Anerkennung als Umwelt- oder Naturschutzvereinigung beantragen

Applications for recognition as an environmental association or additionally as a nature conservation association are decided in accordance with Section 3 of the Environmental Appeals Act (UmwRG). Environmental and nature conservation associations that have been recognized under the Environmental Appeals Act (UmwRG) are entitled to special rights. They can use their right to take legal action against environmental or nature conservation regulations.

However, in order to exercise the right to bring an action in Germany, the association must first be recognized under the UmwRG.

Informal application with explanations and proof of the following requirements

(current articles of association, notification of entry in the register of associations, activity report for the last three years, in particular information on the promotion of environmental protection and, if applicable, nature conservation, number of members and expertise of members, office organization and financial resources, non-profit status)

Recognition is to be granted if the association

1. in accordance with its statutes, primarily promotes the objectives of environmental protection on an idealistic and not merely temporary basis,
2. has been in existence for at least three years at the time of recognition and has been active within the meaning of number 1 during this period,
3. offers a guarantee that its tasks will be fulfilled appropriately; the nature and scope of its previous activities, its membership and the efficiency of the association must be taken into account,
4. pursues charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 52 of the German Fiscal Code and
5. any person who supports the objectives of the association can join as a member; members are persons who receive full voting rights in the association's general meeting upon joining; in the case of associations whose membership consists of at least three-quarters legal entities, this requirement (half-sentence 1) can be waived if the majority of these legal entities meet this requirement.

The recognition must specify the statutory area of activity to which the recognition applies; in particular, it must be stated whether the association primarily promotes the objectives of nature conservation and landscape management. Recognition can also be subsequently linked to the condition that changes to the articles of association must be notified. It can also be made public. In the case of domestic associations with an area of activity that does not extend beyond the territory of one federal state and which primarily promote the objectives of nature conservation and landscape management, the recognition must also state whether they are active nationwide in accordance with their statutes.

• Application by the association
• Determination of facts and decision by the State Office for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Geology M-V (LUNG)

approx. 3 months

Recognition of environmental associations under the Environmental Remedies Act

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Office for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Geology