Nature conservation
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzThe aim of nature conservation is to preserve nature and landscape on the basis of their own value and as the basis of human life. Since it is becoming increasingly clear that the loss and destruction of nature and landscape can also have serious negative consequences for humans, restoration, preservation and the long-term and sustainable usability of the natural balance as well as a careful handling of the landscape are sought. Because of their importance in the natural balance, but also their endangerment, the animal and plant species enjoy special protection.
Certain areas and landscape features enjoy special protection. The coherent European ecological network "Natura 2000" consists of the so-called fauna-flora-habitat areas (FFH) and the bird sanctuaries (VSG). In addition and partly overlapping, the Eifel district is particularly protected:
-nature conservation areas
-landscape conservation areas
-nature parks
-natural monuments
Protection is granted in each case by a legal ordinance issued by the higher nature conservation authority for nature parks and nature reserves. This also applies to landscape conservation areas that cross district boundaries.
In the Eifel district of Bitburg-Prüm there are currently
-the Südeifel and Nordeifel nature parks
-the landscape conservation area "Between Ueß and Kyll"
-30 nature conservation areas
-146 natural monuments
Certain projects and activities are prohibited here or are subject to special approval. Violations in nature conservation areas or natural monuments may also result in criminal prosecution.
Irrespective of the aforementioned protected areas designated by ordinance, certain parts of nature and landscape that are of particular importance as habitats for plants and animals are protected by law in accordance with Section 30 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act and Section 15 of the State Nature Conservation Act. Further provisions on the protection of habitats can be found in Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Among other things, this includes a ban on burning the ground cover or carrying out extensive pruning measures in the period from March 1 to September 30.
The lower nature conservation authority may allow exceptions in individual cases under certain circumstances for important reasons, provided that this possibility is listed in the law or the respective ordinance. An exemption can be applied for in the case of prohibitions that do not provide for an exemption. The upper nature conservation authority, i.e. the Struktur- und Genehmigungsdirektion Nord in Koblenz, is generally responsible for granting the exemption, which is subject to strict conditions.