry. Many of them are considered toxic, persistent and bio-accumulative. This project will support the substitution of flame retardants containing bromine, formaldehyde and antimony, used in textile finishing products with safer alternatives. It will identify potential substitutes and test and evaluate them at pre-industrial and industrial scale. It will thereby encourage the implementation and update of the REACH legislation.

Project summary

Recovering nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater sludge (LIFE ENRICH)

The wastewater treatment sector discharges a lot of reusable nutrients into the environment. LIFE ENRICH will design and build a new sludge line configuration in Murcia Este's wastewater treatment plant to recover nitrogen and phosphorous for use in agriculture, either directly on crops or for fertiliser. The project will also define optimal recipes for fertilisation using products obtained from the process and demonstrate their agronomic properties. By recovering phosphorous, a critical raw material, this LIFE project will contribute directly to the implementation of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.

Project summary

Enabling treatment plants to cope with excess toxic loads (Life BACTIWATER)

Many urban wastewater treatment plants have biological units, which contain bacterial cultures. An increase in the toxic load of wastewater harms the units' cleaning capacity. Such increases come from uncontrolled discharges with excess toxic loads and are often seasonal, coinciding with activities of certain industrial processes such as wine production or the canning sector. Life BACTIWATER aims to speed up the recovery of the treatment process when disrupted by these impacts by fostering the right bacterial action. The project expects to reduce recovery time by 20% and cut the amount of pollutants reaching natural water bodies when treatment plants fail.

Project summary

Reducing ammonia emissions from muck-spreading (LIFE-ARIMEDA)

According to the European Environment Agency, Spain was one of six EU Member States that, in 2014, exceeded the ammonia ceiling set out in the National Emission Ceilings Directive. This project aims to reduce the ammonia emissions associated with the spreading of manure in agriculture, by using the diluted liquid fraction of slurry and digestate in precision fertigation (fertilisers + irrigation) techniques. Through large-scale field trials it will show that it's possible to replace synthetic fertilisers and reduce the risks of eutrophication and nitrate leaching in agricultural soils.

Project summary

Demonstrating zero liquid discharge in the metal industry (LIFE DIME)

Metal surface treatment processes such as degreasing, acid pickling, alloy baths or lacquering generate large amounts of toxic liquid wastes. LIFE DIME will seek to prove that three effluent treatment technologies (extraction, crystallisation and membrane distillation) can be integrated into a 'zero liquid discharge' process in a new pilot plant. This solution is designed to recover raw materials from the hazardous waste stream for reuse, namely hydrochloric acid and metal salts. As well as avoiding the need for sludge disposal, the recovered materials could be worth an estimated €550,000 per plant per year.

Project summary

A new treatment technology for excess nitrates (Life LIBERNITRATE)

In Europe, 87% of groundwater is polluted by excess nitrates, and in intensive farming and cattle areas, the concentration in groundwater can reach one to seven times the legal level. Life LIBERNITRATE will build a prototype plant for the depuration of water with a high nitrate content. The plant will feature an adsorption bed made of active silica, obtained through a second prototype for treating waste ashes from the controlled incineration of rice straw. The project also plans to raise awareness amongst farmers of reducing nitrates at source by cutting their use of nitrogen fertilisers.

Project summary

New ways of removing natural radioactivity from drinking water (LIFE ALCHEMIA)

Naturally occurring radioactivity is present in sources of drinking water and can be a threat to human health. The most common current treatment, reverse osmosis, has a very high carbon footprint and generates large volumes of reject water containing radioactivity that requires further treatment. LIFE ALCHEMIA will develop four pilot plants in Spain and Estonia to test new ways of removing natural radioactivity from drinking water. These bed filters and hydrous manganese oxide technologies are expected to reduce the naturally occurring radioactive materials generated during the removal of radioactivity by 90%, as well as cutting treatment costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Project summary

Obtaining gelatine and collagen from slaughterhouse wastes (LIFE byProtVal)

There is a need for improved techniques for the recovery and treatment of animal by-product wastes. The processing water and unmeltable residue (greaves) resulting from the rendering of animal fats and other by-products are potential sources of valuable gelatine and hydrolysed collagen. This LIFE project will show new treatment processes to recover the two desired materials and test collagen derivatives for use as chemical products, fertiliser or feed.

