In accordance with the principle of active and constructive participation, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Affairs, participated in the internet public consultation on the future of the LIFE+ Programme regarding the financing of environmental protection and species recovery activities, mostly addressed at the European Natura 2000 Network. 
This Natura 2000 Network comprises nearly 26 000 areas in Europe that are specially protected under the Birds and Habitats Directive which protects the biodiversity as well as the natural features that enhance them. The LIFE + Programme, which follows the LIFE Programme, finances up to 75% of the environmental protection activities. For example, in the year 2010 243 million Euros are being allocated for various environmental intervention projects in the most sensitive areas of Europe. Since 1992, the LIFE and LIFE + programmes have now co-funded projects 3115, allocating a total amount of 2 billion Euros.
With this survey, the Commission seeks to determine the possible paths for this financial instrument in the future, foreseeing the possibility of transferring the funds to the States so that they may closely manage these funds.
The answer provided by the Government to this survey emphasised the interest in strengthening regional approaches, especially with regard to the major ecological regions such as Macaronesia. The need to reduce bureaucracy in the relations between participants in the funded projects and the Commission was another aspect focused by Regional Government.
It is estimated that about of fifth time/funds is consumed by certification and monitoring bureaucracy which, in the Government’s view, does not favour the trust that should exist in the relations between financial backers and the participants in the funded projects.
All interested citizens may participate in this survey at the address http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/life.htm (English only) until February 17.