Support for Landscape Conservation Associations

The Hessian Ministry for Environment, Climate Protection, Agriculture and Consumer Protection supports non-profit landscape management associations in Hesse with a non-repayable grant. The program targets organizations qualified as LPVs (landscape management associations) and particularly promotes measures in the fields of nature conservation and landscape management. The funding is based on an annually prepared work and action program (AMP), which encompasses all necessary activities for the preservation of biological diversity and the promotion of cooperative collaboration between agriculture, nature conservation, and municipalities. The focus is not only on classic nature conservation measures but also on aspects of energy efficiency and climate protection to effectively address the environmental challenges in Hesse.

Within the framework of the funding program, support services are primarily granted for the preparation, accompaniment, and evaluation of projects. The AMP must comply with the requirements of the Federal Nature Conservation Act and be developed in coordination with the responsible authorities. A key element is the breakdown into various modules, which, for example, include the implementation of Natura 2000 measures, specific contributions to the biodiversity strategy, as well as tasks related to project-based management. Remuneration is based on defined billing units, with specialist staff considered at €61.80 per hour and project-based management at €69.60 per hour. Eligible expenses include personnel, workplace, as well as travel and transportation costs, whereas concrete nature conservation measures are excluded from funding.

Applications are submitted through a written procedure, preferably digital, in which, in addition to the AMP, a usage report and other required documents must be attached. Only organizations whose spatial scope covers a Hessian rural district are entitled to apply – only one LPV per district is eligible to submit an application. The professional quality of the planned measures and their compliance with the established guidelines constitute the core criteria for evaluation. This comprehensive funding instrument makes a significant contribution to sustainable landscape management and supports the integration of nature conservation, agriculture, and municipal cooperation in Hesse. Interested organizations can obtain detailed information on the funding requirements and modalities based on the provided information and guidelines.