LIFE projects for the Alps

On 25 March 2025, the side event “LIFE Projects for the Alps” was held in Rome at Palazzo Valentini of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the “Sala Mons. Luigi di Liegro,” with the option to attend remotely.

The event was part of the 81st Permanent Committee meeting of the Alpine Convention, launching the activities of the 2025–2026 Italian Presidency. It was co-organised by the Italian Delegation within the Permanent Committee and the LIFE Programme's National Contact Point team in Italy, both operating under the Directorate General for European, International Affairs and Sustainable Finance (AEIF) of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

The side event highlighted LIFE as the only EU funding instrument dedicated to the environment and climate action and its role in achieving the Alpine Convention’s environmental objectives at the territorial level.

Kick-off sessions provided an overview of the environmental priorities of the Italian Presidency, a presentation on the LIFE Programme’s potential to support Alpine conservation—focusing on biodiversity and climate action—and a description of services offered by LIFE National Contact Points across the EU and participating third countries, with a case study on Italy.

Five LIFE projects on nature, biodiversity, and climate change in the Alpine region—LIFE Lynx, LIFEstockProtect, LIFE FOR LIFELINES, LIFE PASTORALP and LIFEalps,—were presented by coordinating beneficiaries from Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. Participants also had the opportunity for informal networking with project representatives during the coffee break.

A final working session featured a panel discussion on lessons learned from the LIFE Programme and opportunities to build on its contributions, aiming to transform the Alps into a model region for sustainability. Representatives from international, European, and national institutions involved in the Alpine Convention and LIFE shared their insights.