Funding Guideline for Nature Conservation (FöNa)

The Nature Conservation Funding Guideline of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia offers financial support to communities, recognized nature conservation associations, municipal associations, and even private individuals for measures aimed at the protection and preservation of nature and landscape. With funding rates ranging from 50 to 100 percent, the program targets projects that comply with the State Nature Conservation Act and community law requirements, securing the environment as a basis for life and as a recreational area. Eligible for funding are, in addition to municipalities and municipal associations, also nature park authorities, other legal entities under public and private law, as well as natural persons who plan and implement nature conservation concepts. The funds are granted as a one-time subsidy and are continuously available, allowing applicants to respond flexibly to local challenges.

Eligible expenses include, among others, plans and expert reports, development, maintenance and access measures, conservation work, land acquisition, leasing, management of nature reserves, as well as species protection activities. To receive subsidies, a long-term safeguarding of the funding purpose must be ensured and the corresponding binding periods observed (ten years for procured items, 25 years for investments, unlimited for land acquisition). The application must include a detailed list of planning activities as well as a concrete implementation plan. The regional district governments of North Rhine-Westphalia are responsible for technical support and approval; they act as the interface between the state government and municipalities and provide application forms.