Nature conservation: compensation and replacement measures
Service description
The aim of nature conservation is to preserve nature and the landscape on the basis of their intrinsic value and as the basis of human life. As the impairment or even destruction of nature and landscape can have serious negative consequences for the environment, biodiversity and the living environment of humans, the aim is not only to protect the landscape but also to prevent and restore environmental damage and to ensure the long-term and sustainable usability of the natural balance.
Anyone wishing to carry out a project that changes the use or shape of land in such a way that it could have a significant impact on the ecosystem or the landscape - in particular through construction work - generally requires an impact permit. The associated adverse effects on the ecosystem and the landscape must be kept to a minimum. Depending on the situation, unavoidable impairments must either be compensated for in the same way by nature conservation and landscape management measures or by equivalent compensation measures.
In addition to the impact permit, further nature conservation approvals may be required (e.g. species protection, biotope protection, Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive or Birds Directive, protected area regulations).
What fees apply?
Official acts under nature conservation law are generally subject to a fee.
Legal basis
What else should I know?
Further information and advice can be found on the website of the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of the Environment, Agriculture, Food, Viticulture and Forestry. Many districts and towns with their own lower nature conservation authority have their own website, from which you can find direct contact details.