Nature Conservation Law

The nature conservation instruments for habitat and species protection established at EU level, as interpreted by the European Court of Justice, increasingly give priority to nature conservation interests over all other concerns. Economic interests are considered only at the subsequent stage of the exemption review, and this is subject to strict conditions. In particular, species protection provisions anchored in the nature conservation laws of the federal provinces apply to projects even outside specially protected areas. The EU Nature Restoration Regulation will also have an impact on permitting procedures.

What we do: We advise and represent clients on all matters of nature conservation law — including permitting procedures in grassland and Natura 2000 areas as well as applications for exemptions under species protection law.