Sustainable Forest Management in Austria Austrian Forest Report 2015 Sustainable Forest Management in Austria Austrian Forest Report 2015

MINISTERIUM FÜR EIN LEBENSWERTES ÖSTERREICH bmlfuw.gv.at

SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRIA AUSTRIAN FOREST REPORT 2015 SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRIA AUSTRIAN FOREST REPORT 2015

LEGAL NOTICE

Published by Pictures Republic of Austria, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Stephanie Brettschneider, Bernhard Kern, Andrea Moser, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, Alexander Müller, Rita Newman, Johannes Prem, Stubenring 1, A-1012 Vienna shutterstock.com www.bmlfuw.gv.at Design and production Compiled and arranged by trafikant — Handel mit Gestaltung, 1050 Vienna Directorate III/1 — Forest Policy and Forest Information Translation / Proof-reading Overall coordination Mirjam Freund Johannes Prem E-Mail: [email protected] Printing AV+Astoria Druckzentrum GmbH, 1030 Vienna, Faradaygasse 6. Editors Eco-label UZ 24 „Low-polluting printing products“ UW 734 Alexander Foglar-Deinhardstein, Victoria-Christina Piribauer, Printed in accordance with the Guideline of the Austrian Eco-label Johannes Prem for “Printed Products”.

With contributions by Thomas Baschny, Raphaela Beer, Franz Essl, Alexander Foglar- Deinhardstein, Thomas Geburek, Georg Greutter, Alfred Grieshofer, Ingwald Gschwandtl, Johannes Hangler, Ronald Huber, Johann Kiessling, Albert Knieling, Ferdinand Leitner, Stefanie Linser, Rudolf Lotterstädter, Kasimir Nemestothy, Peter Mayer, Andrea Moser, Andreas Pichler, Victoria-Christina Piribauer, Johannes Prem, Helga All rights reserved. Pülzl, Georg Rappold, Susanne Roth, Matthias Schermaier, Bernhard Reprinting permitted only with reference to source. Schwarzl, Walter Sekot, Anton Trzesniowski, Peter Weiss, Martin Wöhrle, Bernhard Wolfslehner and others. Vienna, November 2015 SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRIA AUSTRIAN FOREST REPORT 2015

PREFACE

FORESTS ARE EXTREMELY IM- Since 2001 its structure pursues the approach of the PORTANT IN AUSTRIA: They provide the valua- Pan-European Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable ble raw material of wood and protect humans and infra- Forest Management, which is of great relevance also structures against natural hazards. They provide for clean in international reporting. In 2005 our country incor- air and clean water while at the same time capturing porated these parameters also in the national forest carbon and thus a major portion of our CO2 emissions. programme and added Austria-specific values. Moreover, forests are among the most important areas of recreation for the whole population. Together with The next major step is the preparation of an Austrian the downstream sectors, Austria‘ forests offer secure jobs „Forest Strategy 2020”: Sustainable forest management to over 300,000 persons and, according to most recent for a liveable Austria! figures, generate a trade surplus of 3.41 billion euros. The Forest Strategy 2020 is intended as an instrument Almost 50 percent of our national territory is covered by which is to help meet present and future challenges in forests. They are managed by about 145,000 forest own- the best possible way and to ensure the multi-functional ers whose overall concept — sustainable forest manage- services provided by forests for future generations. ment — is exemplary and extraordinarily successful. 2015 is an important year for the forest - the United The value of forests is continuously rising, both in Nations declared it the International Year of Soils. As quantitative and in qualitative terms. The Austrian regards Austria‘s forests, we can say: They are firmly Forest Report 2015, too, demonstrates this impressively. anchored both in soils and in the heads of Austrians.

Yours, ANDRÄ RUPPRECHTER Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 Preface 81 Indicator 4.5: Deadwood 82 Indicator 4.6: Genetic resources 11 Introduction: Sustainable forest management — the Austrian way 84 Indicator 4.7: Landscape pattern 13 The philosophy of sustainability for Austria‘s forests 86 Indicator 4.8: Threatened forest species 14 Legal framework 89 Indicator 4.9: Protected forests 14 Institutional structure 15 Cash flow 92 Criterion 5: Maintenance and Appropriate Enhancement of the 15 Public participation Protective Functions in Forest Management (notably Soil and Water) 15 Control system 94 Indicator 5.1: Protective forests — soil, water and other ecosystem functions 98 Indicator 5.2: Protective forests — infrastructure and managed natural resources 17 Forest Strategy 2020 23 Sustainable forest management in Austria 102 Criterion 6: Maintenance of Other Socio-Economic Functions and Conditions 104 Indicator 6.1: Forest holdings 106 Indicator 6.2: Contribution of forest sector to gross domestic product 25 Quantitative Indicators 106 Indicator 6.3: Net revenue 109 Indicator 6.4: Expenditures on services 26 Criterion 1: Maintenance and Appropriate Enhancement of Forest Resources 109 Indicator 6.5: Forest sector workforce and Their Contribution to Global Carbon Cycles 115 Indicator 6.6: Occupational safety and health 28 Indicator 1.1: Forest area 116 Indicator 6.7: Wood consumption 31 Indicator 1.2: Growing stock 117 Indicator 6.8: Trade in wood 33 Indicator 1.3: Age structure and diameter distribution 119 Indicator 6.9: Energy from wood resources 34 Indicator 1.4: Carbon balance of Austrian forests 121 Indicator 6.10: Accessibility for recreation 122 Indicator 6.11: Cultural and spiritual values 36 Criterion 2: Maintenance of Forest Ecosystem Health and Vitality 38 Indicator 2.1: Deposition of air pollutants 124 Criterion 7: Austria‘s International Responsibility for Sustainable Forest Management 43 Indicator 2.2: Soil condition 126 Indicator 7.1: Forest-related projects in development cooperation 45 Indicator 2.3: Defoliation 128 Indicator 7.2: Austria‘s contribution to international and multilateral forest governance 46 Indicator 2.4: Forest damage 130 Indicator 7.3: Public funds for forest-relevant, internationally active organisations and for the participation of Austrian experts in forest-related international bodies 52 Criterion 3: Maintenance and Encouragement of Productive Functions 131 Indicator 7.4: Austrian contribution to efforts on combatting illegal logging of Forests (Wood and Non-Wood) 54 Indicator 3.1: Increment and fellings 57 Indicator 3.2: Roundwood 133 Qualitative Indicators 61 Indicator 3.3: Non-wood products 64 Indicator 3.4: Services 134 Indicator A.1: National forest programmes and the like 67 Indicator 3.5: Forests under management plans 137 Indicator A.2: Institutional framework 140 Indicator A.3: Legal/Statutory framework and international commitments 68 Criterion 4: Maintenance, Conservation and Appropriate Enhancement 147 Indicator A.4: Financial instruments/Economic policy of Biological Diversity in Forest Ecosystems 153 Indicator A.5: Information tools 70 Indicator 4.1: Tree species composition 74 Indicator 4.2: Regeneration 76 Indicator 4.3: Naturalness 79 Indicator 4.4: Introduced tree species

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LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

