Nature-Oriented Watercourse Development – Funding for State Institutions (ELER-VV-GewSan)

The funding program for Nature-Oriented Watercourse Development in Brandenburg targets specific public institutions dedicated to improving the ecological and chemical status of water bodies in rural areas. The funding aims to implement the objectives of the EC Water Framework Directive (WFD) and support sustainable water management. Eligible applicants include the Brandenburg State Office for the Environment and water management associations.

The program supports a variety of measures for the nature-oriented development of water bodies, from conceptual preliminary work and investment projects to specific measures on flowing and standing waters. Both planning and implementation phases are considered. Certain costs, such as the construction of administrative buildings or the procurement of vehicles, are excluded.

The program offers full financing for the eligible total costs. Funding is provided as a grant, with a maximum funding amount per project set for certain undertakings. Financing is provided through EAFRD and GAK funds.

Various conditions and regulations must be observed for the application and implementation of projects. These include legal and administrative requirements, budget utilization guidelines, as well as publicity obligations and audit rights of the funding providers. Passing on the funding is not permitted.

The application procedure varies depending on the funding source (EAFRD/state funds or GAK/state funds). Applications must generally be submitted to the responsible body by the deadline and are reviewed according to defined selection criteria. Approval is granted within the framework of available budget funds.

The funding is based on a specific administrative regulation of the State of Brandenburg, which in turn builds upon a series of national and European laws and regulations to govern nature-oriented watercourse development.