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Agriculture & Nature

Exemption under environmental protection law

Exemptions from prohibitions under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) or state nature conservation laws regarding interventions in protected areas or habitats of protected species.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Success rate: 50.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Contact the local environmental protection agency

    Preliminary discussion to determine whether an exception is generally possible.

  2. 2

    Have a species protection assessment conducted

    Hire an expert.

  3. 3

    Submit an application with mitigation measures

    Exceptions are usually approved only if compensation is provided.

Required documents

  • Assessment of Species Protection Requirements (ASP)Mandatory
  • Site MapMandatory

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 months

Official: max. approx. 2 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Species protection review is missing
  • • Mitigation measures are not sufficiently scaled

Common reasons for rejection

  • • No alternative solution is possible without intervention
  • • The species' conservation status is deteriorating

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Project developers, farmers, and government agencies planning activities in areas protected under conservation laws.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 50.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Species protection review is missing
  • •Mitigation measures are not sufficiently scaled

Common reasons for rejection

  • •No alternative solution is possible without intervention
  • •The species' conservation status is deteriorating

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Questions & Answers

Can an exception be denied?▼

Yes, especially when it comes to interventions in strictly protected habitats or Annex IV species.

Read more