LIFE (fr.: „L'Instrument Financier pour l'Environnement“) is a European financial instrument supporting the implementation of politics and legislations in the domain of nature conservation. Since 1992, LIFE finances environmental and nature conservation projects in the European Union. It is the financial background to the realisation of the Natura 2000 network.
LIFE-Nature projects aim to conserve or restore the habitats and species that are under protection through the habitats directive 92/43/EWG, respectively the birds directive 79/409/EWG, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
The European Commission participates with up to 50% on the total sum of LIFE-Nature-projects.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/index.htm