Funding for Nature Parks

This funding program is aimed at legal entities under public and private law that are sponsors or members of a nature park in Schleswig-Holstein. The aim is to support the establishment, further development, and quality improvement of these nature parks. The program contributes to the sustainable safeguarding of the natural balance, the landscape, and the habitats and recreational suitability.

The program supports a variety of measures for the development and enhancement of nature parks in the areas of environmental and nature conservation, recreation, and education. Both conceptual work and concrete field projects, as well as personnel and material supervision costs, are subsidized. Measures already started or commercially used are generally excluded.

The funding program is granted as a non-repayable subsidy, provided as partial or full financing within the framework of project funding. The funding rate can amount to up to 90 percent of the eligible total expenses, and in certain cases, even up to 100 percent.

Specific conditions apply for the granting of subsidies, including the alignment of measures with a nature park plan and the consent of the relevant authorities. There are clear guidelines regarding the type of measures and budget usage. The transfer of the subsidy to third parties is not permitted.

Applications for the funding of nature parks must be submitted in writing to the Ministry of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature. A series of documents must be attached to the application, detailing the planned project and outlining its costs and financing.

This funding program is based on a new version of the guidelines for granting subsidies for the promotion of nature parks in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, which were announced in January 2024. It is subject to the provisions of the State Budget Act and the State Nature Conservation Act.