Forest & nutrition: Austria's forests as a source of life for humans and animals!

Forest & nutrition: Austria's forests as a source of life for humans and animals!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - On March 21st, the “International Day of the Forest” is celebrated, and Austria LK President Josef Moosbrugger emphasizes the essential role of forests for both biodiversity and food supply. Forests are habitats for many animals and plants and deliver products such as wild, mushrooms and wood. Moosbrugger explains that although the forests contribute to the nutrition of a part of the population, a world population of 9 billion people cannot be fed solely by the forests. Therefore, sustainable agriculture in Europe is necessary to ensure the long-term nutritional care, so ots.at .

The importance of the forestry and wood administration for the Austrian and European economy is also emphasized. Around 300,000 people live directly from the forests, and according to a study from 2021, each 17 euros in Austria can be derived directly from this sector. The multifunctional forest economy not only contributes to climate adaptation, but also plays a central role in bioeconomy, which affects all areas of life and economic areas. Moosbrugger, however, expresses sharp criticism of the EU renovation regulation, which is seen as a hedge-up for forest economy development: "It is necessary like a huge block on the leg," he reports.

forest fund as a future investment

In recent years, the domestic forests have experienced massive damage through extreme weather conditions and malice insects. Moosbrugger emphasizes that the newly created forest fund, the result of a collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, was decisive to preserve many forest businesses from economic ruin. "Anyone who was ever in one of the damaged forests knows that there was no time for lengthy analyzes; the need for quick measures was obvious," said Moosbrugger. This fund supports the reforestation and maintenance of the forest functions, which is not only ecologically valuable, but also an important economic relief, such as LKO.AT reported.