Renaturation of the Aschach: An ecological showcase project in Waizenkirchen!

Renaturation of the Aschach: An ecological showcase project in Waizenkirchen!

Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and Environmental Councilor Stefan Kaineder today visited an important renaturation project on the Aschach River in Waizenkirchen. This ecology project, which is estimated with construction costs of 2 million euros, aims to restore the original natural course of the almost completely regulated river. The project follows the recent agreement on a European Renaturation Act, which defines the protection of ecosystems as a central task. Gewessler emphasizes: "It is about the protection of our livelihood and thus for our future", and is optimistic that further such projects in Upper Austria can be realized, such as meinzirk.at reported.

Mayor Fabian Grünis explains that the project should not be confused with flood protection measures because it primarily aims at ecology. The aim is to lower the temperature of the water and to improve the living conditions for various flora and fauna. The measures include the laying of the river bed and the creation of au landscapes in order to enable natural restoration. According to Grünis, the areas required for this are largely in public possession, which makes implementation easier. However, there are also concerns from the population, in particular with regard to a possible increase in beaver population, which, according to some residents, could have negative consequences for agriculture, such as tips.at reported. "It may be that the beaver withdraws, I don't want to gloss over anything, but also not paint black," says Grünis.

The process and the reactions

Despite the positive ecological aspects, there are critical voices in Waizenkirchen about the integration of the residents into the planning process. Residents complain that their worries were not sufficiently taken into account and the dialogue was not transparent. Georg Doppler from the Association of Damm -Free expresses his concern about the lack of inclusion of those affected and demands together togetherness in the planning of such projects. However, Grüneis remains optimistic that the renaturation project promotes both biodiversity and created a basis in order to better counter the challenges of the climate crisis.