Contractual Nature Conservation

Contractual nature conservation in the Hohe Tauern National Park (State of Salzburg) enables the conclusion of nature conservation agreements with landowners to permanently protect agricultural and forestry areas and preserve ecological key structures. On the areas designated under these contracts, agricultural and forestry activities as well as hunting are prohibited, except for sheep grazing and existing forestry rights. Since the program’s inception on 24.10.2013, applications can be submitted at any time; subsidy payments are made annually by 31.10. without a fixed deadline. The funding rate is determined individually according to the contract and allows for tailored subsidy arrangements to protect and restore flora and fauna.

Eligible for funding are natural and legal persons as well as non-profit organizations, public institutions, interest groups, cooperatives, and foundations with ownership or usage rights within the national park area. A prerequisite is the signing and compliance with the contractual nature conservation agreement, proof of all official permits, and a financing plan including own contributions. Furthermore, a declaration of commitment and data protection statement must be submitted; organizations must also provide proof of legal status and authorization to represent. Required documents include the signed agreement, official permits, financing plan, declaration of commitment, data protection statement according to § 7 DSG, and proof of authorization to represent. The program specifically supports measures to deactivate areas, thereby contributing to the comprehensive protection of alpine habitats in the Hohe Tauern National Park.