13 Figure 1: Sustainability in Austria 95 Figure 38: Key functions of the Austrian forest 28 Figure 2: Development of the forest area 97 Figure 39: State of hazard zone planning by the Forest Engineering Service 29 Figure 3: Map of forests in Austria in Torrent and Avalanche Control (WLV) 2013 31 Figure 4: Development of growing stock 116 Figure 40: Wood flows in Austria 32 Figure 5: Change in growing stock (in %) by growth classes, with regard to the Austrian 117 Figure 41: Foreign trade in wood 2013 Forest Inventory (ÖWI) 1992/96 for the periods of 2000/02 and 2007/09 120 Figure 42: Use of wood and demand for wood as a source of energy 33 Figure 6: Development of growing stock and number of stems in commercial forests 136 Figure 43: Cycles of the Forest Dialogue 34 Figure 7: Annual net carbon balance in Austria‘s entire land-use sector and in Austrian forests 143 Figure 44: Policy areas having impacts on forests in Europe 38 Figure 8: Sulphur inputs in stands on the 16 Level-II intensive 144 Figure 45: Institutions of relevance to forest policy in/outside the European Union monitoring plots from 1997 to 2012 146 Figure 46: EFI regional offices and EFICEEC-EFISEE partners 39 Figure 9: Nitrogen inputs in stands on the 16 Level II intensive monitoring plots from 1997 to 2012 40 Figure 10: Distribution of the sulphur load in the Austrian bio-indicator grid in 2012 32 Table 1: Growing stock by forest management system 42 Figure 11: Distribution of the mercury contents in the first needle set in 2012 89 Table 2: Assessment guidelines for protected forest areas according to Forest Europe 44 Figure 12: Change in lead content in different soil horizons (without Class 3 — Main Management Objective ‚Protective functions‘) 46 Figure 13: Development of wood quantities damaged by bark beetle, storm and snow 90 Table 3: Overall balance of forests protected in accordance with FE criteria in Austria 47 Figure 14: Development of wood quantities damaged by bark beetle in the Federal Provinces 94 Table 4: Protection forest in high forest stands 51 Figure 15: Austrian Forest Inventory — Time series of the evaluation 104 Table 5: Forest areas and ownership structure — of forest damage caused by game types of ownership according to cadastral map 54 Figure 16: Growing stock, increment and utilisation in Austria 105 Table 6: Enterprises and forest areas according to Agricultural Structure Survey 2010, 57 Figure 17: Development of timber harvest and timber price compared to 1995 and 1999 58 Figure 18: Volume of damaged wood and roundwood price 126 Table 7: Contracts directly relating to forestry, concluded by ADA 61 Figure 19: Percentage shares of non-wood products in the total value for 2005 (Austrian Development Agency) since 2011 64 Figure 20: Percentage share of services in the total value for 2005 127 Table 8: ADA projects funded by the BMLFUW since 2008 71 Figure 21: Forest areas by tree species — Commercial forests 128 Table 9: Funds of the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) to the European Bank 71 Figure 22: Change in area by tree species in commercial forests for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Inter-American 72 Figure 23: Shares of forest land by types of mix in commercial forests Development Bank (IDB). 74 Figure 24: Regeneration on areas requiring regeneration 130 Table 10: Public funds of the Directorate-General for Forestry for forest-relevant, 75 Figure 25: Situation of the regeneration of target tree species internationally active organisations 75 Figure 26: Regeneration and browsing of target tree species 130 Table 11: Public funds for the participation of experts of the Directorate-General 80 Figure 27: Time series alien species for Forestry in forest-relevant, international bodies and meetings 81 Figure 28: Diameter distribution in deadwood 149 Table 12: Focuses of forest policy measures / Allocation to the measures 81 Figure 29: Time series deadwood in Austria defined in the Council Regulation 83 Figure 30: Location and size of gene conservation reserves 84 Figure 31: Percentage of forest cover 86 Figure 32: Distribution of the biotope type „Common pine forest in the eastern rim of the Alps“ 87 Figure 33: Risk situation of forest biotope types in Austria 87 Figure 34: Number of forest biotope types in Austria per grid cell of Austria’s flora map 89 Figure 35: Austria‘s forests in protected areas, classified according to Forest Europe, 2013 90 Figure 36: Shares of forest areas protected under nature conservation legislation by FE classes, in Austria‘s total forest area 94 Figure 37: Need for and presence of regeneration

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INTRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT — THE AUSTRIAN WAY

WE ARE EXPECTING A GREAT DEAL FROM AUSTRIAN FORESTS. THEY ARE TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT AMOUNTS OF WOOD AS A RAW MATERIAL AND ENERGY SOURCE for expanding markets while at the same time protecting our valleys against avalanches, rockfall, mudflow, and other natural hazards. They are biodiversity refuges which should remain largely undisturbed, but at the same time are to store carbon to combat climate change. They are popular recreational areas and core elements of the landscape whose beauty attracts millions of tourists to Austria every year.

Forests are to provide all that „sustainably“, which means trees would grow in forests after a timber harvest and simultaneously, everywhere and forever. This sounds like future generations, too, would be able to use the full attempting to square the circle and an elaborate, cleverly potential of forests. The concept of sustainability was thought out plan and sophisticated instruments are born and henceforth has spread far beyond Saxony. needed to allow for all that. First, of course, attention focused on the sustainability Austria is currently rich in woodlands, but this is not by of wood production, which is an important objective accident. In the early nineteenth century the Austrian even today. Yet soon people realised that reproduction territory was largely deforested and as a consequence of of forests, and thus of timber, would in the long run be over-exploitation, pastures and litter utilisation the few possible only if we cooperated with nature and respected forests that existed were in most cases in a rather poor the framework conditions of climate and soil. Otherwise, condition. nature would hit back and pests, depleted soils, storms, and other damaging events would take a growing toll. Today‘s abundance of forests in Austria is due to a One also realised that forests offer humans much more brilliant idea and its consistent pursuance and imple- than merely wood. mentation over decades, or even centuries. The concept of „sustainability“ was developed by persons who wanted Nowadays „sustainable forest management“ is under- to save the forest and can look back to 300 years of stood as a complex programme which harmonises the history in Central Europe. diverse demands that the economy, environmental protection and society make on forests and simultaneously In 1713, at a time when the timber of forests was simply ensures the maintenance of forests for the long term. exploited like ore in mines, Hanns Carl von Carlowitz, the Mines Inspector of the Kingdom of Saxony, adopted The net forest area is increasing in Europe, timber a ground-breaking regulation on forest utilisation. His is produced sustainably, and also biological diversity vision was to use the growth potential and reproductive is the subject of serious projects and activities.1 capacity of forests in a way that another generation of However, enormous demands are placed on forests.

1) ‚State of Europe‘s Forests 2011 — Status & Trends in Sustainable Forest Management in Europe’ Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, Oslo 2011 http://www.foresteurope.org/state-europes-forests-2011-report

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THE PHILOSOPHY OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR AUSTRIA‘S FORESTS

Six factors interact to implement sustainable Sustainability in Austria forest management in Austria:

Involvement 1. A widely recognised commitment to of stakeholders comprehensive sustainability in forests.

2. A sound legal framework. Information Legal system framework Sustainability 3. An efficient institutional architecture. in Austria

4. A well-balanced financial system. Financial Institutional 5. Systematic public participation in policy tools structure development and implementation.

6. A wise monitoring and information system. Figure 1

Austria has expressly committed itself to the understand- In the Helsinki Resolution adopted at the Ministerial versus idyll, and so on. It takes sophisticated instruments ing of sustainability for forests developed at the FOR- was added because it is important for a forest and timber Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe and good will on the part of all to find a reasonable EST EUROPE Ministerial Conference and even laid country to have an active share in the development of (FOREST EUROPE)2 46 European countries defined common ground. this principle down by law. the international environment for forests. Also Aus- sustainable forest management as follows: tria-specific indicators were added to the pan-European “The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in However, for a long time the claim for sustainability has In Austria, we are therefore definitely obligated to de- ones to be able to shape sustainability more precisely. a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, not been limited to forests. Ever since the publication velop all aspects of forests in a sustainable manner. The productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality, and their of the Brundtland Report3 in 1987, sustainable develop- concept is not static, but is continuously deepened and The concept of sustainability for Austria‘s forests is thus potential to fulfil, now and in the future, relevant ment has been requested for all sectors of the economy. developed. The „Pan-European Criteria and Indicators up-to-date, continuously refined and firmly anchored in ecological, economic, and social functions at local, Also the forest sector, which invented the idea of sus- for Sustainable Forest Management“4 adopted by the the heads and processes that are decisive for the mainte- national and global levels, and that does not cause tainability, is on the test stand and is requested to apply FOREST EUROPE countries offer orientation for forest nance and management of forests. damage to other ecosystems.” modern methods and technologies to show what it has, policy-making in Austria and provide the contextual evidently successfully, delivered for generations. Being framework for surveys and reporting. They are the points However, sustainable forest management is not only The concept reflects the spirit of the age, but its a country rich in forests, with a timber management of reference for the Austrian Forest Dialogue and the ensured by the state in Austria. Responsibility for the implementation packs a punch. It is all but easy to sector that can boast of a strong export capacity and thematic frame for the Austrian Forest Report. condition of eighty percent of Austria‘s forests lies above reconcile these requirements. Also in Europe high environmental standards, Austria is in a leading all with the many private forest owners. Most of them sustainable forest management is thus sensitive to position in this field. The Austrian Forest Programme is organised along sev- are family-run holdings where forests are passed on from problems and does not always run smoothly. It is a en forest-political fields of action: Six of them are derived generation to generation. question of timber versus nature conservation, game The Austrian Forest Report bears witness of how the from the six „Pan-European Criteria for Sustainable For- versus forest, forest utilisation versus carbon sequestra- concept of sustainable forest management is practised est Management“ of the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial A key factor for the success of all efforts to promote tion, wood for energy versus wood for paper, business in Austria. Conference. The seventh one, „Austria‘s International sustainability in forests is therefore the motivation Responsibility for Sustainable Forest Management“, of forest owners.

