Background The LIFE programme introduced action grants for capacity-building projects for the 2014-2017 funding period. These are projects designed to build Member States' capacity to participate more effectively in the LIFE Programme. Specifically, these projects propose interventions to develop the capacity to submit successful applications for funding for projects under the sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action. Member States that meet the criteria may each receive funding of up to one million euros for one capacity-building project. Only national level public bodies responsible for implementation of LIFE in an eligible Member State in the European Union may apply for capacity-building projects. Objectives The CAP LIFE LAT aims to streamline LIFE funding in Latvia by setting clear policy goals, raising awareness, and strengthening proposals to ensure LIFE funding fully contributes to solving priority environmental protection and climate adaptation/mitigation priorities. The project actions are targeted not only at increasing the number of projects, but also at increasing the effectiveness of projects in implementing policy and developing innovative approaches and tools of wider application. Implementation actions will establish a system enabling continuous support to LIFE projects, thus improving project quality, success and long-term effectiveness. Other objectives include building capacity and competencies for the use of new opportunities provided by LIFE, establishing a LIFE Help Desk, organising a series of seminars and training courses, setting up a LIFE Consultative Board, providing translations of LIFE documents, bringing together Latvian LIFE stakeholders with those in neighbouring countries (Estonia and Lithuania) to exchange knowledge and experiences, and recognising the efforts of project implementers by awards for the best LIFE projects of Latvia. Expected results: Understanding of the overall goals and objectives of the LIFE Programme increased and policy priorities in Latvia set and communicated; Assessments of Latvian proposals’ success in LIFE calls carried out annually with evaluation of successes and weaknesses of newly submitted projects in relation to LIFE priorities and recommendations for the next calls; Analysis of applicability of the new LIFE financial instruments in Latvia, setting the scene for applications in 2018 and onwards; Analysis of gaps in national legislation with regard to LIFE co-funding completed, proposals for amendments prepared, LIFE national co-financing rules adjusted; Help Desk (four people employed) established, providing continuous support to projects and assessing their effectiveness, and to help coordinate the implementation of the LIFE Programme in Latvia; At least 40 seminars and training events conducted, with about 200 participants trained/educated; LIFE Consultative Board established, consisting of 8-10 experienced LIFE stakeholders; and Increase of 10% in the number of project proposals submitted to the LIFE calls 2015-2020, with the success rate for awarded projects up by approximately 10%.