Managing Nature Conservation Projects
Effective nature conservation requires not only expertise in the ecology of species and habitats but also a solid understanding of qualified project management. This includes exploring financing opportunities in nature conservation, assessing available human, material, and financial resources, as well as applying for and implementing projects. Without this specialized knowledge, even scientifically well-prepared projects may fail to achieve their desired outcomes. Conversely, strategic management can lead to significant successes even with limited resources.
From Idea to Implementation
To successfully implement a nature conservation initiative, adequate funding is essential alongside focused project management. In Germany, nature conservation is primarily managed by the states, except for joint responsibilities, which delegate it to intermediate (government presidencies, district governments = “Bezirksregierung, Regierungsbezirke”) and lower administrative levels (counties, municipalities = “Landkreise, kreisfreie Städte”). However, for larger funding needs, grants can be sought primarily at the European or federal level.
To secure funding, a nature conservation project must first be submitted to the relevant funding body. This typically involves preparing a project outline along with a financing plan. If the outline is positively assessed, the final project application can then be submitted. Once approved, the actual work begins, focusing primarily on contracting and implementation. Project leaders often face significant challenges in this context, as errors in contracting or implementation can have serious consequences.
Sources
Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) (2004). Financing Handbook for Conservation Measures. Ed.: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
Deutschlandfunk Nova (2021): Why the Financing of Nature Conservation is So Complicated Finanzierung von Naturschutz so kompliziert ist. Accessed August 22, 2022.