2) FOREST EUROPE — Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe http://www.foresteurope.org RESOLUTION H1 General Guidelines for the Sustainable Management of Forests in Europe — Helsinki 1993 http://www.foresteurope.org/docs/MC/MC_helsinki_resolutionH1.pdf 4) RESOLUTION L2: Pan-European Criteria, Indicators and Operational Level Guidelines for Sustainable Forest Management. 3) „Brundtland Report“ is another name of a report entitled „Our Common Future“ published in 1987 by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and http://www.foresteurope.org/docs/MC/MC_lisbon_resolutionL2.pdf Development („Brundtland Commission“). Former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland had chaired the Commission. The Report is known for its definition VIENNA LIVING FOREST SUMMIT DECLARATION — 2003: IMPROVED PAN-EUROPEAN INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE of the term ‚Sustainable Development‘. FOREST MANAGEMENT http://www.nachhaltigkeit.info/artikel/brundtland_report_1987_728.htm http://www.foresteurope.org/docs/MC/MC_vienna_declaration.pdf

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LEGAL FRAMEWORK CASH FLOW

Responsible dealing with forests starts with le- forests as well as detailed provisions regarding their pro- The economic potential of forests provides ation, forest protection and forest tending that are un- gal certainty, with ensuring clarity about who has which tection, management and use for leisure-time activities. the basis for jobs and income. Timber is the bread and dertaken by the forestry sector itself. In addition, public rights and which duties in respect of forests. butter of forestry, but of course there are also yields from investments to ensure vital ecosystem services like The nature conservation and hunting laws of the Federal hunting, from non-wood products and other branches the protection against natural hazards and long-term Rights of land tenure and use are clearly regulated in Provinces and other federal and provincial provisions of business. Forests also deliver multiple ecosystem ser- maintenance of biodiversity are necessary. Also public Austria. The Austrian forest law protects forests as such as well as requirements from EU legislation and other vices which, though hardly rewarded by the open mar- subsidies are granted to stimulate and refine sustainable to ensure that they cannot be casually cleared; it includes international obligations provide a tight set of rules and ket, are of great importance to the national economy. forest management. In turn, forestry — like any other the obligation of reforestation after the utilisation of regulations for forests. branch of the economy — has to pay taxes on earnings. Forests which are viable for the long term do not come at zero cost. Whilst gaining added value from forest The components of the financial system are delicately utilisation in the form of income and ecosystem services, tuned to offer incentives for sustainable forest utilisation INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE investments must be made to keep the system running. while at the same time safeguarding all important servic- At the top of the investments range those for reforest- es provided by forests.

The legal framework defines the scope for -- Generating and passing on knowledge acting. However, to promote, develop and verify (research, development, training and further sustainable forest management several institutions training, advisory services, information) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION and organisations with specific goals and tasks are active in Austria. Legislation and policy development are the business of the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments, Even though eighty percent of Austria‘s with various other sectors are therefore essential to Basically, they have to fulfil three functions: the National Assembly and the Provincial Parliaments, forest area are privately owned, all forests are of long-term success. the representations of interest and NGOs. The federal and great significance to society. Forests cover half of -- Creating laws and shaping policy provincial forest authorities are responsible for the execu- the Austrian territory and their status is decisive for The Austrian Forest Dialogue5, in which more than tion of the laws. Research and education institutions from the environment and for people‘s quality of life. ninety institutions and organisations interested in -- Supporting and supervising university to the skilled-workers level, Statistics Austria Many people are also emotional tied to forests and forests are involved, offers the platform for participative compliance with law and many more complete the picture. Their effectiveness observe carefully what happens to them. Broad social policy development and cross-sector cooperation in depends on well-defined objectives as well as on the avail- acceptance for forestry activities and good cooperation forest matters. ability of sufficient technical equipment, funds and staff. CONTROL SYSTEM

Trust is good, but control is better. In the final In the framework of the Austrian Forest Dialogue end it is not the system that counts but how forests the Pan-European Criteria and Indicators were supple- develop, how the three pillars of sustainability — the mented by parameters that take account of the specific economic, environmental and social aspects of forests situation in Austria. Furthermore, targets (desired — show themselves and become effective. This needs values) have been set for the individual indicators. monitoring and evaluation. Criteria and indicators for In this way one can determine how forest management sustainable forest management provide the required is developing in Austria — towards greater or towards framework. less sustainability.

5) Austrian Forest Dialogue: http://www.walddialog.at/

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By means of nationally representative random checks Austrian agricultural sector as well as Austrian FOREST STRATEGY 2020 in forests the Austrian Forest Inventory6 determines inputs to international reports and statistics. the key parameters of forests. The Inventory is accu- rately enough to permit reliable statements on the The private sector, too, tries to establish facts proving the UNTIL THE END OF 2015 THE „AUSTRIAN FOREST STRATEGY 2020“ IS PREPARED development of forests in the individual administrative sustainability of its activities and uses privately organised IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE AUSTRIAN FOREST DIALOGUE— IN COOPERATION districts of Austria and for the different size-categories certification systems for this purpose. The major part WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS. The Forest Strategy is intended as an instrument to harmonise the multiple of holdings. In addition, annual surveys of removals as of the Austrian forest has been certified according to interests and demands made on Austrian forests and to find solutions to possible utilisation conflicts. The Forest well as various special surveys on forest health, biological PEFC,7 a minor part also according to FSC.8 Strategy 2020 is to provide forest-political cornerstones to ensure and continuously optimise the sustainable diversity, protective effects of forests, the production and management and maintenance of Austria‘s forests. the market of timber products are conducted and other This comprehensive forest monitoring and information socio-economic data are collected. system establishes whether the sustainability of Austrian forests is developing favourably or the system needs The overall objective of the Strategy is to ensure and 6. Social and economic aspects The Austrian Forest Report is published at regular repair. optimise the ecological, economic and social dimen- of Austrian forests intervals and, based on the criteria and indicators for sions of sustainable forest management in a well-bal- 7. Austria‘s international responsibility sustainable forest management, draws a detailed picture So eventually the circle closes, ranging from the starting anced way. for sustainable forest management of the state and development of forests. The uniformly point of sustainability, the planning process, to the structured collection of data on Austrian forests is con- instruments of implementation and, finally, to the evalu- Special attention is paid to the added value and the tinuously updated and publicly accessible online. ation which is the basis of conclusions concerning pos- potential of the Austrian forestry and timber sectors First, a vision for the Austrian forest policy will be sible needs to readjust the concept or the instruments. for a „liveable Austria“. With this in mind, the Forest defined, which may well remain valid beyond 2020. Other evaluations cast a light at specific issues, for exam- The Austrian way of sustainable forest management is Strategy 2020 is to help ensure the multifunctional In a second step, strategic goals are to be defined to ple the annual timber felling report, the game damage thus not a rigid plan, but a living system. services rendered by forests for present and future operationalise the vision. Finally, the strategic directions report, the forestry test operation grid, the forestry generations. and forest-political priorities will be identified taking contributions to the Green Report published by the Ingwald Gschwandtl into account present and future challenges in sustaina- CONTENT AND STRUCTURE OF ble forest management and the success factors for the THE FOREST STRATEGY 2020 strategic goals.

For consistency with the Austrian Forest Report, PROCESS AND STRUCTURE the Austrian Forest Programme9 as well as national OF STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT and international reporting obligations, the Strategy is going to be structured along the following seven The Strategy 2020 is prepared in line with the principles forest-political fields of action (in the present Forest of a transparent, open and participatory policy and Report referred to as „criteria“): administration (good governance) and in accordance with the principles and rules agreed upon in the Austrian 1. Contribution of Austrian forests Forest Dialogue. To ensure effective and efficient to climate protection implementation of the strategy process, different panels and working groups have been established (see also 2. Health and vitality of Austrian forests Indicator A.1). 3. Productivity and economic aspects of Austrian forests The substantive work is carried out in four modules. For in-depth work on selected issues, the module 4. Biodiversity in Austria‘s forests meetings can be supplemented by specific thematic 5. Protective functions of Austria‘s forests workshops.

