The Achental Eco-model (Ökomodell Achental)
The purpose of the Achental Eco-model is long-term preservation of the diversity and quality of the protected areas and ecologically valuable landscapes of the Achental. The project is based on the three pillars of nature protection, maintenance of a small-scale agricultural structure, and utilisation of nature for tourism. All aspects are developed on a co-ordinated basis and to their mutual benefit. Sustainable regional development is handled at the inter-municipal and cross-border level with the involvement of all social groups.
Project executive
The project is run by Verein Ökomodell Achental e.V., an association made up of the Upper Bavarian communities of Bergen, Grabenstätt, Grassau, Marquartstein, Schleching, Staudach-Egerndach, Übersee and Unterwössen and their residents. Neighbouring Tyrolean communities are involved as project partners. Local residents participate in subject-based working groups and initiative circles.
Participants
Local residents and especially the farmers (via the initiative circles, agenda groups and working parties, or at the level of the association itself), secretariat (three people at present), a board comprising the mayors of the municipalities and five additional members (representing the various interest groups), the relevant authorities (e.g. nature protection authorities, Office of Agriculture), external consultants, employees of the local authorities and tourist offices.
Objectives
Preservation and development of the protected areas, biodiversity and the landscape; maintaining the farm management measures necessary for biodiversity (e.g. mowing the litter meadows, mountain pasture management); maintaining and developing extensive farming methods; increasing value added in agriculture; promoting nature-friendly tourism; visitor management in ecologically sensitive areas; awareness building for children and adults among the resident populations and visitors with regard to the beauty of the landscape and the need to protect it, and with regard to the interrelationships between nature protection, agriculture and one’s own behaviour; strengthening regional awareness; creating new synergies and perspectives through intensive networking among initiatives and municipalities; sustainable strengthening of the region from within; maintaining employment levels and the quality of life in the region.
Activities
Counselling for land users and owners in the interest of the preservation and management of ecologically valuable areas; responsibility for an area management officer; support for various landscape management measures; creation of a working group for environmental education (guided nature walks, school projects, etc.); visitor management and information measures (e.g. wetland nature trail, rehabilitation of paths); development of a regional marketing system for near-naturally grown produce from the region; logo and marketing concepts; development of guidelines in working groups; introduction of a regional menu, farmers’ market and regional shelf; publication of various direct marketing brochures; information events; provision of labels, packaging materials and a vacuum sealer; further education for farmers (e.g. computer skills); developing offers for nature-based sustainable tourism in co-operation with tourism experts, accommodation providers and other businesses, e.g. car-less holidays, nature discovery programmes; tourism workshops.
Results
A large number of landscape management measures have been implemented. The preservation and management of litter meadows, mountain pastures and other biotope areas have been achieved almost everywhere, and solutions are being sought for the problem cases (e.g. sponsorships, action groups). Nature is more and more becoming a standard ingredient in tourism marketing (e.g. guided nature walks). Direct marketing is constantly increasing (e.g. farmers’ markets, meat direct from the farm, mobile dairy). Some direct marketers have been able to switch from part-time to full-time. Agriculture has been stabilised (with farmers’ children again willing to take over the farms) and has become more extensive (area devoted to organic farming and extensive agriculture doubled and still increasing). The number of farm-holiday visitors has also risen significantly. Many working groups are now well established and can increasingly run themselves. Schools and kindergartens have been recruited as partners (e.g. biotope sponsorships, project days). The growing degree of networking facilitates the implementation of measures.
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