Measures for Nature and Species Protection and Landscape Management (NAL Guideline)

The Lower Saxony grant program supports a wide range of initiatives in nature and species conservation as well as landscape management, aimed at preserving and developing protected biotopes and habitats. Eligible measures range from maintenance activities on dry grasslands, floodplain forests, and wetland areas to targeted species support projects and the restoration of native plant and animal populations. Also supported are land acquisition, leasing, redemption of usage rights, and the procurement of technical equipment, including machinery, devices, and monitoring tools. Additionally, the Lower Saxony Nature and Geoparks benefit from targeted support and financial strengthening. With a maximum funding rate of 80%, in individual cases up to 100% of eligible expenses, the program enables the efficient implementation of investment volumes starting from 2,500 euros (at least 25,000 euros for public bodies).

Eligible applicants include public bodies, public institutions, foundations, nature and geopark operators, non-profit associations and clubs, as well as private legal entities and individuals. Funding is provided as a grant, is continuously available, and requires an application prior to project commencement to the respective State Agency for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation or the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony. Evaluation criteria include, among others, location within conservation-worthy areas, contribution to Lower Saxony’s state nature conservation and action programs, protection of endangered species, and the professional continuation of already initiated projects. Through the combination of a high funding rate and a broad range of measures, the program offers long-term prospects for strengthening biodiversity and the sustainable shaping of Lower Saxony’s cultural landscape.