Biological Stations in North Rhine Westphalia; Germany
Summary
This site has been constructed as a central information platform to introduce you to 40 Biological Stations in the German State of North Rhine Westphalia (NRW), all of which have a common task in the conservation, monitoring and development of local natural and near-natural habitats.
Biological Stations are registered associations
German law allows the foundation of registered associations on a non-profit basis by a group of individuals. Tax deductalbe donations can be made after recognition by both the civil and fiscal authorities that the association is working for the common good.
Thus the Biological Stations are all independent private associations, and the programme of work is decided either by a members' assembly, or by a board of directors.
In what way do Biological Stations differ from other associations for nature Conservation?
Firstly, in that they are staffed to a large extent by qualified Biologists.
Secondly, recognition by the NRW Ministry for Nature and Environmental Protection which initiated a support programme for the Biological Stations in the 1980’s. A funding model was drawn up incorporating State and Municipal contributions provided the Stations are able to raise certain sums themselves, usually as soft money or through third parties. Today we have a network of 41 Stations occupying an intermediate position between the government and voluntary work. Most of the stations are closely connected with one or more regional districts where the administrative authorities play a role in matters of finance, and in decisions on the aims and programme of the Station.
Currently the Biological Stations are suffering from a fall in State funding.
Pathfinder through the German website
We apologise for only offering this short summary in the English language.
In our site entitled 'Biologische Stationen' you can find the following sections:
'Über uns' - general information on the Stations' history, their aims and programme.
'Station suchen' - find 'your' Station on the interactive map of North Rhine Westfalia, or in the postal adress list.
'Veranstaltungen' - a current list of excursions offered by Biological Stations in NRW.
'Dachverband' - a holding organisation for the Biological Stations in NRW.
'...in den Medien' - Biological Stations in the news.
Other sections on the site include:
The 'Natur-Info' pages offering links to State organisations and non-governmental Institutions concerned with Nature Protection. A summary of specially protected areas, and the results of monitoring programmes are given.
'Service' pages offer special GIS and other computer support and data. The 'EDV-Servicestelle' which also has the responsibility for this website is a state funded service bureau for all Biological Stations in NRW.
The 'Aktuelles' section offers news from the Biological Stations, and information on changes in a given website page.
We hope to extend our English and other foreign language contributions on this site, and in the meantime I would be more than pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Cordial thanks for the friendly translation help to Mr. K. Jenkins!
copyright: edv-servicestelle 2008
