Nature in danger: Austria's biodiversity is threatened with extinction!

Nature in danger: Austria's biodiversity is threatened with extinction!

Time is running out! On the occasion of the upcoming Species Protection Day on March 3rd, environmental and nature conservation organizations in Austria are drawing attention to the alarming situation: "The ground is literally being pulled out from under our treasure trove of species. In Austria, twelve hectares of soil are used every day - that is a sad record in Europe," says Thomas Wrbka, President of the Nature Conservation Association. The loss of habitats and the fragmentation of biotopes are serious problems that put over 80 percent of the species and habitats protected in Austria in a poor state of conservation. These shocking figures highlight the need for rapid action.

"We have to act quickly. Biotope networking and the restoration of damaged ecosystems must be integrated into all relevant policy areas - from agriculture and forestry to spatial planning and infrastructure development," demands Franz Maier, President of the environmental umbrella organization. The implementation of the recently passed Nature Restoration Law represents a unique opportunity to make the restoration of nature realistic. In addition to sealing and the loss of intact ecosystems, natural disasters are also a major threat. “Natural river courses protect us from floods, while moors and healthy soils store carbon,” Wrbka further emphasizes. This shows that protecting nature is not only an ecological necessity, but also a central measure for climate protection. When speaking about the groundbreaking agreement in the EU trialogue on the Nature Restoration Law, Maier mentioned: “EU countries must restore at least 20% of land and seas by 2030.” These measures are crucial to halt the loss of biodiversity.

Important bright spots and challenges

The EU has committed to bringing 60% of legally protected habitats into good condition by 2040 and 90% by 2050. But there are also critical points: an “emergency brake” could suspend the implementation of the regulations in “extraordinary circumstances”, which has already led to nature conservation measures being undermined in the past. “It is now up to the federal states to finally give up the blockade policy and prepare constructively for the implementation of the law,” warns Maier. It is now up to Member States to approve this positive progress and take the crucial votes in the EU Parliament to make the law effective, as stated in the report by UWD emerges.

Time to act – nature can’t wait any longer!