This course consists of 2 areas:

• Environment Area
  • Sub-programme “Nature and Biodiversity”.
  • Sub-programme “Circular Economy and Quality of Life”.
• Climate Action Area
  • Sub-programme “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”.
  • Sub-programme “Transition to Clean Energy”.

Budget:

3,488 million € for the Environment area.

1,944 million € for the Climate Action area.

Beneficiaries:

Consortium between public and private bodies at local level: county councils, town councils, universities, public or private companies (including SMEs) and associations. Start-ups and entrepreneurs can also apply.

Nature and Biodiversity Priority Area (Environment)

Focuses on contributing to the development and implementation of EU policy and legislation in the area of nature and biodiversity. This is encompassed within the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 and the Birds and Habitats Directive; supporting the development, implementation and management of the Natura 2000 network; and improving the knowledge base for the development, implementation, assessment, monitoring and evaluation of EU nature and biodiversity policy and legislation, as well as for assessing and monitoring what directly influences nature and biodiversity.

Governance and environmental information priority area

Supports information, communication and awareness-raising campaigns in line with the priorities of the 7th Environment Action Programme, as well as activities in support of the effective monitoring process and measures to promote compliance with EU environmental legislation, and in support of information systems and reporting tools on the implementation of EU environmental legislation.

Climate Change Mitigation Priority Area

The main objective of this area is to contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and to achieve the EU target of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. To this end, it focuses on various areas of intervention such as actions to reduce greenhouse gases in sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, as well as actions to improve the functioning of the Emissions Trading System, increase the generation and use of renewable energies, improve energy efficiency or develop marine and land-based management practices that have an impact on the emission or elimination of these.

Adaptation to Climate Change

Contribute to the development and implementation of Union policy on adaptation to climate change, including its integration into all policy areas, in particular through the development, testing and demonstration of policy or management approaches, best practices and solutions for adaptation to climate change, including, where appropriate, ecosystem-based approaches. Facilitate the development and implementation of integrated approaches, for example in climate change adaptation strategies and action plans at local, regional or national level, giving priority to ecosystem approaches where appropriate. Contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative climate change adaptation technologies, systems, methods and tools that are suitable for replication, transfer or mainstreaming.

Climate Governance and Information

Promote climate awareness, e.g. by building public and stakeholder support for the development of EU climate policies, and promote knowledge on sustainable development. Facilitate communication, management and dissemination of information in the climate field, and facilitate knowledge sharing on successful climate solutions and practices. Promote and contribute to improving effective compliance with and enforcement of EU climate legislation. Promote better climate governance by encouraging the participation of stakeholders, including NGOs, in policy consultation and implementation.

Priorities in the Clean Energy Transition sub-programme

The main objective to be achieved is the correct implementation of European energy transition legislation. To this end, this programme will finance concrete annual processes that implement the thematic priorities of the sub-programme. For these processes, both public and private administrations are considered as partners.

The sub-programme will contribute to the implementation of the European Green Deal by assisting the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Technology development activities are not included in this sub-programme.

Aimed at public and private sector professionals interested in environmental programmes.

Duration: 20 hours of training + activities.

Certification: by means of a certificate obtained at the end of the course.