The Biodiversity Foundation, the managing body of the European Social Fund (ESF), has approved 49 projects to promote job creation and the improvement of the environment. These projects, which are part of the Foundation’s Empleaverde Programme, have an amount of 11.8 million euros.

Within the framework of this programme, the Foundation manages the funds allocated to it by the Adaptability and Employment Operational Programme of the European Social Fund (ESF) for the period 2007-2013.

The empleaverde programme has set goals for the period 2007-2013 to support more than 50,000 people and promote the creation of 1,000 companies in the environmental sector. To this end, it has a total endowment of 44.1 million euros, of which the European Social Fund co-finances between 50% and 80% of the projects, depending on the regions in which they are developed.

The objectives of the selected initiatives are: to promote job creation and increase the skills and qualifications of workers; promoting and improving employment and the modernization of enterprises; adapting economic activities to environmental regulations and promoting sustainability in economic activities.

Of the 49 projects, 8 have been awarded to public administrations; 22, to the business, professional and trade union sectors; 16, to foundations, NGOs and associations and 3, to the academic sector. The projects are aimed at different economic sectors: 11 in the agricultural sector; 2 are aimed at livestock farmers and shepherds; 5 are focused on the forestry sector; 4 are aimed at the energy sector; 3 to the construction sector; 4 to the fishing sector and marine environment and 9 to corporate environmental management. In addition, 5 projects will have an impact on rural development; 4 in protected areas and biosphere reserves and 2 are sustainable tourism projects.