Compatibility with Natura 2000 areas

Natura 2000 is a European network of protected areas covering valuable and threatened habitats and species. The sites within Natura 2000 are designated under the Habitats and the Birds Directives. Natura 2000 assessments are an important protection instrument for Natura 2000 sites.

Plans and projects must be assessed for their compatibility with the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site before they are permitted. This is necessary if they have the potential to significantly affect a site, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and do not directly serve management of the site.

The Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) defines conservation objectives as objectives that aim to maintain or restore a favourable conservation status of a natural habitat type of Community interest. These objectives apply to species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive or in Article 4(2) or Annex I of the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC).

For the application approval of plans or projects, a specific procedure must be followed. The first step is to determine whether a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site (Natura 2000 screening). If this is found not to be the case, the plan or project can be approved without the need for further assessment. If significant effects are likely, or there is any doubt as to whether there are any effects, also in combination with other plans and projects, an appropriate assessment (in-depth Natura 2000 assessment) must be undertaken.

We offer comprehensive expert knowledge on the assessment of Natura 2000 compatibility. Our extensive experience in permit management, environmental impact assessments (EIA), species protection reports and immission control provides valuable synergy effects. Depending on the assignment, we offer our services to project developers as well as to authorities. Our services include:

• Screening: We determine whether your plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site.
• In-depth assessment: We evaluate possible implications of your plan or project, also in combination with other plans or projects, on nearby Natura 2000 sites in view of their conservation objectives.
• The assessment includes the description of all relevant impact factors, such as nitrogen and acid inputs, inputs of other hazardous substances such as heavy metals as well as noise inputs and land use.
• As official experts, we also provide examination of submitted screenings and Natura 2000 impact assessments on behalf of relevant authorities.