1 March 2011: The European Commission has announced funding in the amount of EUR 2 million for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in its Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories; and EUR 267 million for other environmental protection activities.

The first funding opportunity is known as BEST: the Voluntary scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas. It is expected to fund pilot projects to protect biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of ecosystem services with a view to reconciling the environmental and development needs in the territories and areas. The financing will support the designation and management of protected areas and the restoration of degraded ecosystems, promoting natural solutions to fight climate change, including the restoration of mangroves and the protection of coral reefs. It is also expected to encourage partnerships between local administrations, civil society, researchers, land-owners and the private sector; and reinforce cooperation on environment and climate change issues. The European Commission plans to launch a call for project proposals in May 2011.

The European Commission has also launched its annual call for proposals to be funded under the LIFE+ programme, the European fund for the environment, which includes components on nature and biodiversity, environment policy and governance, and information and communication. A total of EUR267 million is available, in the form of co-funding for grant agreements. The call is open until 15 July 2011.

LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity projects are expected to improve the conservation status of endangered species and habitats, and contribute to the EU’s goal of halting the loss of biodiversity.

LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance projects are innovative or pilot projects that contribute to the development of policy ideas, technologies, methods and instruments in air, water, waste, climate, soil, agriculture and other areas.

LIFE+ Information and Communication projects relate to communication and awareness raising campaigns on environmental, nature protection or biodiversity conservation issues, as well as projects related to forest fire prevention. [EU Press Release on BEST] [EU Press Release on LIFE+]