6) Austrian Forest Inventory: http://www.waldinventur.at/ 7) Certification initiative PEFC AUSTRIA: http://www.pefc.at 8) FSC certification: http://www.wwf.at/de/fsc/ 9) The Austrian Forest Programme: http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/forst/walddialog/dokumente/walddialog-kurz.html

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-- M1: Forests.Economy.International affairs the earth like a blanket and thus impede the Some 300,000 persons obtain income from forests. escape of the earth‘s heat. In more than 172,000 enterprises an annual production -- M2: Forests.Climate.Ecology value of about 12 billion euros is achieved. Timber is a -- M3: Forests.Water.Natural hazards In view of the threat of climate change it is a stable element of the economy. With an export surplus key objective of Austria’s forest management of almost 3.7 billion euros the forest and timber industry -- M4: Forests.Society.Knowledge to promote the stabilisation of forest ecosystems is, beside tourism, Austria‘s most important foreign-ex- Participation in the Austrian Forest Dialogue, and thus by strengthening sustainable forest management change earner. in the preparation of the Forest Strategy 2020, is open and developing and implementing suitable to all groups, institutions and stakeholders dealing with adaptation measures. Christine Mooslechner the Austrian forest. The general public can participate HEALTH AND VITALITY OF in the work of the Forest Dialogue by means of written AUSTRIAN FORESTS statements. AUSTRIAN FORESTS ARE hotspot of species diversity, a vibrant, species-rich FULL OF ENERGY area for living that is unrivalled. As has been mentioned above, the Forest Strategy 2020 is structured along seven fields of action dealing A few international and European forest- and environ- for example with the contribution of Austria‘s forests ment-political instruments, for example the Convention to climate protection, with productivity and economic on Biological Diversity (CBD) or the EU Strategy on aspects, and with the protective effect of forests. In 2014, Biological Diversity, aim at protecting and maintaining at the celebrations on the 20th anniversary of the State biodiversity. Prize for Exemplary Forest Management, seven committedly working persons from the relevant action fields were honoured in Vienna. OUR FORESTS ARE Egidius Petz IN GOOD HANDS Tobias Ilg Maintaining viable forest ecosystems and the continuity FORESTS AND CLIMATE PROTECTION of all forest functions is the paramount objective of Thanks to the natural conditions in our country, Austrian forest management. Active and sustainable Austria has excellent preconditions for a 100-percent forest management contributes vitally to the good supply with renewable energy. status of forests in Austria.

Presently, the share of renewable energy in the gross The large-scale forest die-back feared at the end-energy consumption is 32 %. With a share of 13 % beginning of the 1980s did not occur in Austria, of the overall energy consumption, energy generated yet individual tree species are regionally threatened from the renewable resource of wood is playing with dying off. an important role. Stanislaus Kofler The status of forests, especially in the light of the fulfil-

Josef Wimmer In addition to material exploitation, the use of wood as ment of its different functions for society, is influenced a source of energy is gaining importance. Wood is virtu- Austria is the country of forest farmers. About 145,000 by many factors. Apart from human activities, these are ally unrivalled as a fuel. When burned, a neutral carbon of them take care of Austrian forests as part of their above all browsing by hoofed game and grazing animals, All over the world indications suggesting the accel- balance is maintained, which means that only such an daily routine and dedicate their commitment, their the occurrence of pests, climate change, storms, forest eration of global climate change are becoming more amount of the greenhouse gas CO2 is released as the sound training and innovative ideas to our forests. fires, air pollution, and degraded forest soils. frequent and confront also forests with great tree has recycled while growing. challenges. The increase in the concentrations of Approximately 80 % of the forest is privately owned. It is therefore a priority of Austria‘s forest policy to atmospheric greenhouse gases like methane, ozone, FORESTS ARE AREAS FOR LIVING This is clearly more than in most other European establish a balance between the requirements of chlorofluorocarbons, di-nitrogen oxide (N2O), and countries. The Austrian Federal Forests own 15 % forest protection, the density of hoofed game, animal especially carbon dioxide (CO2), results in warming Of all the species occurring on the Earth, over two of the forest area; the remaining 5 % belong to other grazing as well as the private and public interests in of the earth‘s surface in the long run. These gases wrap thirds are found exclusively in forests. Forests are a public institutions. forests by means of forest land-use planning.

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ENSURING SUSTAINABLE AUSTRIA AS A MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT BY FOREST MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND FURTHER TRAINING

Josef Konrad

In many of the world’s regions forest destruction con- Gwendolyne Mayer tinues to increase alarmingly. Austrian know-how and commitment can produce relief in this field.

Perfectly trained forest managers are the The globalisation of timber markets and the internation- future. They ensure that forests will be able alisation of environmental and economic policies, the to fulfil their ecological, social and economic trade in illegally logged timber, the fight against poverty functions also in the future. and hunger, and the striving for an effective protection of the climate and the natural resources are but a few The education of the persons working in aspects that make clear why the preservation and man- forestry is of fundamental importance for agement of forests have developed from a matter of local the management and the condition of concern to a challenge for the whole world. forests. For a country like Austria which is by international Forest managers are to an always greater extent comparison rich in forests, where forestry has a long responsible for tasks from the whole field of rural tradition, the timber industry is export-oriented and high areas. Apart from expert knowledge in forestry, environmental standards apply, international commit- general management qualifications are gaining ment in in forest affairs goes is quite natural. importance. The challenge facing sustainable forest management is to integrate the economic, Under various regional and global agreements of rele- ecological and social dimensions in the best vance to forestry Austria has committed itself to accept possible manner. responsibility for global sustainable forest management.

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SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRIA

AS WAS DONE FOR THE FOREST REPORTS 2001, 2004 AND 2008, ALSO THE PRESENT DOCUMENTATION IS STRUCTURED ACCORDING TO THE PAN-EUROPEAN CRITERIA AND INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT (FOREST EUROPE — Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe) which have been made the standard of international reporting. However, one Austria-specific criterion (Criterion 7) and several Austria-specific indicators have been added.

DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF in the period from 1994 to 1995 and revised from SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT: 2001 to 2002 in order to show to which extent the objective of sustainable forest management outlined „The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in in the Helsinki Resolutions were achieved. a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality, and their The criteria describe the different aspects of sus potential to fulfil, now and in the future, relevant ecological, tainability, notably conditions and processes used economic, and social functions at local, national and global to assess sustainable forest management. With the levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems“ help of the indicators the changes over time can be (Helsinki-Resolution H1). measured and evaluated for each criterion. Indicators show to which extent the requirements set by the The Pan-European Criteria and Indicators for criteria have been fulfilled and thus serve as the basis Sustainable Forest Management were developed of the reporting system.

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QUANTITATIVE INDICATORS

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CRITERION 1: MAINTENANCE AND APPROPRI- ATE ENHANCEMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES AND THEIR CONTRIBU- TION TO GLOBAL CARBON CYCLES

THIS CRITERION FOCUSES ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONDITION OF FORESTED AREAS AND GROWING STOCK as well as on their contribution to global carbon cycles as important components of sustainable forest management. Austria‘s forests provide a large carbon sink, which means that they absorb and retain large amounts of carbon when growing. Crucial factors in the carbon sequestration potential are the forest area, the growing stock as well as age structure and diameter distribution. Both the area covered by forests and the growing stock have increased for decades; as to the age structure, a shift in the distribution of the growing stock towards higher stand development classes has been observed. In terms of climate change, this is a positive trend.

