Note: Since 01.01.2024, the current funding theme 9 (Nature conservation and water protection) combines the two previous funding themes 10 (Integrated concepts and measures for the protection and management of groundwater and surface waters) and 11 (Nature conservation and sustainable use of nature in agricultural landscapes and protected areas).
Formerly funding theme 10 (Integrated concepts and measures for the protection and management of groundwater and surface waters):
Point source and diffuse inputs degrade the quality of surface waters and groundwater bodies. Changes in the hydromorphology of water bodies led to structural impoverishment and thus to the loss of habitats typical of water bodies as well as of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Therefore, for the protection of surface waters and groundwater bodies, integrated considerations of catchment areas of selected water bodies are essential as a system-oriented approach. Material flow models, decision support systems as well as concrete measures for the reduction of anthropogenic influences and the structural optimization of water bodies in urban and rural areas can contribute to the solution. Interdisciplinary education, training and continuing education concepts serve to optimize the provision and communication of information as well as the development of professional competencies. The aim of the projects is to improve water quality and ecological water status.
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
Formerly funding theme 11 (Nature conservation and sustainable use of nature in agricultural landscapes and protected areas):
Cultural landscapes emphasizing nature are of great importance for biodiversity, which is highly dependent on the type of management. The intensification and standardization of land use have led to a loss of biodiversity that continues unabated to this day, and which must be stopped with appropriate measures in close cooperation with all stakeholders. Extensively managed landscapes can play an important role as networking elements between these useful landscapes and protected natural landscapes and are to be promoted through suitable concepts of sustainable regional development and concrete implementation projects.
There is a further need for action to ensure or increase the effectiveness of protected areas beyond what is possible under regulatory law by taking appropriate measures. In doing so, the requirements of current social as well as ecological developments must be met.
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
Project examples from this funding topic:
In addition to project funding, the DBU also awards doctoral scholarships to promote young scientists and fellowships for university graduates from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).