Nature conservation areas are areas of particular ecological value. Section 23 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act defines the objectives and tasks of nature conservation areas. They are not only intended to preserve animals, plants and their habitats, but also to provide information on natural history and regional history. The protection of biotic resources is at the heart of the conservation concept. Together with national parks, nature reserves are the most strictly protected areas under nature conservation law.

The designation of a nature reserve is carried out by means of a statutory order; this consists of the text of the order and the protected area maps.

The designation of nature conservation areas is the responsibility of the higher nature conservation authorities of the governments.