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INDICATOR 1.1: on natural areas like slickensides, wet locations and fens, is unstocked or has a low crown density — like FOREST AREA rubble and gravel areas, stone pits, and embankments. felling areas or forest roads — is eliminated as not The remaining new forest areas are former mining areas, being a forest. In order to identify the forested areas landfills and other areas. in line with the definition of a forest in the Forest Act, The forest is a landscape element which is con- million hectares as of 2010). Since the first inventory the map was reworked manually with the help of an stantly gaining importance in our society. This manifests (ÖFI 1961) a continuous growth in forest areas has AUSTRIAN FOREST MAP elevation model (resolution 10 metres), various itself in a growing forest area in Austria, but also in the been observed in Austria. Compared to the first period orthophotos (resolution 25 centimetres) and higher priority that people attach to forests. Also the of inventory, 1961/70, the forest area has increased by In 2007 a nation-wide forest map was produced and topographic maps (1:50,000; ÖK50). fact that forests and their sustainable use as well as the 300,000 hectares. The rate of growth has declined, how- developed at the Federal Research and Training maintenance of all their social, economic and ecological ever: Since 1992 it has slowed down from 7,700 hectares Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape The forest map serves as a basic dataset for mapping functions are becoming an always bigger issue in Austria, (ÖWI 1992/96) to 5,100 hectares (ÖWI 2000/02) using remote sensing methodology and ÖWI data other forest attributes like, for example, species mixtures, the EU and world-wide, demonstrates their importance. and, meanwhile, to 4,300 hectares per year (Figure 2). (Figure 3). For this purpose, the results of the Austrian felling areas and growing stock. It also helps assess Forest Inventory (2000/02) were matched with the protective forest areas or compile habitat models needed Since the 1960ies the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI) This change in area is only partly due to human interven- satellite images of the satellite LANDSAT (resolution to re-introduce certain animal species. It also offers more has been carried out; it compiles data which allow for tions like re-afforestation or officially approved clearing. 30 metres). However, automatic remote sensing allows detailed information on forest areas for smaller survey- an assessment of the status, and the change in status, of To a much greater extent the forest itself (following only for a determination of the land coverage. Each ing units, especially district forest inspection bodies, forests. According to the ÖWI 2007/09 3.99 million natural succession, above all the borderline effect) and and every area stocked — also parks and gardens — than the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI) was able to hectares (ha) of land are covered by forests in Austria. small natural disasters influences the shift in area. 60 % is thus deemed to be a forest and each area that provide by that time. This corresponds to 47.6 % of the overall national terri- of the new forest areas grow on areas formerly used for tory and exceeds the EU average with 42 % of the total agriculture like alpine pastures, pastures and meadows area being covered with forest and equivalent areas (176 for mowing, about one third on extreme locations and Map of forests in Austria

Forest Development of the forest area Relief in million hectares/share in the total area, in percent

3.99 3.96 3.92 3.88 3.86

3.80 3.75 3.69

3.40

44.0 % 44.8 % 46.0 % 46.2 % 46.8 % 47.2 % 47.6 % 3.00 1961 1971 1981 1986 1990 1996 2002 2010

Figure 2 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 Figure 3 | Source: BFW 2014

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AUSTRIAN FOREST INVENTORY

The Austrian Forest Inventory (“Österreichische sustainability were added in the inventory period of Waldinventur”) is the most comprehensive monitoring 1992/96. Moreover, the inventory was renamed „ÖWI“ system practiced in Austria‘s forests. It focuses on the („Österreichische Waldinventur“). In the ÖWI 2000/02 organisation and conduct of the field surveys, the scien- the parameters were revised in a way to allow for nation- tific processing and evaluation of the data, and the estab- al statements concerning the Pan-European Criteria and lishment of databases. The Institute of Forest Inventory Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management set out also has to prepare and organise presentations, graphical by the Third Ministerial Conference on the Protection representations and interpretations of the data, publish of Forests in Europe (Lisbon, 1998). them and develop statistical evaluation algorithms. ÖWI 2007/09 Objectives of the Forest Inventory In the ÖWI 2007/09 the traditional results of the The objective of the Austrian Forest Inventory is to per- Inventory were supplemented by aspects like sustaina- manently monitor the status of forests with particular fo- bility, biomass, biodiversity and the protective effect of cus on any change in that status. This goal requires great forests. The data gained from the Inventory are particu- objectiveness, accuracy and transparency of the surveys. larly important in connection with Austria‘s obligations INDICATOR 1.2: The surveys and results serve as decision-making tools to report to international processes like UNFF10, GROWING STOCK in forest policy and forest management and provide the FOREST EUROPE, UNFCCC11 and the Kyoto basic data for a great number of scientific projects. Protocol12. The endeavours to achieve harmonisation at the international level are taken into account and With 1.135 billion cubic metres over bark Development of growing stock DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUSTRIAN FOREST forest areas and growing stock are surveyed also in in commercial forests, the growing stock has reached Development of growing stock INVENTORY line with the FAO definition. another record level in Austria‘s forests (Figure 4). (in million m³ o.b.) since 1961

Initially, the emphasis of the Austrian Forest Inventory Altogether, both the total growing stock and the forest 1,200 1,135 (“Österreichische Forstinventur”, ÖFI 1961/70) was on area have seen a continuous upward trend since the 1,095 the objective recording of forested areas, growing stock, start of the forest inventories. Austria-wide and across increment, and use. In the ÖFI 1971/80, parameters all ownership types stocks have, over the past 40 years, 1,050 providing a better insight into the internal structure of increased by 13 solid cubic metres over bark (m3 o.b.) 972 934 the forest, such as stand deficits, tending measures, cut- per hectare. Table 1 shows the current stocks by forest 988 ting maturity, age class, crown height, and site character- system. The average per-hectare stock amounts to 337 900 istics, were surveyed as well. For the Forest Inventories m3 o.b./ha in Austria. 780 of 1981/85 and 1986/90 permanent sample plots were 827 established to pay greater attention to the identification Since this change is also evident on the hectare basis, the 750 of changes in the forest status. To take account of the increase in growing stock is not exclusively a conse- environmental issues, parameters for recording forest quence of the larger area stocked, but is also due to 600 biodiversity, the effect of protection forests and higher higher stand densities and a substantial increase in saw ÖFI ÖFI ÖFI ÖFI ÖWI ÖWI ÖWI logs (Figure 5). The higher numbers of stems lead to less 61/70 70/80 81/85 86/90 92/96 00/02 07/09

stable stands and higher mortality. Therefore efforts to Figure 4 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 The results of the Austrian Forest Inventory are available on the internet at: http://www.waldinventur.at promote timber mobilisation have been taken for some years, especially in private forests. stock was 20 m3 o.b./ha lower than in the ÖWI 2000/02 period; in large forests (forest enterprises) and in the 10) United Nations Forum on Forests: http://www.un.org/esa/forests/about.html 11) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: http://www.unfccc.int The ÖWI 2007/09 shows that these efforts have paid off Österreichischen Bundesforste AG (ÖBf) stocks even 3 12) Kyoto-Protokoll: http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php during the recent period: In private forests the growing decreased (−2.4 and −4.4 m o.b./ha).

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Change in growing stock (in %) by growth classes, with regard to the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI) 1992/96 for the periods of 2000/02 and 2007/09 INDICATOR 1.3: AGE STRUCTURE AND ÖWI 2000/02 ÖWI 2007/09 DIAMETER DISTRIBUTION

160 The graphics of the growing stock and the observed over the inventory periods 1992/96, 2000/02 150 number of stems in commercial forests illustrates the to 2007/09. distribution of these categories with respect to age classes and shows their development from 1992/96 to In the age class 1 — 20 years the number of stems and 100 2007/09 (Figure 6). During all periods of inventory the the growing stock went down. For all other age classes clearly highest number of stems was found in the age under 121 years as well as for reserved trees and wolf class from 21–40 years. From this peak, the number of trees, the growing stock increased compared to the 58 51 50 stems proved to decline continuously with growing age; preceding periods of inventory. In the age classes above 26 in the age class of 41–60 rising numbers of stems were 121 years, the growing stock decreased slightly. 15 9 0 2 3

−13 −11 −50 −33 Development of growing stock and number of stems in commercial forests −53 Number of stems 1992–1996 Growing stock 1992–1996 Juvenile stage I Juvenile stage II Pole stage Saw timber 1 Saw timber 2 Saw log stage Number of stems 2000–2002 Growing stock 2000–2002 Number of stems 2007–2009 Growing stock 2007–2009

Figure 5 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 Number of Growing stems

Growing stock by forest management system in million cubic metres over bark 1,600,000 220,000

