Created in 1992, the LIFE programme, a relatively small slice of the EU budget, continues to punch above its weight in terms of implementing the EU’s two key Nature Directives – the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive – and the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species, improving the conservation status of protected species and habitats. In addition to showcasing some of the most notable conservation achievements, the session will explain why the LIFE programme is a success story, based on an approach that can be replicated around the world to help solve big problems, whether the challenge is biodiversity decline or the prevention of further pandemics.