Grants for the Creation, Preservation, Restoration, and Improvement of Green Infrastructure (Green Infrastructure Guidelines – GI RL)

This section explains the entities eligible for funding under the "Green Infrastructure Guidelines (GI RL)," primarily state and non-profit organizations in North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, the program objectives for improving biodiversity and ecosystem services in the region are detailed.

The "Green Infrastructure Guidelines (GI RL)" program supports a variety of nature-based measures to strengthen biodiversity and ecosystems, including the creation and development of green spaces, the ecological optimization of water bodies, and the development of strategic concepts. Specific project phases and associated cost categories are considered, while certain expenses are excluded.

The "Green Infrastructure Guidelines (GI RL)" offer grants as project funding, with funding rates ranging from 80% to 90% of eligible expenses. The amount of the grant depends on the type of applicant, with specific de minimis thresholds and maximum durations until the end of 2029 to be observed.

Applicants under the "Green Infrastructure Guidelines (GI RL)" must meet various conditions, including the long-term safeguarding of the grant's purpose, adherence to specific guidelines, and compliance with EU state aid regulations. There are also detailed requirements for budget structures, commitment periods for investments, and maintenance obligations for funded measures.

Applications for the "Green Infrastructure Guidelines (GI RL)" are submitted through the responsible district governments, with the EFRE.NRW.online portal available for EU-co-financed projects. Project selection is at the discretion of the authority, considering specific criteria.

The "Green Infrastructure Guidelines (GI RL)" are based on a circular decree from the Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia. These guidelines are supplemented by various budgetary and state aid regulations and, in the case of EU co-financing, are superseded by specific EU regulations and the ERDF/JTF Framework Guideline NRW.