Federal Biological Diversity Program

Since 2011, the Federal Biological Diversity Program has been supporting innovative projects and measures aimed at the conservation and protection of biodiversity in Germany. It is implemented within the framework of the National Strategy on Biological Diversity and lays the foundation for sustainable interaction with nature. Through financial support, initiatives that go beyond the legal minimum standards and aim to initiate a positive trend in the development of biological diversity are promoted. Central to these efforts is also the promotion of an expanded societal awareness, involving stakeholders from the fields of environmental, climate, and animal protection, science, energy efficiency, as well as research and innovation in the funding process. The measures include personnel-related expenses, material costs, contracts with third parties, as well as information and communication activities that contribute to strengthening public perception and acceptance of environmentally compatible interaction with the environment.

The program targets a broad spectrum of eligible organizations and institutions, including non-profit organizations, public institutions, companies, private individuals, and educational institutions with headquarters or operations in Germany. With a funding rate of 75% to 90%, the initiative supports projects over a period of up to 72 months. A prerequisite for accessing the funding is an appropriate own contribution, which must be provided depending on the project concept. Particularly innovative and exemplary approaches that make a nationally representative contribution to the preservation of biodiversity are given special importance. The funding guidelines clearly define which expenses are eligible and which are not the focus of funding, thereby ensuring transparent and targeted allocation of funds.

The structured funding landscape of the Federal Biological Diversity Program requires careful preparation of application documents. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a meaningful project outline, a detailed financing plan, and a comprehensive project description to clearly demonstrate the relevance to the goals of the National Strategy. Within a multi-stage selection process, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, together with the commissioned DLR, reviews the technical and budgetary eligibility of the projects. This structured process ensures that only projects of significant federal interest are shortlisted, guaranteeing sustainable and effective investments in biological diversity. The program thus offers diverse stakeholders the opportunity to actively contribute to nature conservation through innovative concepts and to set long-term impulses for a future-oriented environmental and climate policy.