52003XC1031(07)

Authorisation of State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2003/C 262/08)

Date of adoption of the decision: 3.10.2003

Member State: Germany (Hessen)

Aid No: N 216/03

Title: Contracts for environmental protection in the forestry sector

Objective: To compensate wood owners in Hessen who undertake to implement environmental protection measures and fulfil certain administrative obligations in the framework of implementation of the Habitat Directive and the Birds Directive

Legal basis: - Framework contract "Vertragsnaturschutz im Wald" (Protection of Woods) of 27 November 2002;

- § 2 of the Hessische Naturschutzgesetz (/Law of the Land of Hessen on the Protection of Nature), as last modified on 18 June 2002;

- "Richtlinien für die Förderung von Erstaufforstungen" (Guidelines for the Promotion of First-Time Afforestation), adopted in the context of the Community programme for the improvement of agricultural structures and coastal protection;

- "Richtlinien für die Förderung des Privat- und Körperschaftswaldes" (Guidelines for the Promotion of Privately Owned Woods), issued in implementation of § 67 of the /Hessische Forstgesetz (/Law on Forestry of the Land of Hessen) and of Regulation EC 1257/1999;

- "Richtlinien für die Förderung forstwirtschaftlicher Maßnahmen" (Guidelines for the Promotion of Forestry Measures), adopted in the context of the Community programme for the improvement of agricultural structures and coastal protection

Budget: EUR 600000/year

Aid intensity or amount: Limited to compensating the costs of the environmental engagements

Duration: Unlimited

The authentic text(s) of the decision, form which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at

http://europa.eu.int/comm/ secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids