Forest Environmental Premium (UZW)

This funding program is aimed at natural and legal persons under private law with a company domicile in the European Union who own forest areas in Baden-Württemberg. The goal is to compensate for financial disadvantages that arise from near-natural management of forest areas in Natura 2000 sites. The funding aims to ensure the protection and preservation of these special forest habitat types.

The funding focuses on the sustainable management of forest areas in Natura 2000 sites. It supports measures that promote the preservation of specific forest habitat types and compensate for additional costs or loss of income incurred. The maintenance of forest areas must comply with the principles of proper and near-natural forest management.

Support is provided as a grant and offers forest owners in Baden-Württemberg an annual area premium. The amount of the grant is set per hectare, with a minimum payout per applicant guaranteed.

To claim the Forest Environmental Premium, certain conditions must be met, ranging from the ownership structure of the forest areas to compliance with nature conservation requirements. In addition, specific regulations regarding de minimis aid must be observed.

The application for the Forest Environmental Premium must be submitted electronically via FIONA. Specific deadlines and information must be observed to ensure smooth processing and approval.

The Forest Environmental Premium is based on a specific administrative regulation of the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg. The legal basis extends to state laws and various EU regulations concerning the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and aid schemes.