PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The LIFE programme introduced action grants for capacity-building projects for the 2014-2017 funding period. These are projects designed to build Member States' capacity to participate more effectively in the LIFE Programme. Specifically, these projects propose interventions to develop the capacity to submit successful applications for funding for projects under the sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action. Member States that meet the criteria may each receive funding of up to one million euros for one capacity-building project. Only national level public bodies responsible for implementation of LIFE in an eligible Member State in the European Union may apply for capacity-building projects.
OBJECTIVES
The HRNCP-MENP project's main objective was to promote Croatia’s participation in the LIFE Programme, by helping new applicants prepare successful LIFE project proposals, so increasing the number of LIFE projects in the fields of environment, nature and biodiversity, and climate change. The aim was that a more effective implementation of the LIFE Programme in Croatia will help achieve goals set by EU and national legislation in terms of better environmental quality, nature conservation, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The project aimed to increase the capacity of the Croatian NCP, by recruiting new staff and training them, together with those already working on the implementation of the LIFE Programme, and to create a new unit within MENP dedicated to implementing the LIFE Programme in Croatia. Visits and ongoing networking activities wiould be organised with NCPs in other EU Member States, to transfer knowledge and expertise and apply it to the Croatian NCPs organisation and practices. A further objective was to support potential beneficiaries who are applying for LIFE project funding, by organising events, such as information days, workshops, and training (for trainers and potential beneficiaries), which would lead to an annual increase in successful LIFE project proposals. The project wiould also promote the LIFE Programme generally, and raise awareness of the benefits to be derived from LIFE projects and their complementarity with other programmes and funding instruments.
RESULTS
The HR NCP – MENP project strengthened the administrative capacity of the Croatian LIFE National Contact Point (NCP). In particular, six new staff members were recruited.
The project team gained the necessary knowledge and skills to increase administrative capacity through 11 internal and 20 external training events. These involved different areas related to the LIFE programme, as well as general topics like project cycle management. As a result, 292 successful consultations with potential LIFE beneficiaries were provided via e-mail or phone, and 92 through meetings, which is almost twice as many as originally planned.
A series of information and educational training events were organised in cities all over Croatia for potential LIFE applicants. The project team produced and regularly updated a website (www.lifeprogramhrvatska.hr), and designed and published various promotional and informative materials to raise the profile of the LIFE programme in Croatia, including 3 brochures and 4 leaflets. They also disseminated 15 700 pieces of promotional material of 16 types.
The project team presented the LIFE programme to various target groups at 37 events on EU programmes and funding, such as roundtables, workshops, symposia and conferences, organised by diverse organisations. A total of 213 media articles were published, as a result of 36 press releases and direct communications with the media. Three NCP workshops brought together representatives from 17 EU Member States, in order to exchange knowledge, information and experiences.
During the project’s timeframe, 20 LIFE projects were approved for financing, out of which 5 projects have a Croatian coordinating beneficiary. In addition, 15 more LIFE projects have Croatian participants as associated beneficiaries.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
