LIFE+ project Wilderness Wetland Wachau

Project map of wilderness wetland © viadonau
School projects contribute to raising the awareness of amphibian habitats © Hannes Seehofer
Girdling should cause the neophytes to die off © Hannes Seehofer

The currently running project “Wilderness Wetland Wachau” is intended to follow on from two previous LIFE projects in the region. Extensive measures for revitalising the remains of old river courses are planned during the project period. Existing areas of riparian forest on already existing and newly created islands should be improved and expanded. The creation of spawning waters is envisaged for highly endangered amphibians such as the yellow-bellied toad and the Danube northern crested newt, nests will be created for white-tailed eagles and valuable old trees will be protected.

The following results are anticipated after implementation of the aquatic and terrestrial measures:

  • 50 hectares of new conservation area
  • Creation of 15.5 hectares of riparian forest
  • Neophyte control on 11 hectares
  • 1.4 km side arm Schopperstatt
  • Dynamisation of the side arm at Rührsdorf/Rossatz: overflow section to the Danube, bridge widening/raising
  • Conservation of amphibians
  • Conservation of the black poplar
  • Conservation of white-tailed eagles
  • Riparian forest themed trail

Project promoter: viadonau with the participation of the association Welterbegemeinden Wachau (World Heritage Municipalities Wachau), the municipality of Rossatz-Arnsdorf, the Lower Austrian Provincial Fishing Association, the Lower Austrian provincial government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water (Life Ministry), and the Austrian Fisheries Society
Project duration: 2015 - 2020
Project costs: approx. €3,900,000 (50% EU)

The project website of viadonau can be visited here.