BNatSchG

BNatSchG is the Bundesnaturschutzgesetz, the Federal Nature Conservation Act of Germany. It provides the legal framework for nature conservation, landscape protection, and species protection at the federal level, with implementation primarily carried out by the Länder (federal states). Its overarching aim is to preserve biological diversity, maintain ecosystem services, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

The act defines protected habitats and species, prohibits or restricts activities that could destroy or disturb them, and regulates the capture, keeping, or trade of protected species. It establishes categories of protected areas to conserve landscapes and habitats and to safeguard valuable or rare ecosystems. In doing so, it implements the European Union’s Birds and Habitats Directives, contributing to Natura 2000 sites and other protective designations.

Planning and development are subject to assessments if they may significantly affect nature or landscapes. When interventions in nature and landscapes occur, the law requires measures to avoid or minimize harm and to provide compensatory or restorative actions (the Eingriffsregelung principle). Enforcement is shared between federal authorities and the Länder; violations can be sanctioned with fines or other penalties.

The BNatSchG has undergone multiple amendments since its original enactment in 1976, notably to strengthen alignment with EU directives and to enhance protection for habitats and species. It remains a central reference for conservation policy in Germany and interacts with other federal and state laws on land use, forestry, and environmental protection.