Dispensation from the Flora and Fauna Act

The Dutch Flora and Fauna Act (Flora- en faunawet) regulates the protection of plant and animal species. The Act prohibits a large number of activities that may harm protected species. These prohibited activities focus not only on hunting, trading in and possessing protected animals and plants, but also on protecting the areas where these species live.

Dispensation or permit

If you want to carry out activities in the Netherlands that are contrary to the Flora and Fauna Act, you can apply for dispensation from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I) or from the provincial authority. In some cases, instead of dispensation, you have to apply for an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning). You must apply for this permit if you also want to carry out other activities for which you require a All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects. You apply for the permit from your local municipal authority. More information about how to apply can be found on the 'All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects' page.

Exemption

Exemption from the Flora and Fauna Act is possible for certain activities. In those cases you do not need to apply for dispensation or a permit. You will sometimes have to draw up a code of conduct for these activities. Please contact the DR Help desk (DR-loket) for more information.

Differences between the Netherlands and other EU countries

The technical requirements imposed by the Netherlands in respect of some protected animal and plant species differ from those of other EU Member States. If a protected animal or plant species is already allowed in another EU Member State, the Netherlands may ban its sale in the Netherlands only in exceptional cases.

National Authority for Data concerning Nature

The website of the National Authority for Data concerning Nature (Gegevensautoriteit Natuur) gives a better view regarding the ecological situation around your construction project. This allows you to reduce the chance of delaying or obstructing the project.