This dataset provides a harmonized table linking EU LIFE Programme projects to their associated Natura 2000 sites. It compiles detailed information on project characteristics, funding, thematic priorities, and biodiversity targets, enabling spatial and thematic analyses of LIFE-funded conservation actions across the European Union.

The following variables are included in the dataset:

Identifiers:

Reference: Official LIFE project code (e.g. LIFE20 NAT/UK/000100)

Project Title: Full project name

Acronym: Short project name

Attributes:

Priority Area: Thematic focus (e.g. Nature, Climate, Environment)

Year: Year of project approval

Lead Partner Country, Location: Geographic information on the coordinating entity

Name of the beneficiaries, Beneficiary types: Organisations involved and their roles

Total Budget, EU Contribution: Financial details

Themes, Keywords: Environmental focus areas (e.g. invasive species, habitat restoration)

Target EU legislative references: Linked EU policy frameworks (e.g. Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive)

Target habitat types, Species, Red list species: Biodiversity elements addressed

Natura 2000 sites: Codes of linked Natura 2000 areas

Project URL: Direct link to LIFE public project page

Each record corresponds to a unique combination of a LIFE project and its associated Natura 2000 site, allowing cross-referencing between LIFE actions and EU protected area networks.

This dataset can be spatially linked to the EEA 1x1 km² reference grid (see dataset: Natura2000 sites on the EEA reference grid, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17223088