MAŁOPOLSKA REGION IS THE LEADER OF LIFE PROJECTS IN POLAND
Małopolska region is the only region in Poland implementing as many as three LIFE Programme projects!
We have a lot to be proud of in our actions for the environment and climate.
What is a LIFE project
The LIFE programme is the European Commission’s only financial instrument for the environment and climate action.
The programme can support active conservation projects, testing and preparing for widespread dissemination of solutions that can improve the environment and overcome barriers to the transition to clean energy.
In the last three years, the total amount raised by Poland in LIFE calls exceeded €110 million. The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management is the main national co-financier of LIFE projects implemented in Poland, also by Polish partners of foreign projects.
Poland ranks first among LIFE countries in terms of the number of strategic projects implemented in the last two financial perspectives of the European Commission. The success of projects from Poland is largely the result of high involvement of voivodeship self-governments in applying for LIFE funds. The leader is the Małopolskie Voivodeship, implementing two strategic projects, and the third will start its implementation in January 2025.
LIFE projects in the Małopolska region
Project LIFE IP Małopolska in a healthy atmosphere
LIFE IP project ‘Implementation of the Air Protection Programme for the Małopolska Region – Malopolska in a healthy atmosphere’
- Implementation period: 01.10.2015 – 31.12.2025
- Main objective: Implementation of the Air Protection Programme in the Małopolskie Voivodeship through efficient use of EU and national funds for air quality improvement.
- Partners: Małopolskie and Śląskie Voivodeships, 69 Małopolskie municipalities, Krakow Smog Alarm, National Energy Conservation Agency S.A., as well as foreign institutions – VITO NV Institute from Belgium, Slovak Hydrometeorology Institute in Bratislava, Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic.
- Budget: EUR 16.8 million
Main effects:
- Eco-managers in Małopolska municipalities
- Educational and information campaigns with wide regional coverage
- Air purifiers for schools and kindergartens
- Network of air quality sensors in Małopolska region
- Numerous training courses for municipal employees, including 3 editions of postgraduate studies
- Educational and information materials for residents
- Applications – Eco-intervention, Database on industrial emissions
LIFE IP Ecomalopolska for Climate project
On 1 January 2021, Małopolska region was the only region in Europe to launch the second LIFE IP EKOMAŁOPOLSKA Project ‘Implementation of the Regional Action Plan for Climate and Energy’.
- Implementation period: 01.01.2021-31.12.2030
- Key assumptions: promotion of renewable energy sources, improvement of energy efficiency and broad-based measures to combat climate change.
- Partners: the Voivodeships of Małopolska and Silesia, the AGH University of Science and Technology, the European Clean Air Centre, the Institute for Energy, Climate and Environment in Wuppertal, the Brandenburg Technical University in Cottbus and 21 districts and cities with district rights in Małopolska.
- Budget: EUR 16.4 million
LIFE DREAM CITIES project
- Implementation planned for the period 1.01.2025 – 31.12.2029
- Overall objective: to develop, implement and demonstrate solutions that will accelerate the implementation of measures to increase the resilience of cities to the negative effects of progressive climate change, such as heavy downpours, periods of drought or heat waves.
- Partners: Małopolskie Voivodeship, 7 cities (Bochnia, Gorlice, Nowy Targ, Olkusz, Oświęcim, Skawina, Zakopane), Association of Municipalities Polish Network ‘Energie Cités’ Investeko S.A.
- Budget: EUR 5.24 million
The future of LIFE projects
The European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and Environment (CINEA) launched new calls for proposals for the LIFE Programme on 18 April 2024. Detailed information can be obtained here and the call deadlines end on 19 September this year.
Applications can be submitted for various calls, including:
Applicants may apply for funding of between 60% and 75% of eligible costs.
Polish Applicants planning to implement a LIFE project may additionally apply for co-financing of the project from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. Co-financing makes it possible to supplement the project budget up to 95% of eligible costs. In addition, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management makes available funds of up to PLN 80,000 for preparing and submitting applications to the LIFE Programme.
Information support for Applicants can be obtained from the National LIFE Contact Point run by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (contact).
This is not the end of the era of LIFE projects – Malopolska has not yet said its last word.
