The unspoilt shore in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is allowed to grow and blossom thanks to the nature conservation cooperation between public, scientific and private actors. The Natura 2000 site Lendspitz-Maiernigg is a unique natural oasis in Europe with many rare animals and plants. Since last year, six hectares of habitat have been restored for protected animal species that depend on it. At yesterday's site visit, those responsible for the project reported on successful measures and innovations.
City Councillor for Education Franz Petritz has accompanied and supported the project since the very beginning: "The Natura 2000 protected area Lendspitz-Maiernigg is a true natural jewel in the middle of our provincial capital. The protection of flora and fauna is therefore particularly important. Through the organised excursions for schools, kindergartens and all those interested, an important measure is being taken here in the area of awareness raising."
Deputy mayor Alois Dolinar, who newly took over the function as Klagenfurt's city councillor for the environment in spring 2020, is also committed to the protection of the East Bay. "It is of utmost relevance and I am pleased that there are nature conservation initiatives like this one, which are working to preserve this unspoilt natural jewel in Klagenfurt. As the responsible officer for environmental and climate protection, I support and welcome all measures necessary for this."
The project is also supported by the province of Carinthia. "I was present at the kick-off of the nature conservation project at Lake Wörthersee in autumn 2020 and am now very pleased that the nature conservation measures are taking effect and that we can present the first successes and further important progress," says Sara Schaar, Regional Councillor for the Environment and Nature Conservation.
Flowering beauties on the advance - orchid blossom on moor grass meadows
At present, rare orchid species are in full bloom and are a real feast for the eyes along the path of the moor grass meadows on the Lendspitz. These, as well as the lime-rich fens in Maiernigg, are habitats for numerous species of butterflies, spiders and insects, which in turn are food for birds and bats. The reintroduction of maintenance mowing this year ensures that no scrub encroachment occurs in the long term and that no alien plants displace the native flora.
Due to the endangerment of the botanical rarities, picking is of course taboo. "Orchids - also called queens of flowers - are very widespread worldwide, yet very many species are endangered and the 65 orchid species found in Austria are all protected. We are proud that we were able to help implement this project together with the Province of Carinthia, the City of Klagenfurt and E.C.O.," says Ronald Würflinger, Managing Director of Blühendes Österreich, and points out the importance of the protective measures implemented.
New quiet zones for reed dwellers
Recently, new wooden pilots were erected near the shore to draw attention to the sensitive reed belt. It is an important resting zone for water birds, young fish, dice snakes and water plants. "Water sports enthusiasts are sensitised to keep a greater distance from the reed belt," explains Michaela Taupe-Traer, world rowing champion and project ambassador from Klagenfurt. "In this way, everyone can contribute to the protection of the rare animal and plant species by paying a little more attention." Next autumn, reed fences made of branch material and structures for young fish will also be added.
The newly created amphibian pools are already being accepted by the first inhabitants - four-spotted dragonflies, pond frogs and pond newts have already been encountered.
Recreation and learning space for nature seekers
Klagenfurters and all those interested in nature can learn about the unique animals and plants of the nature reserve on one of the excursions offered by E.C.O. Institute for Ecology (contact: Susanne Glatz-Jorde, glatz-jorde@e-c-o.at).
"Personally, I am very pleased that we can preserve the beauty of the Wörthersee East Bay with all these measures and that the public interest in the rare animals and plants in the area is great. It is always nice to see that nature conservation and experiencing nature are not mutually exclusive," says project manager Susanne Glatz-Jorde from the E.C.O. Institute for Ecology is happy about the success so far.
"The preservation and expansion of the species-rich habitats at Lake Wörthersee is an important concern for BILLA, which is why we are financing this lighthouse project through our Blühendes Österreich foundation with 58,000 euros, about half of the project costs," adds Kurt Aschbacher, BILLA Head of Sales in Carinthia.
About the project
Supported by Blühendes Österreich, the City of Klagenfurt and the Province of Carinthia, about six hectares of riparian zone in the European nature reserve with reed belt and cutting reed areas, adjacent moorland and moor grass meadows as well as small water bodies are being actively designed.
About the Natura 2000 protected area Lendspitz-Maiernigg
Since 2005, the Wörthersee East Bay in the Lendspitz-Maiernigg area has officially been a Natura 2000 site and is thus subject to EU-compliant criteria that guarantee the protection of endangered wild native plant and animal species and their natural habitats. The dice snake, the beaver, the ventral nudibranch and the Balkan moor frog have their home in this area. Together with other bat, bird, insect and amphibian species, they live in the 77.4 hectare area.
About Blooming Austria
The BILLA Foundation Blühendes Österreich is committed to a healthy environment and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, since 2015, Blühendes Österreich has supported more than 200 farmers, nature conservation organisations, municipalities and initiatives that protect our natural diversity through responsible agriculture. The website bluehendesoesterreich.at is the strongest digital platform for nature tourism and nature content. In the nature experience portal, Blühendes Österreich bundles more than 90 organisations with thousands of nature events per year. The citizen science app "Schmetterlinge Österreichs" (Butterflies of Austria) is the largest German-speaking nature observation app with more than 44,000 downloads and the accompanying desktop version. www.bluehendesoesterreich.at
About E.C.O. Institute for Ecology
E.C.O. is a research and consulting company for "nature conservation in the 21st century" with a focus on protected areas and predicate regions. With its projects, the team has been active for more than 20 years, helping to conserve and enhance natural habitats around the world, provide exceptional experiences of nature and develop the living and economic conditions in the respective regions.
Enquiries & Contact:
Silvie Bergant, Head of Communication Blühendes Österreich
+43 676 711 74 50
s.bergant@bluehendesoesterreich.at
www.bluehendesoesterreich.at
Romana Piiroja, Communication E.C.O. Institute for Ecology
+43 463 504 144 - 36
piiroja@e-c-o.at
www.e-c-o.at
