Sustainable Forest Management in Forestry Associations

This funding program is aimed at forestry associations in North Rhine-Westphalia. The goal is to support the independent and sustainable management of forest areas and to improve the social, economic, and ecological performance of forest ownership. The program aims to help forest owners overcome structural disadvantages and strengthen their position in the value chain.

The program supports advisory services for sustainable forest management using the latest scientific knowledge and considering long-term climate changes. Eligible measures include various forestry activities, while services such as timber marketing and general administrative tasks are excluded. Funding can be provided for both own and commissioned personnel.

The funding program grants subsidies for advisory services. The exact amount of the grant, which ranges between 30 and 80 percent of the eligible expenses, depends on the size and certification level of the member forest areas. A de minimis threshold of 2,000 Euros must be met.

To receive funding, forestry associations must meet certain requirements, including recognition by the forest authority, the existence of an up-to-date forest management plan, and the deployment of expert personnel. Specific regulations regarding conflicts of interest, procurement, and state aid also apply.

The application must be submitted in writing to the State Forest and Wood Enterprise North Rhine-Westphalia, accompanied by specific documents such as a member list and a de minimis declaration. The approving authority decides on the funding within the framework of available budgetary resources, and disbursement occurs in partial payments after proof of use.

The funding program "Sustainable Forest Management in Forestry Associations" is based on a specific guideline from the Ministry for Environment, Agriculture, Nature, and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. This guideline is underpinned by various state and federal laws as well as EU regulations that define the legal framework for granting the subsidies.