Cultural landscape programme Nature Park Poellauer Valley (Kulturlandschaftsprogramm Naturppark Pöllauer Tal)

Best Practice

Topics

• Protected areas
• Regional value added

Short description

Nature park; Expansion: 12.500 hectar; Running time of the cultural landscape programme: 1999-2001, Objective: Conservation of the traditional cultural landscape. Valuation and compensation payments for farmers by OePUL for low-intensity agriculture. A management plan was developed on the basis of the land register. The partizipation was 90%. The programme included creation of ecological awareness and a scenario of consequences for the landscape and biodiversity in case of intensive agriculture. The change of the landscape and the biodiversity between 1822, today and 2022 was illustrated.

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Project executive

Naturpark Poellauer Valley.

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Participants

Association of the austrian nature parks, Federal Ministry for agriculture and forestry, Municipality Poellauberg, provincial government department for nature conservation of Styria(RA 6)

Objectives

Conservation of the traditional cultural landscape. Valuation and compensation payments for farmers by OEPUL for low-intensity agriculture. A management plan was developed on the basis of the land register.

Activities

The programme included creation of ecological awareness and a scenario of consequences for the landscape and biodiversity in case of intensive agriculture. The change of the landscape and the biodiversity between 1822, today and 2022 was illustrated. Nature trails, earth walk, biotopes, experience nature, guided earth walks, ecological and cultural education opportunities, creation of recreation possibilities, game reserve, exchange market of regional plants, projects with beekeepers.

Process

Presentations for and discussions with the municpalities and farmers.

Results

The region and the local communities were strengthened. The landowners got compensation payments for participating in the programme (financial incentive). The farmers were allowed to use their land under certain restrictions (protection by low-intensity use). Success factors were: Integration of the project in a protected area management plan, which permits a front end financing by the OePUL programme (utilization of synergies). Direct communication with the landowners (communication). The municipalities supported intensively the project. Co-operation and communication between the protected area management and landowners (close contact between stakeholders). In the region existed a high need for action.

Evaluation

No evaluation

Difficulties

To convince farmers. The resolution were compensation payments.

Budget

~ 73.000€ (Euro)

Financial backer

70% from the EU, 30% from municipalities.

Source of information

Competition

Participant at the 2005 Future in the Alps competition

Homepage

http://www.naturparke.at/index2.html?poellau/home.html

Publication

Dullnig, G. & Jungmeier, M. 2001: Kulturlandschaftsprogramm Pöllauberg (im Naturpark Pöllauer Tal) - Pilotprojekt zur Umsetzung eines Naturschutz-Planes im Rahmen des ÖPUL 2000. Studie im Auftrag von: Verband der Naturparke Österreichs und der Gemeinde Dullnig, G. & Jungmeier, M. 2003: Landschaftsfenster im Naturpark Pöllauer Tal. Landschaftsentwicklung: Vergangenheit (1822) - Gegenwart (2000/2002) - Zukunft (2022). Endbericht, Bearbeitung: E.C.O. Institut für Ökologie, Klagenfurt, 180S.

Comments

Impact on nature and environment

Conservation of the regional cultural landscape and biodiversity. Plant exchange market with an extensive offer of rare plants. High distribution.

Economic value added

Improvement of the economical situation of the farmers. Creation of a second income possibility.

Socio-cultural value added

strengthen of intermunicipality cooperation, formation of educational institution

PR impact

presentations at municipalities

Multiplier effect / networking

yes

Transferability

yes

Further information