Production forest Protection forest with yield Land and wetlands

High forest High forest Coppice stands

Private forest 640,434 31,706 7,162 800,000 110,000 200–1,000 ha 86,291 13,748 2,990

> 1,000 ha 163,928 19,351 3,434

Regional authorities 21,769 4,115 499

Enterprises 271,988 37,214 6,923 0 0 1–20 21–40 41–60 61–80 81–100 101–120 121–140 > 140 Reserved ÖBf AG 117,396 21,667 290 Years Years Years Years Years Years Years Years trees and wolf trees Total 1,029,819 90,587 14,375

Table 1 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 Figure 6 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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INDICATOR 1.4: in forest soil carbon as determined by a modelling due to the substitution of products made of CARBON BALANCE OF study carried out by the BFW. Carbon losses on areas other raw materials which involve different no longer used for forestry (e.g. deforestation) are not greenhouse gas emissions compared to the AUSTRIAN FORESTS considered in the estimates, as they have to be reported wood-made products. in the sub-sectors of the utilisations succeeding forests. Every year the signatories to the United Na- Austria‘s annual greenhouse gas emissions. In on-going projects conducted by BFW, the Univer- tions Climate Framework Convention have to report A retrospective calculation back to the year 1961, the Due to the higher degree of utilisation, the net sink sity of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences a national greenhouse gas emissions balance which first year with available forest inventory results, mani- of Austrian forests has, over the past few years, clearly (BOKU) and the Federal Environment Agency these comprises also the annual greenhouse gas emissions fests that the Austrian forest biomass provided a carbon decreased compared to the figures of the nineteen different direct and indirect contributions of the and sinks from the land-use sector (Sector 5, „Land sink even before the 1990 period. Figure 7 also shows nineties. However, the use of timber has more than just Austrian forest to Austria‘s greenhouse gas balance Use, Land Use Change and Forestry“). The forest that the carbon balance of the Austrian forests is the by one impact on the Austrian greenhouse gas balance. It are quantified for the first time. (Sector 5.A „Forest Land“) is part of this sector, as are far most important factor of influence on the greenhouse influences the sub-sectors „Cropland“, „Grassland“, „Wetlands“, gas balance of the entire land-use sector. Pursuant to the negotiating decisions of the recent „Settlements“ und „Other Land“. 1. the balance of the Austrian forest; climate conferences, the sinks/emissions of forests These estimates for the Austrian forest, illustrated in and timber products from domestic felling must in the In earlier reporting years (1990 to 2011) Austria’s Figure 7, include the increase and decrease in biomass 2. the balance of the stocks of timber products second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, 2013 forests (Sector 5.A „Forest Land“) represented an an- and deadwood calculated on the basis of the results of from domestic felling (sawnwood, panels, to 2020, mandatorily be considered in the balancing nual carbon sink (carbon uptake minus emission > 0) of the Austrian Forest Inventories of the BFW (Federal Re- paper), which have increased in recent year for the national reduction target. However, it is not the between 1,410 Gg CO2 and 19,592 Gg CO2 (Figure 7). search and Training Centre for Forest, Natural Hazards and thus represent a sink; and absolute value of these sinks/emissions that counts, but In terms of magnitude, this is equivalent to 2–25 % of and Landscape) and, for the first time, also the change the difference to a reference value calculated for 2020 3. the indirect impacts of timber products on using the business-as-usual until 2010. Furthermore, any Austria’s greenhouse gas balance which are creditable sink is capped by means of an upper limit. Annual net carbon balance in Austria’s entire land-use sector and in Austrian forests (− sink, + emission) in Gg CO2 equivalents Overall land-use sector Forest

−10,000

−20,000 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Figure 7 | Source: Federal Environment Agency 2014

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CRITERION 2: MAINTENANCE OF FOREST ECOSYSTEM HEALTH AND VITALITY

THE HEALTH AND VITALITY OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS DEPEND ON ABIOTIC, BIOTIC AND MAN-MADE DAMAGE EVENTS AND ON ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE. Indicators of this criterion describe how these factors affect forest ecosystems and allow for an assessment of their damage, respectively their health and vitality. Austria‘s forests are basically in a good condition, but their health and vitality depend on different factors. Essential indicators include air quality, soil condition and defoliation.

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INDICATOR 2.1: published in the joint annual forest condition reports exceeding 29 kg N/ha/a were found in 2012. The DEPOSITION OF AIR POLLUTANTS of ICP-Forests and the European Commission. overall inputs include nitrogen oxides from incineration and ammonia released from agricultural operations. Most of the intensive observation plots of the European Due to these agricultural inputs the highest values of In Austria, the air pollutants ozone, nitrogen RESULTS OF THE SURVEYS forest damage monitoring are forest sites located at a nitrogen inputs Austria-wide, over 40 kg of nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, inputs of nitrogen, acid and OF DEPOSITION AND AIR QUALITY distance from industrial terrain, where measurements per hectare and year, were measured on the open area sulphur as well as localised hydrogen fluoride, ammonia of the overall depositions have been carried out since at Unterpullendorf in the past two years. and heavy metal inputs place a burden on the forest. Since 1995 the intensive observation plots of the 1996, both in stands and on nearby open areas The impacts of laughing gas (greenhouse gas) and pan-European forest monitoring have provided (http://www.waldmonitoring.at). Since 1997 there In the years surveyed, both the ozone and the nitrogen volatile organic components are less important. The high-quality and Europe-wide harmonised data on has been a clear fall in sulphur inputs both as regards oxide values of the passive collectors showed a distinct, threat posed to forests by pollution has been docu the vitality and adaptability of trees, on nutrient cycles, the Austrian average and the minimum and maximum seasonally contrary development: The highest ozone mented by the results of research work, intensive critical stress rates and the water balance. These data values. The variation in the annual averages in stocks levels occur in summer — a consequence of the strong- forest monitoring, the bioindicator network and enable statements on climate change, air pollution, ranges from 12 to less than 2 kg of sulphur per hectare er global radiation and also depending on the sea level expert activities of the Federal Research and Training biodiversity and the status of forests. Moreover, the and year. For the overall mean of all plots a reduction (Level II plot Murau) whilst, due to the heating season, Centre for Forest, Natural Hazards and Landscape studies also provide high-quality data which can be by about 1 kg/ha/yr over the observation period is the levels of nitrogen oxides were highest in winter at (BFW). Measurements of bioindication, air pollutants used to assess the environmental situation and the realistic. locations close to settlements and affected by inversion and deposits show that despite significantly reduced development of forests at the European level. Every (Level II plot Mürzzuschlag). In all, both the ozone and emissions — above all of sulphur — forests are still year the data are sent to the Programme Coordinating The total nitrogen inputs in stocks range between 3.1 the nitrogen oxide levels are relatively low. At all plots under stress. Centre (PCC) of ICP-Forests13 and the results are and 10 kg N/ha/a; only at the Mondsee plot values the sulphur dioxide levels were constantly rather low

Sulphur inputs in stands on the 16 Level II Nitrogen inputs in stands on the 16 Level II intensive monitoring plots from 1997 to 2012 intensive monitoring plots from 1997 to 2012 S inputs in stands in kg/ha/a N inputs in stands in kg/ha/a

Max. Medium Min. Max. Medium Min.

4 10

0 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012

Figure 8 | Source: BFW 2014 0 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012

13) International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests der UNECE: http://icp-forests.net Figure 9 | Source: BFW 2014

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during the observation period and more than 40 % compared to the time before the year 2000 were found were even below the detection limit. In view of the in the north of Austria (Waldviertel) as well as in the very low rates — but also for financial considerations — south-east of the federal territory. In 2012 impacts of these measurements were abandoned as from 2011. sulphur pollution were noticeable in Burgenland, in the east and south of Styria, in the area around Linz, in ANALYSES OF NEEDLES AND the area of Passau, in the Vienna Woods, in the Lavant LEAVES (BIO-INDICATION) Valley, and at a few sites of the Inn Valley.

