Federal Biological Diversity Program

Federal Biological Diversity Program has supported measures for the implementation of the National Strategy on Biological Diversity in Germany since 2011. The funding measure grants a subsidy of up to 75% of eligible expenses, in exceptional cases up to 90%. Project durations are up to six years, with funding periods of a maximum of two years for small projects. Small projects for insect protection can be funded with amounts between €5,000 and €25,000. Thematically, the program covers environmental and nature conservation, research & innovation, as well as energy efficiency & climate protection. Projects of nationwide relevance are funded, which serve as exemplars for species for which Germany has special responsibility, biodiversity hotspots, securing ecosystem services, or urban nature. Submission of project outlines for municipal strategies is possible annually until February 1; further applications can be submitted continuously.

Eligible for funding are natural and legal persons with headquarters or establishments in Germany – including public institutions, municipalities, universities, research institutions, associations, clubs, non-profit organizations, as well as private individuals. Requirements include a project of very high federal interest, implementation in Germany, and proof that no statutory obligation is being fulfilled. For joint projects, a written cooperation agreement is required. Approval for small projects is granted in a single-stage electronic process; larger projects undergo a two-stage procedure with outline and application phases via easy-Online. Particular emphasis is placed on embedding within local or regional biodiversity strategies to jointly achieve a sustainable trend reversal.