Nature Conservation

We are fully committed to the long-term protection of our habitat by preserving the varied cultural landscape and its valuable biodiversity! As part of the process of drawing up the nature park concept, the following measures were identified for the nature conservation pillar:

Development of a conservation programme for the Jauerling meadows and raising awareness of their value

The diversity of the Jauerling meadows shapes the small-structured cultural landscape of the Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park and is the greatest nature conservation feature in the area. These meadows are the habitat of many rare and endangered animal and plant species, such as the Bohemian gentian, the Adriatic lizard orchid, or the corncrake. Meadow workshops, targeted advice to farmers and the development of creative mowing and grazing models are intended to contribute to the protection of the meadows. Urgent measures are needed to preserve these meadows, as they are endangered by the intensification of agriculture or the abandonment of maintenance.

Preservation of orchards

Orchard meadows are a typical landscape element of the region and provide a refuge for numerous animal and plant species. The basis for the long-term preservation of orchards is to be laid by mapping the orchards, surveying the diversity of varieties, and raising awareness among the owners.

Preservation of natural forests and raising awareness of sustainable forest management

The nature park is home to beautiful natural mixed oak and hornbeam forests in the Danube valley. These are to be preserved. Likewise, events and the establishment of cooperation with foresters, forest owners and hunters are intended to create awareness for sustainable forest management in times of climate change and bark beetle, in an area that is strongly characterised by spruce forests.

Enhancing knowledge about biodiversity in the nature park area

The nature park is home to over 75 species and habitats with high Lower Austrian priority for action. By setting up a biodiversity database and long-term monitoring of biodiversity hotspots, knowledge about these protected assets is to be enhanced and the implementation of appropriate measures is made possible.