All over Austria bio-indication (Austrian Bio-indi- Analyses of the nutrient content of needles showed defi- cator Grid (http://www.bioindikatornetz.at) is used cient supply in most cases, notably as regards nitrogen: to determine the impacts of sulphur, fluoride, chlorine About 46 % of the sites displayed a nitrogen deficiency and ammonia pollution as well as the heavy metal in 2012. Furthermore, phosphor deficiency was found at inputs on forests and to survey the nutrient supply 15 % of the test sites — and the trend has been rising in of forest trees. recent years. All other nutritional elements investigated (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn) displayed a deficiency rate The studies carried out in the Austrian Bio-indicator of less than 5 %. Grid from 1983 to 2012 show that the sulphur limits for spruce needles are still exceeded in parts of Austria For the first time in Austria the mercury level in leaves (since 2000: 5–10 % of the test sites). Improvements and needles of forest trees was determined area-wide.

Distribution of sulphur load in the Austrian Bio-indicator grid in 2012 Mercury contents in needle set 1

Significantly below the limit Below the limit Above the limit Significantly above the limit

Figure 10 | Source: BFW 2014

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The acutely toxic heavy metal is found above all mining, the waste management and the trade law. near ore-sintering plants (crude iron extraction), Currently 70 industrial enterprises and other emitters former chlorine-alkali-electrolysis installations, are being supervised by local bio-indicator grids to near mercury-containing excavation material from determine any (forest-affecting) air pollution. mining (soil outgassing) and close to brick and cement factories. Thanks to the possibility of STATUTORY PROTECTION examining retained laboratory samples of the OF THE FOREST years 1986 and 1996, a clear reduction of the mercury level was identified. The statutory protection of forests against the impacts of pollution is presently inadequate. The Second In addition to the Austria-wide determination Ordinance against Forest-Damaging Air Pollutants of air pollutants through needle/leaf analyses sets out limits concerning air pollution by sulphur these bio-indication data also provide a vital dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and component for expert forestry opinions of the ammonia, but statutory limits for ozone, limits for provincial forest authorities in forest-relevant combination effects from harmful gases, and limits for proceedings as well as in proceedings under the heavy metal levels in leaves and needles are missing.

Distribution of the mercury contents in the first needle set in 2012

up to 0.012 mg/kg 0.012–0.015 mg/kg 0.015–0.018 mg/kg 0.018–0.025 mg/kg above 0.025 mg/kg

INDICATOR 2.2: SOIL CONDITION

The data collated in the Austrian Forest Soil any changes occurring within shorter periods of time Condition Inventory (“Waldboden-Zustandsinventur”, are likely to be covered up by the “noise” of this small- abbreviated “WBZI”) during the 1987–1989 period scale variability. still serve as a basis for many questions of a scientific, environmental, political or forestry-related nature. At the European level, the EU in 2005, about ten years As soil changes very slowly, short- to medium-term after the initial survey, commissioned a repeat perfor- surveying intervals (intervals of about two to five years) mance of the European forest soil monitoring within do not appear to be useful. In addition, the small-scale the scope of Forest Focus (Project “BioSoil”). Therefore, Figure 11 | Source: BFW 2014 variability of forest soils is usually very high; therefore all of the 139 Austrian sites included in the European

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forest soil network were sampled again in Austria be- In a comparison, the pH and the base saturation, a INDICATOR 2.3: tween 2006 and 2007. In terms of environmental key parameter of soil fertility, indicate more favourable DEFOLIATION policy the primary objective of this pan-European conditions in the topsoil. Other than in the case of survey was to determine the current condition of heavy metals, the trend thus identified cannot be as- forest soils and to identify changes in condition that signed to a clear cause. Another question that cannot Surveys of the crown condition (survey therewith, these surveys were stopped as from 2007. are taking place very slowly. yet be answered relates to the impact of the nitrogen of needle and leaf loss) have been conducted in In 2010 they were once repeated within the framework input which still exists. Due to the marked spatial Austria annually since 1984 in the framework of of the LIFE+ project „FutMon“. Accordingly, 14.2 % The terrain survey and the analyses were conducted variation it has not been possible to assess the change the national monitorings. From 2003 onward, the of the trees monitored were classified as „damaged“, using uniform pan-European methods. Comparability in the carbon content. annual crown condition surveys have been reduced „damaged“ being defined as showing a needle/leaf of the analysis results with the results of the initial survey to the transnational grid using a uniform pan-European loss of over 25 %; compared to the previous survey, was guaranteed by re-analyses of the “old” samples from In a comparison with the results of the Forest Soil grid width. In accordance with EU Regulations annual conducted in 2006, this was a minor reduction by the initial survey. These and other measures made it Condition Inventory („WBZI“) the following has been crown condition surveys in the European transnational 0.8 percentage points, but these results can be inter possible to perform European forest soil monitoring at found: As regards heavy metals, in particular lead and grid were obligatory for all Member States until 2006. preted only in a transnational context and cannot a high quality level and with comparability in terms of cadmium, a reduction of concentrations was found at Due to the expiry of EU Regulation no. 2152/2003 be considered as representative of the entire national time and space. The analyses were completed in 2008; virtually all of the sites. This concerned above all the and the discontinuation of co-financing associated territory. the data were published by Mutsch et al. (2013). In topsoil, i.e. the mineral soils up to a depth of 20 cm. order to obtain an overview of the range of the data from Only for cadmium which, compared to lead is mobile chemical analyses in Austria, characteristic statistical in the soil at higher pH values (pH 6.5), the reduction values were described by parameter and for different of the concentration was in some cases proved also in depths, and for this purpose were broken down by soils deeper soil layers. These reductions show the positive influenced by silicates and by carbonates. impact of environmental policies.

Change in lead content in different soil horizons Difference in Pb concentrations (mg/kg) from the analyses of the BioSoil project (2006/2007) and the Forest Soil Condition Inventory (1987/1989)

−40

Carbonate soils Silicate soils −80

Surface humus Depth Depth Depth 0–10 cm 10–20 cm 20–30 cm

Figure 12 | Source: BFW 2014

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INDICATOR 2.4: were caused by snow breakage; in addition, unusually the Alps and in Eastern Austria. The dry weather condi- FOREST DAMAGE significant damage (112,000 cubic metres) was caused tions in spring together with temperatures of up to 30°C by avalanches. The damage due to windfall amounted in April caused high failures in afforestation. In May, to 1.3 million cubic metres. temperatures dropped clearly below freezing point in From the point of forest protection, the Austria-wide the abiotic damage totalled over 9 million some regions, the consequence being damage caused by most significant features of the reporting period were cubic metres. As a result, forest enterprises were at a 2010 was a humid and cool year. The winter 2009/2010 late frost, especially in the northern and (south-) eastern several large-scale forest damage events caused by stage where the volume of beetle-infested wood de- was extremely cold; the snow cover remained for a long parts of the country. Abiotic damage due to snow, storms, followed by an increase in damage caused creased slightly but was still at a record high and time. The damage due to snow and avalanches decreased avalanches and storm was at the lowest level since over by bark beetle and the rapid spreading of the ash thus faced a huge challenge. Exactly in the subsequent markedly (155,000 cubic metres). The damage caused 40 years in 2011. However, thunderstorms led to com- dieback. In addition to the known problems of forest year, 2008, even more serious damage was caused by by windfall amounted to about 0.7 million cubic metres, prehensive hailstorm damage in forests (about 6,300 protection, also a few new pests — or pests that had storms: In late January and early March the hurricanes thus decreasing far below the record quantities of the hectares) and surrounding cultivated landscapes. not been found for a longer time — were observed „Paula“ and „Emma“ swept across Austria and left 9.8 years from 2006 to 2008. in Austrian forests between 2007 and 2013. Below, million cubic metres of damaged wood. The damage In 2012, abiotic damage considerably increased again: we will report on them. caused by late frost, frost draught and freeze-thaw According to the „Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie Together, the damage caused by snow and wind alternation differed between regions; altogether, und Geodynamik“, ZAMG (Central Institute of amounted to 1.2 million cubic metres. Temperature WEATHER AND ABIOTIC DAMAGE approximately 2,000 hectares were affected. Meteorology and Geodynamics), 2011 was the development showed a plus of 1.1°C above the long- sixth-warmest year since the temperature records of term average. As in the preceding year, late frosts caused In 2007 the hurricanes „Franz“, „Kyrill“ and „Olli“ In 2009 temperatures were about 1°C above the long- 1767 with a deviation of 1.2°C and proved to be parti considerable loss again in September 2012. February caused severe wind throw and windfall damage, term average in Austria. In winter particularly large cularly dry. Frozen soils, combined with low precipita- and March were far too dry but taking everything into especially in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, quantities of snowfall were observed in the Northern tion and high amounts of sunshine led to damage due account total annual precipitation was (very) high. Salzburg, and Styria. Alps. About 414,000 cubic metres of damaged wood to frost draught especially in the forest areas north of Numerous and strong storms during the vegetation

