Island in front of the crooked tree: Hope for nature conservation against Loja conveyor belt

Island in front of the crooked tree: Hope for nature conservation against Loja conveyor belt

The resistance to the planned conveyor belt of the Hartstein Work Loja, which is stretched over the Danube and has a length of about 1.2 kilometers, shows no signs of weakening. Last June, the municipality of Krummnußbaum and 29 citizens submitted an official complaint against a decision by the state of Lower Austria. In this decision it was stated that no environmental impact assessment (RRP) was necessary for the project.

A remarkable development in this conflict could now arise from a small island in front of the crooked tree. This approximately 300-meter-long and 10 meter wide island houses many species and threatened animal and plant species. Landscape planner Alfred Benesch emphasizes the uniqueness of this island, because it represents the only living space of this kind within a radius of 50 kilometers. Now it is possible to explain the island to the natural monument, which could provide nature conservation before other usage interests.

a serious problem for nature

The Mayor of Krummnussbaum, Bernhard Kerndler from the ÖVP, describes the situation as a potential "Supergau" for both people and nature. This worrying assessment is also shared by an official expert in the state of Lower Austria who visited the island together with Benesch. On the basis of this inspection, the Melk district administration will make a decision; A positive decision would prioritize nature conservation.

The managing director of the Hartsteinwerk, Johannes Koppler, is covered on this topic. In his testimony, the company's focus is currently on the procurement of materials that are required due to flood damage and not on hypothetical discussions. Likewise, the mayor of Persenbeug-Gottsdorf, Gerhard Leeb from the SPÖ, was cautious as long as no binding decisions were made.

threat to the international wildlife corridor

The Via Donau, co -owner of the island, has also carefully commented. The company states that it has been actively contributing to the promotion of ecology and biodiversity along the Danube for years. They are involved in numerous projects that aim to maintain habitats.

Another project that is presented to the Biodiversity Fund of the Ministry of Climate is intended to create basics in the fight against the conveyor belt. Benesch explains that the conveyor belt is a threat to transnational corridors that are important for fish, birds and other wild animals. He complains that the UVP authority has ignored these problems.

In addition, the island is home to many species protected by the EU Habitat guidelines and acts as an international corridor for wild animals. It is known that wild cats, deer and wild boars cross the Danube at this point. M. Benesch emphasizes that the entire area can be seen as part of a national wildlife corridor.