Project summary

Remediating soils with steel and power station residues (SUBproducts4LIFE)

Soils in many parts of Europe have been degraded by industrial activities. Residues from power stations (coal ash and synthetic gypsum) and steel works (blast furnace and steelmaking slag) could be used to remediate those soils. This project is dedicated to creating such an industrial symbiosis between industries and contaminated sites. Large quantities of the four 'sub-products' will be used in trials on former mines to improve soil and water quality, for instance, by reducing levels of arsenic and mercury in soil and leachate water through 'semi-natural' processes. The fixing capacity of the four residues will be verified in real-scale conditions, backed up by a life-cycle assessment, circular economy plan and replicability and transfer plan for each material.

Project summary

A cost-effective network of safe drinking fountains along the pilgrims' route (LIFE WATER WAY)

The presence of drinking fountains of good water quality along major walking routes, such as the Camino de Santiago in Galicia, could reduce consumption of bottled water and provide an inspiration to those responsible for managing other long-distance paths in Europe. LIFE WATER WAY will install 27 drinking water supply points of guaranteed good quality along a 155.2 km stretch of the pilgrims' route, spaced about an hour's walking distance apart. Renewable energy will be used to treat and pump the water with users paying a small fee to obtain it from a vending system. The new system should lead to a reduction in waste plastic bottles of 1.67 tonnes per year. If successful, 90 municipalities along the Camino de Santiago will install similar systems.

Project summary

Using weather radars and digital radio to speed up forest fire response (LIFETEC)

North-west Spain suffers the most forest fires in the country. These cause significant environmental damage. Early detection is critical for reducing response times and therefore the final burned area, along with improved communication and coordination. LIFETEC's objective is to show the efficacy of using existing weather radars to detect forest fires at an early stage; it will develop and test new early detection algorithms for this. The project will also demonstrate that TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) digital radio is a better technology than commercial mobile systems, which offer poor network coverage in rural areas, for communicating with and coordinating fire-fighting teams.

Project summary

LIFE Environmental Governance & Information (1 project – 0.8 million)

Increasing awareness of endangered brown bear populations (LIFE NATURA 2000 + BEAR)

Northern Spain is home to two small and endangered subpopulations of brown bears. Research shows that there is a lack of local awareness and acceptance of these bears and the Natura 2000 network in general. This project will engage with local communities to encourage changes in behavior and promote governance structures for better conservation of Natura 2000 sites and endangered bears. This will include media campaigns and participation at local events. The impact of the campaign will be measured through opinion polls.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Adaptation (4 projects – 8.2 million)

Helping smaller municipalities increase climate resilience (LIFE GOOD LOCAL ADAPT)

Towns and small cities are often less able to mainstream climate change adaptation into policies and practices than larger urban areas. This LIFE project is demonstrating that it can be done, by helping five municipalities in the Basque region to increase their resilience to heat waves and water scarcity. As well as green infrastructure in public spaces, this will involve renovating a demonstration building in Balmaseda to showcase five technologies for limiting the impact of heatwaves. The building will continue to be open to visitors and act as a reference after the project.

Project summary

Developing a common approach to sustainable energy and climate action (LIFE ADAPTATE)

Municipalities across Europe could benefit from a common methodology for developing sustainable energy and climate action plans. LIFE ADAPTATE will help six municipalities in Spain, Portugal and Latvia to develop such plans and begin to implement climate adaptation actions to increase resilience to floods and forest fires, for instance. All six will also sign up to the Covenant of Mayors. Lessons from the project will be turned into guidelines to inspire towns and cities throughout the EU.

Project summary

Testing cool pavements' impact on urban heat (LIFE HEATLAND)

Cool pavements are an emerging technology for reducing the 'urban heat island' effect, whereby temperatures remain high in built-up areas. LIFE HEATLAND will develop a new surface mixture and install it in Murcia, where one of the first monitored trials of cool pavements on city roads will take place. By collecting key data 24/7, the project will be able to devise a mathematical model to predict the effectiveness of the cool pavement in different urban areas. This will be tested in at least four other European cities. The expected impact of the new surface is significant: lowering pavement temperatures by 10°C and the surrounding air temperature by up to 1.5°C, as well as cutting energy use by refrigeration devices and street lighting.

