LIFE VienNATURA: Restoring a Pannonian Landscape in a Growing Capital City

ongoing

LIFE VienNATURA focuses on the former marshalling yard Breitenlee, Vienna, facing challenges of invasive alien species (IAS) and nature and species conversation. By aligning with EU and regional policies and strategies, the project aims to restore habitats and enhance local endangered species populations. This includes closing habitat gaps, promoting nature conservation and sharing cross border knowledge for sustainable development. The project site (57 ha), a protected landscape featuring steppic grasslands and forest patches, hosts endangered species (reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, bats) and a high variety of wild bees crucial for pollination. At present, conservation issues at the site are lack of proper management, uncontrolled succession, IAS and recreational activities, threatening habitats and species which lead to the degradation of habitats and pose significant risks to local biodiversity. One goal is to raise public awareness and gain acceptance for measures, including restrictions for recreation. A key element is the development of a coordinated plan for sustainable development and restoration. Measures focus on improvement, restoration and development of habitats and species, removal of IAS and the establishment of a pasture landscape to create a dynamic forest steppe environment. Protection and promotion of animal and plant species, as well as continuous monitoring for adaptive site management, are integral to the project. The long-term success of the project will be ensured by an After-LIFE plan and the establishment of protected area management. The project's holistic approach on sustainability, community engagement and knowledge exchange is a model for nature conservation initiatives in urban environments. Through collaborative efforts and continuous evaluation, the project intends to provide impact on biodiversity conservation and raise awareness of nature conservation issues in Vienna and beyond.