Funding topic 11: Marine nature conservation fund

The North Sea and Baltic Sea are unique natural areas with species-rich ecosystems. However, the seas are used intensively and are therefore in a poor state. The planned expansion of offshore wind energy is an important part of the energy transition, but means further encroachment on this sensitive habitat. This makes it all the more important to invest more in protecting the oceans.

Coastal and marine environmental protection has already been the subject of DBU funding. In November 2024, the DBU Board of Trustees decided to set up a new separate funding area for marine nature conservation in the North and Baltic Seas. Projects are to be funded with around ten million euros annually from 2025. The basis for this is an endowment from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), which makes it possible to provide around EUR 10 million in funding each year from the proceeds. The endowment comes from compensation payments for the expansion of offshore wind energy, which are set out in the Offshore Wind Energy Act.

In particular, projects in the following areas are eligible for funding:

• Protection and conservation of endangered marine species such as sturgeon, salmon, eel, shark, rays, the strengthening and restoration of habitats such as reefs, seagrass beds and the promotion of the continuity of corresponding catchment areas
• Innovative, environmentally compatible developments in the construction, operation and dismantling of offshore wind turbines, including the necessary connection lines and systems for the transmission of other energy sources from wind turbines at sea, as well as the reduction of cumulative effects of other existing and future uses (both R&D projects and practical testing and implementation)

This topic can also be supported in individual cases:

• Development of innovative methods for monitoring, participation and communication in marine nature conservation

Up-to-date information on the application process can be found here and regularly in our newsletter DBUaktuell. Simply subscribe here: Subscribe to DBUaktuell – DBU.

Do you have an exciting idea for this funding topic? Then submit your application directly online here!

Funding for marine nature conservation topics can also be applied for in the DBU’s Green Start-up Program .

In addition to project funding, the DBU also awards doctoral scholarships to promote young scientists with a focus on marine conservation and fellowships for university graduates from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Steering Committee Marine Nature Conservation Fund

Nature conservation and habitat restoration

• Protection and conservation of endangered marine species such as sturgeon, salmon, eel, sharks and rays
• Strengthening and restoring habitats such as reefs, seagrass beds and promoting the continuity of corresponding catchment areas

Maritime Infrastructure & Technology, Offshore Wind Energy

• Research, development, testing and demonstration of innovative technologies and services that reduce the impact on the marine environment during the construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore wind turbines (in addition to wind turbines, this also includes the necessary infrastructure for the transmission of electricity and other energy sources)
• Far-reaching projects that can reduce the impact of other existing or future uses of the seas on the marine environment.

Communication and public relations