Project summary

Encouraging farmers to adapt in Mediterranean dry farming areas (LIFE AMDRYC4)

Mediterranean dry farming areas are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts. To build resilience, this LIFE project will implement adaptation measures and promote them through a land stewardship entity and voluntary agreements with farmers. It will also distribute guidelines for applying accounting methodologies for organic carbon and ecosystem services. Sustainable, smart and integrated management is expected to lead to an increase in carbon sequestration activity and biodiversity and a reduction in soil loss.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Change Mitigation (2 projects – 2.4 million)

Testing a local market for climatic credits for forests (LIFE CLIMARK)

Sustainable forest management is vital to enhancing the mitigation capacity of forests, but there are no incentives for owners to manage their forests for mitigation purposes. To provide such incentives, LIFE CLIMARK will establish a local market of 'climatic credits' to promote multifunctional forest management for mitigation. The scheme will be trialled in Catalonia, Spain, and Veneto, Italy, where credits will be awarded for forestry practices that support three ecosystem services: carbon sink capacity, water use efficiency and biodiversity. This will be the first compensation scheme to include carbon emissions reduced or avoided through forest fire prevention measures. Replication will be ensured through engaging with forest owners in France and Spain and via a guide for policy-makers.

Project summary

Reducing emissions by feeding goats with citrus orchard and rice straw waste (LIFE LowCarbon Feed)

Eliminating rice straw and pruning waste from citrus orchards would save more than 3.7 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent per year. In this project, the two waste streams will be converted into a climate-friendly feed for goats that will lower their intestinal methane emissions. Goats consuming the feed are expected to give off 20% less greenhouse gas emissions. Goat farming in Europe is responsible for more than 1.4 tonnes CO₂ equivalent per year, so replication of the project could have a significant impact on this major source of emissions.

Project summary

UNITED KINGDOM (UK) (4 projects – 13.8 million)

LIFE Nature & Biodiversity (3 projects – 13.1 million)

Boosting biosecurity awareness and response in England (Rapid LIFE)

Invasive alien species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, taking habitat and food source from indigenous fauna and flora. This project will deliver a package of measures to reduce the impact and spread of invasive species, such as, in rivers, lakes and coasts across England, thereby helping to protect threatened species. It will prevent the introduction of new invasive alien species by increasing biosecurity awareness among target audiences, such as fisheries and the tourism sector. The efficacy of early warning and rapid response systems in England will be improved and localised rapid response protocols developed to combat new invasive alien species.

Project summary

Improving the condition of raised bogs in Wales (LIFE Welsh Raised Bogs)

In addition to their value to nature, raised bog habitats are an important carbon sink, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. Today raised bogs in Wales are in a poor condition due to peat cutting, drainage and artificially steep surface gradients that promote water loss. This LIFE project plans to improve 694 hectares of active raised bogs and over 275 hectares of degraded raised bogs (and associated habitats) in seven Natura 2000 sites in Wales. Actions will include reintroducing a water management regime, damming drainage features and restoring marginal ditches. The project will also tackle scrub encroachment and the spread of the problem species, Molinia, a moor grass.

Project summary

Restoring badly-eroded blanket bogs (Pennine PeatLIFE)

Located in the North Pennines, this project will demonstrate and evaluate geographically appropriate restoration techniques for blanket bogs, a priority habitat for conservation according to the EU Habitats Directive. This involves directly targeting the restoration of 1353 hectares of badly eroded blanket bog habitat, both within Natura 2000 sites and in other upland sites. It will also develop and showcase a means for paying for ecosystem services that are linked to the use of drones to assess vegetation change.

Project summary

LIFE Climate Governance & Information (1 project – 0.7 million)

Training refrigeration and air conditioning technicians to use gases with a lower global warming potential (REAL Alternatives 4 LIFE)

The EU Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases requires the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors to phase out the use of refrigerant gases with a high global warming potential by 2030. To achieve this, technicians need to know about and be trained to use alternative refrigerant gases. This LIFE project will use low-cost, accessible e-learning and train-the-trainer programmes to reach this goal. Modules will be available in 13 languages, making the information relevant to 85% of the 228,000 refrigeration and air conditioning technicians in the EU.

