Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege e. V.

Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege e. V. (DVL) is a German nonprofit association that focuses on the conservation, maintenance, and sustainable development of landscapes. It brings together professionals, municipalities, and organizations involved in landscape care to share knowledge and promote best practices. The association provides expert advice, training programs, and technical guidance on topics such as habitat restoration, green infrastructure, and ecological landscaping. Its activities aim to support the preservation of cultural and natural landscapes across Germany.

DVL operates throughout the Federal Republic of Germany, with its headquarters located in the country. As an eingetragener Verein (e.V.), it is governed by its members and follows the legal framework for registered associations in Germany. The association collaborates with federal and state authorities, research institutions, and other NGOs to influence landscape policy and implementation. Through conferences, workshops, and publications, it disseminates information relevant to landscape practitioners.

The organization is distinguished by its specialized expertise in landscape conservation, which positions it as a key reference point for guidelines on environmentally sound land management. It often contributes to the development of standards and recommendations that are adopted by public planners and private contractors. DVL’s emphasis on integrating ecological considerations with cultural heritage values sets it apart from more general environmental groups. Its members benefit from a network that facilitates the exchange of practical experience and scientific findings.

In November 2022, DVL experienced a ransomware attack in which unknown actors gained access to its servers despite existing security measures. The association responded by activating its crisis team, disconnecting affected systems, and notifying data protection authorities and law enforcement. While the full extent of any data compromise remained undetermined, the incident prompted warnings about fraudulent emails purporting to come from DVL and led to a review and strengthening of its security protocols. Existing backups were expected to enable restoration after verification, highlighting the organization’s reliance on contingency planning for cyber resilience.