Viennese students transform former train station into a natural paradise!

Viennese students transform former train station into a natural paradise!

Around 100 students from the 2nd to 4. School level take part in an innovative project to promote biodiversity in Vienna. This project is carried out in cooperation between the city of Vienna - Environmental Protection and the Children's Office at the University of Vienna. The focus is on the nature conservation area Breitenlee, which was recently acquired by the city of Vienna. Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky emphasizes the importance of the new protection area for biodiversity in the city, especially in view of the challenges of the climate crisis, which primarily affect children and adolescents.

The project includes various educational offers, including lectures, school workshops and excursions to the area. A biodiversity conference in which children with scientists and city representatives can enter dialogue is planned for autumn. Breitenlee, which used to be used as a sliding station, extends over around 90 hectares and offers habitat for numerous protected animal and plant species such as the crippling and the fence lizard.

Renaturation as a contribution to biodiversity

In order to successfully develop the area into a Natura 2000 area, the city of Vienna is applying EU funds for comprehensive renaturation measures. This step is part of a larger plan that not only promotes the improvement of climate protection, but also creates local recreation areas for the population. Mayor Michael Ludwig and the ÖBB infrastructure officer Silvia Angelo signed a letter of intent for the project "Nature Conservation Area Breitenlee".

The renaturation project should include the restoration of habitats and the creation of a sustainable pasture landscape. Initial measures include the reverse seal of areas and the removal of invasive plant species. The aim is to expand the habitat for a variety of protected species and to maintain a valuable biotope landscape. The area is more than twice the size of the stone courtyard and represents an important natural corridor.

the Natura 2000 network

The initiative for the development of the Breitenlee area in a Natura 2000 area is part of a comprehensive strategy of the EU that aims to counteract the decline in biological diversity. The bird protection guidelines that have existed since 1979 and the Fauna Flora Habita guidelines (FFH directive) aim to create protected areas for endangered species. The Natura 2000 network is a central instrument for the preservation of protected habitats and species.

In Germany, numerous animal and plant species as well as habitat types are precisely shown and must be monitored regularly. All of these measures are crucial for the preservation of biological diversity in the EU. The development of the Breitenlee area not only creates a valuable biotope, but also an example of sustainable nature conservation measures in urban rooms.

The city of Vienna finances the project with a budget between 10 and 15 million euros, with 60% of these funds being provided by EU funding. The term of the EU life project is 10 years and will contribute to the promotion of biodiversity and climate protection in the long term.

For children and adolescents, the project is a unique opportunity to actively deal with nature conservation and to develop awareness of the environment. In addition, the children's university is continued until July 18, in which the participants can gain valuable experience.

The merging of these educational initiatives with effective renaturation measures shows how committed Vienna works to promote a sustainable and species -rich future for future generations.

Further information can be found in the articles of Ökobusiness Wien and Bfn .