Project summary

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CO2 removal cannot save the oceans if we pursue business as usual

Shifting winds, ocean currents doubled endangered Galápagos penguin population

Cost of not adapting to climate change would be at least five times higher

A study on damage to coastal considered only real estate loss. If nothing is done, researchers say, losses might be up to ten times higher if the predicament includes the spreading of flood- and global warming -related diseases.

A study on damage to coastal considered only real estate loss. If nothing is done, researchers say, losses might be up to ten times higher if the predicament includes the spreading of flood- and global warming -related diseases.

Coastal cities deal with the constant fear that sea levels should continue to rise in the years ahead due to climate change. In the case of Santos, home of Latin American's biggest harbor, a study supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) estimated that, by 2100, sea level might be 45 cm higher and not only will storm surges be more frequent, but they will reach peaks that might surpass current peak levels in 20 cm.

Co-supported by the Belmont Forum - a global initiative that also design adaptive strategies in the coastal locations of Selsey (United Kingdom city) and Broward (a county in Florida, US) - the study titled Project Metropolis defined minimum costs so that Santos may adapt itself for what's ahead: approximately R$ 300 million worth of urban infrastructure renovations in Ponta da Praia area and also in its Northwest region. On the other hand, failure to adapt to climate change would cost at least R$1.5 billion

"However, the cost could be underestimated at R$1.5 billion because the model only considers physical buildings and other structures, and the calculations are based on their imputed or taxable values. If we included losses in other areas, such as health and education, for example, the value would easily reach R$3 billion," said José Marengo, coordinator of Project Metropolis.

Luiz Eduardo Oliveira e Cruz de Aragão, an investigator at Brazil's National Space Research Institute (Inpe) and also a member of the project, sheds light on the broad impact of climate change on the health sector. Risk analysis and the investigation of adaptive strategies, according to Aragão, identified a connection between El Niño and the rising number of dengue cases in the summers of 2010 and 2015 - in these years, the expenditure on patient hospitalizations and treatments in Santos rose by at least R$720,000.

"We estimated some of the impacts on health, but if all diseases linked to rising temperatures and flooding are factored in, we can see the real impact of this problem in the area of health," said the researcher.

Future scenario points to the increase of floods

Sea levels in Santos have risen at different rates since the 1940s. "Based on time series, we identified two possible scenarios for the city. One is more realistic, with sea levels rising by 0.36 cm per year. The other is the worst-case scenario, with sea levels rising by 0.45 cm per year. The conclusion was that sea levels could rise between 18 cm and 23 cm by 2050, and between 36 cm-45 cm by 2100," said Celia Regina de Gouveia Souza, a researcher at the Geologic Institute (IG) of the Sao Paulo State a member of the project team.

The model also considers the occurrence of extreme events, such as meteorological tides and storm surges, which are increasingly frequent because of climate change and result in rapid rises in sea level.

According to Gouveia Souza, who maintains a database of the occurrences of extreme events harking back to the late twenties (1928-2016) in the whole Santos city area (the so-called Baixada Santista region), the frequency of storm surges has increased significantly, as has the number of consecutive years with storm surges, since the late 1990s.

"The Santos tide gauge data tables show that the peak rise during one of these extreme events in the 2000s was 146 cm," she said. "According to our projections, it could reach 160 cm in 2050 and 166 cm in 2100. This means that the city will be even more vulnerable to coastal floods and erosion, which will migrate toward Bairro do Embaré (Canal 4 surroundings)."

Having produced the coastal flooding scenarios for 2050 and 2100 and having calculated the potential damages to buildings, the researchers shared their findings with the population of Santos and the local government to discuss appropriate adaptive measures.

"Options for adaptation were brought up at these town hall meetings," Marengo said. "One option is fortification using revetments, seawalls, and structural enhancements. In other cases, it's possible to opt for beach replenishment. Another strategy we see as necessary for Santos is mangrove rehabilitation, which can be classified as an ecosystem-based adaptation."

