General Nature Conservation Funding and Species Protection Projects

In Styria, there is an ongoing grant opportunity for nature conservation and species protection projects, aimed at a broad spectrum of project sponsors: interest groups, associations, non-profit organizations, public institutions, and private individuals. Projects in the fields of environmental and nature conservation as well as energy efficiency & climate protection are supported, provided they make a direct contribution to the preservation and maintenance of European protected areas, nature reserves, and protected landscape parts. The funding also includes measures for the safeguarding of caves, land acquisitions, natural history projects in national and nature parks, as well as the implementation of species protection programs and target group-oriented public relations. A special focus is placed on projects that align with the priorities of official nature conservation and have a clear connection to Styria.

For the application, a complete project documentation is required, consisting of a completed form, a detailed project description, a detailed cost breakdown, the association’s statutes (if applicable), as well as a list of any other funding sources already obtained. Applicants should note that applications must be submitted by no later than October 15 of the previous year. A technical and accounting review of the usage reports, including original invoices and bank statements, is part of the performance verification. The amount of funding depends on the available resources of the nature conservation budget. Interested project sponsors can request further information and the respective application form from Department 13 Environment and Spatial Planning of the Office of the Styrian Provincial Government. This funding provides valuable support for innovative nature conservation measures and strengthens the preservation of the unique habitats in Styria.