Nature Conservation Measures in Forests

The funding program "Nature Conservation Measures in Forests" targets private and corporate forest owners in Rhineland-Palatinate. The goal is the protection and development of endangered animal, plant, and bird species and their habitats, especially within the framework of the European ecological network Natura 2000. The measures should be carried out voluntarily and beyond the legally prescribed requirements.

The program supports measures proposed within the framework of Natura 2000 management plans or comparable planning. These include complete abandonment of forest management or silvicultural measures to favor light-demanding species and habitat types with a subsequent resting phase. Certain measures and areas are excluded from funding.

Funding is provided as a grant in the form of flat rates for the entire commitment period, which is ten years. The amount of the grant varies depending on the type of measure and can be up to 2,500 EUR per hectare. There are also de minimis thresholds that define a minimum grant per application.

Various legal and operational conditions must be observed for the application and implementation of the measures, including regulations on double funding and adaptation to new standards. Non-compliance with the obligations can lead to the recovery of the grant.

The application procedure involves submission to the competent forest authority, followed by a selection process if budget funds are exceeded. Disbursement of funds occurs as a one-time payment. Comprehensive control and evaluation measures ensure compliance with funding conditions, non-compliance with which can lead to recovery of funds.

The funding program is based on the Guideline for the Promotion of Nature Conservation Measures in Forests dated January 31, 2019. It is subject to a multitude of national laws and European state aid regulations, which form the legitimacy and framework for program implementation.