"The measures chosen by the public were quite adequate. We hope the project will continue under the aegis of the local authorities with ongoing popular participation. If so, the worst-case scenario is much less likely to materialize," said Luci Hidalgo Nunes, a researcher at UNICAMP and a project team member.

The city of Santos was chosen by the Project Metropolis team not just for its economic importance but also because its tidal, rainfall, temperature and storm surge data time series are the best among Brazil's coastal cities.

"Although scientists and decision makers must discuss adaptations, it has to be public policy. It must come from the government," Marengo said. "It's an action that cannot stop and obviously there must be an investment. Santos has achieved a high level of awareness, with a broad dialogue involving the public, decision makers, and academia. The construction projects must be implemented. The worst thing that could happen would be if it all stayed on the drawing-board."

Contact: Heitor Shimizu
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Portugal urges the international community to preserve our oceans

The Oceans Meetings brings together a panel of experts and country leaders committed to the oceans' future.

• The Portuguese Minister of the Sea hosts more than 50 country delegations and international organizations
• Speakers include Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation and Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO)
• Countries are committed to change our oceans' governance practices

By the initiative of the Portuguese Government and of the Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino, the Oceans Meeting will be held in Lisbon between 7th and 8th September. More than 50 country delegations and international organizations will attend the international forum. During the Oceans Meeting the following events will take place: a high-level meeting with ministers and government representatives, an international conference and business meetings. The Oceans Meeting gives a new expression to a global movement led by Portugal, which is intended to be extended to more countries with oceanic connections and who are fully aware of the need to preserve the resources of the sea and contribute to a better maritime environment. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the primary objective of this event is to bring together experts and political leaders to discuss common international policies for the Ocean. Oceans' pollution is one of the top priority problems that needs to be addressed. The abusive and undue use of the sea as a garbage dump as well as other inorganic products, represent serious risks to the subsistence of marine fauna and flora. Most importantly, they constitute a threat to human life that must be fought while preserving the oceans and the well-being of people.

Portugal, a country with long maritime traditions and with an ongoing process of extension of its continental shelf, has responsibilities and obligations in guaranteeing the sustainability of the oceans. Therefore, the country wants to lead a high level international movement that works toward the sustainable use of the oceans, in an inclusive and joint manner.

A polluted and improperly used sea, with higher concentrations of heavy materials and plastic particles, means less oxygen in the air that we breathe and a lower quality of the marine resources that we consume.

Marine pollution has a direct impact on human life through chemicals, toxins and on other harmful microparticles in the ocean water.

The international conference taking place in parallel to the forum's inter-ministerial meeting will focus on the topic «Oceans and Human Health» and will feature the interventions of Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation and Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO).

 

Leonor Beleza, President of the Champalimaud Foundation, Lora Fleming, Director of the European Centre for Environment and Human Health and Lasse Gustavsson, Executive Director in Europe for Oceana, are others of the renowned experts attending the conference.

The high-level speakers present in Lisbon reveal the importance of the oceans' sustainability topic. Their presence also shows that there is a growing awareness of the need to take urgent measures that can defend the sea from the abuses and pressures of a modern society, that thinks in the immediate and does not project itself in the future.

«Portugal is conscious of the risks posed to the oceans. We are creating a mobilizing movement for maritime countries that understand the importance of clean oceans and that, together, can develop the necessary measures to leave future generations a healthier and more productive sea», says the Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino.

«This is not rhetoric, we want action in a movement that will expand in the future to countless other countries with concerns about the sustainable use of the oceans», she added.

The inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Ana Paula Vitorino, will be attended by ministers from various coastal states, namely the CPLP, from Mediterranean countries as well as from Europe and the North Atlantic. At the end, a declaration of intent will be adopted by the countries represented at the Lisbon meeting.

«We have a responsibility to safeguard the future of the oceans. By doing so, we are contributing to a better human development», said the Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino, stressing the importance of the Oceans Meeting bringing together more than 50 country delegations and international organizations committed to the future of the oceans and, consequently, of humanity.

Contact: José Barata
JLM & Associados

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