Grants for the Creation, Preservation, Restoration, and Improvement of Green Infrastructure (Green Infrastructure Guidelines – GI GL)

The funding program "Grants for the Creation, Preservation, Restoration, and Improvement of Green Infrastructure (Green Infrastructure Guidelines – GI RL)" in North Rhine-Westphalia supports projects that implement nature-based solutions for the conservation and development of important biotopes and landscape structures. The goal is to sustainably strengthen green infrastructure through the financing of nature-based measures and thereby secure essential ecosystem services. Grants covering 80% to 90% of eligible costs are awarded to consciously promote investments in environmental protection, urban development, energy efficiency, and climate protection. Through the targeted restoration and networking of natural and near-natural areas, habitats are to be improved, biodiversity promoted, and restorative green spaces created that contribute to quality of life.

Eligible participants include various actors from the public and private sectors, such as municipalities, public institutions, companies, educational and research institutions, as well as non-profit organizations and foundations. The funding guidelines require a clearly structured demonstration of the project's contribution to improving green infrastructure. Projects implemented in urban areas as well as in the directly adjacent surroundings are intended to address the diverse challenges of urban and rural spaces. The measures encompass a broad range of activities, for example securing and developing open land areas, woody structures, or near-natural water bodies, including the ecological enhancement of existing open spaces. Sustainable use and protection of valuable resources are placed at the center of these efforts.

The application deadline begins on October 23, 2023, and continues on an ongoing basis until December 31, 2025, subject to the availability of necessary budgetary funds. Thus, the funding program enables flexible and time-oriented planning of projects that create ecological, economic, and social added value. Eligible expenses include construction, planning, and implementation costs, while non-project-related costs are explicitly excluded. Efficiency in the use of funds is ensured through evaluation based on clearly defined criteria, such as demonstrable improvement of infrastructure and consideration of sustainable aspects. The funding offer thereby supports the development of a resilient, ecologically valuable, and inclusive green infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia that sustainably addresses the challenges of climate change and urbanization.