Naturschutz: Ausgleichs- und Ersatzmaßnahmen

Projects that have an unavoidable impact on nature must be offset by nature conservation and landscape management measures.

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 it is becoming increasingly clear that serious impairment or even destruction of nature and landscape can also have serious negative consequences for people, the aim is not only to protect the landscape, but also to preserve and, if necessary, restore the natural balance and ensure its long-term and sustainable usability.

Anyone wishing to carry out a project that will change the use or shape of the surrounding area and that may significantly affect the ecosystem or the landscape - in particular through construction measures - 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 by nature conservation and landscape management measures of the same kind or, if compensation cannot be provided, by equivalent replacement measures.

The term eco-account refers to the targeted stockpiling of compensation and replacement measures that can be offset as compensatory measures in the event of subsequent interventions in nature and the landscape. With the help of the eco-account, compensation and replacement measures are brought forward, documented and managed until they can be assigned to an intervention.

In addition to the impact permit, many other nature conservation approvals may be required today (e.g. species protection, biotope protection, Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive, Birds Directive, protected area regulations).

• Site plans,
• Descriptions,
• Information required for the assessment of the project.

As further documents may be required, it is recommended that you contact the responsible office in advance.

Fees may be incurred in accordance with the state ordinance on administrative fees. Detailed information can be obtained from the responsible office.

Many districts and towns with their own lower nature conservation authority have their own website where you can find direct information and contacts.

Further information and tips can also be found on the state portal "Agriculture and Environment Schleswig-Holstein".

To the districts or independent cities (lower nature conservation authorities).