Development of wood quantities damaged by bark beetle, storm and snow Development of wood quantities damaged by bark beetle in the Federal Provinces in million cubic metres (m³) of timber harvested in cubic metres of timber harvested

Lower Austria Upper Austria 10 Carinthia Styria 1,000,000 Storm & snow in million m³ of timber harvested Salzburg Tyrol Vorarlberg Burgenland Bark beetle in million m³ of timber harvested 8 800,000

6 600,000

4 400,000 2.88 2.54

2.07 2.72 1.90 2 1.70 1.91 200,000 1.50 1.60 0.69 0.61 0.46 0.88 0 0.35 1948 1944 1946 1950 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2012 0

1952–65 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012

Figure 13 | Source: Documentation of forest damage factors, BFW 2014 Figure 14 | Source: Documentation of the forest damage factors, BFW 2014

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period led to a slight increase in the damage due to In 2009 and 2010 the damage caused by fir bark hail and to significant increases in the damage caused beetle was slightly higher, but decreased again in 2011. by mudflow. Pine bark beetle and large brown pine weevil became increasingly conspicuous over the past years. 2013 was the ninth-warmest year since the start of records 246 years ago; a deviation of plus 0.5°C compared The invasive Asian long-horn beetle(Anaplophora to the multi-year average was measured. Precipitation glabripennis) is considered to be eradicated in Braunau, showed extreme differences over the year. May 2013 was where no new signs of infestation were detected for four the wettest May since the year 1965; shortly after that, years. However, in 2012 a new incidence of infestation the month of July was the driest July recorded since the was identified in Upper Austria, near Geinberg (district start of precipitation measurements in 1858. The wet of Ried im Innkreis), and in fall 2013 a new site of attack spring weather had two consequences: On the one hand, with many severely infested trees was detected at Gall- the good supply with water strengthened the vitality and spach (district of Grieskirchen). the general condition of trees in forests; on the other hand, leaf and needle diseases were frequent and severe. LEAF- AND NEEDLE-FEEDING INSECTS Considerable abiotic damage was caused by summer storms/thunderstorms. In the western Provinces and in In Lower Austria, in parts of Upper Austria as well as Styria a great number of trees were broken by snow at in Carinthia, cockchafer species (forest cockchafer — the onset of winter in early October. Melontha hippocastani and dorbeetle — Melontha melolontha) increased. However, they caused problems BARK-BREEDING AND for forestry only in the eastern parts of Lower Austria WOOD-BREEDING BEETLES and, as a result of mass propagation of Melontha hippo castani, in the Danube wetlands near Stockerau and Among the forest-damaging insects the most prominent Tulln. In summer 2009 eating damage by fall webworm ones were again spruce bark beetles, above all the eight- (Hyphantria cunea) was detected. Several times Japa- toothed bark beetle (Ips typographus), followed by the nese oak silk moth (Antheraea yamamai) was observed copper engraver (Pityogenes chalcographus). As late in warmer regions of Styria and in Burgenland. In fall as in 2011 the long-awaited easing of the tense situa- 2009 needle discolouration in spruce was detected tion was seen. The decline in the quantity of damaged especially in some regions of Carinthia and Styria as a wood to 1.6 million cubic metres was significant. The result of the feeding damage inflicted by the caterpillars all-Austrian decline in damage caused by bark beetles of common spruce bell (Epinotia tedella). Among the continued in 2012; for the first time since 2002 figures leaf-feeding butterflies the population densities of winter fell — with 880,000 cubic metres — below the million moth species and the species associated with them in- level again. The decline might have been due to several creased in 2012. However, large areas affected by feeding factors: After 2008 the volume of wood damaged due damage were observed as late as in 2013 only. to storm and snow proved to be smaller; in 2011 it was with 530,000 cubic metres at the lowest level of the The little spruce sawfly(Pristiphora abietina) was active 40 years before. Furthermore, greater use of wood was in 2011, but saw a decline again after that. In 2012, dam- made over the years before; due to the high level of age by mountain spruce sawfly(Pachynematus monta demand and under the impression of the long-term nus) was unexpectedly found in spruce forests. In 2013, calamity, greater attention was probably paid to bark a striking mass propagation of the spruce webworm beetle control. Last but not least it is also possible that Cephalcia abietis occurred on about ten hectares of the after many years of mass propagation natural ‚antago- Waldviertel region. nists‘ of the beetles responded and had a reducing effect. Other bark beetle species were considerably behind the Short-rotation areas are more frequently affected by levels of Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus. pests, but so far without lasting damage to plantations.

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Problems are presently caused by lesser willow sawfly by beavers. Damage by beaver is not only due to feeding; GAME According to the game impact monitoring almost two (Nematus pavidus) as well as by leaf-eating beetles like rather, also floods caused by dams they build can give thirds of the Austrian districts have a high level of game red poplar leaf beetle (Chrysomela populi) and by leaf rise to severe damage in forests. According to the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI) impact (severe game impact on over 50 % of the areas); in rust fungi. game damage has, on average, remained the same at the almost one quarter of the districts the level of game impact FUNGAL DISEASES federal level: It remained stable at a high level. Major is very high (severe game impact on over 75 % of the are- In 2009 and 2010 an increase in the numbers of larch problems are the segregation caused by selective brows- as). Compared to the survey period 2004–2006 the trend with browning (sometimes as early as in the initial Since 2006 the most prominent fungal disease of forest ing, the loss of stabilising species and the increasing is rising. In one third of the districts the results deteriorat- phase) and sparse crowns was observed in some trees has been the Chalara ash dieback. The fungus regeneration deficit in protection forests. ed significantly, in one fifth they improved significantly. regions of the Provinces of Styria, Salzburg, Carinthia, (Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus) is extremely invasive Upper and Lower Austria. Investigations showed that and, by means of airborne spores, has spread over the Austrian Forest Inventory — Time series of the evaluation of damage caused by game the damage was due to different clusters of factors. In whole European continent. The dieback occurs in ash in percent almost all cases larch-bud gall midge occurred frequently trees of all age classes and infests natural stands just as (Dasineura kellneri). In addition, larch casebearer much as plantations. Meanwhile all Austria is hit by No damage by game P5 – ÖWI period 5 (1992–1996) moth (Coleophora laricella) and larch needle adelgid the dieback of ash. Fortunately, thanks to a genetically Damage by game from browsing parameters P6 – ÖWI period 6 (2000–2002) Damage by game from target / actual comparison (Adelges species) were involved in the crown thinning. stable resistance hardly affected or unaffected ash trees P7 – ÖWI period 7 (2007–2009) In a second step, larch capricorn (Tetropium gabrieli) are found amid stands dying back, even though at differ- Damage by game by type of management — Regeneration needed and undertaken was able to colonise weakened trees. Other factors ent frequencies. In forest management, the recommend- of significance were, to different extents, the fungi ed practice is the promotion of this natural selection as P5 P6 P7 P5 P6 P7 P5 P6 P7 P5 P6 P7 Merialaricis, Mycosphaerella laricina and Hypodermella well as the afforestation with plant material guaranteed 100 24 24 23 16 21 22 15 18 19 23 23 23 laricis, which cause needle shedding, as well as certain to be resistant. 80 climatic factors, above all frost events. Other fungi occurred in the following hosts: 60 55 50 50 62 51 54 48 52 49 55 50 50 In 2011 beech gall midge (Mikiola fagi) occurred 40 frequently in some stands. However, more intense leaf -- Phytophthora disease (Phytophthora alni) damage materialised only where woolly beech aphid in black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and grey 20 (Phyllaphis fagi) and beech leafminer (Rhynchaenus alder (Alnus incana) 21 26 27 22 28 22 37 30 32 22 27 27 0 fagi), which in some places occurred rather frequently Production Protection forest with Non-productive pro- Total also in 2013 were involved at the same time. -- Spruce needle rust (Chrysomyxa forest yield/Protection forest tection forest/Protection rhododendri) in spruce (Picea abies) with timber utilisation forest without timber utilisation Two North American pests managed to become established in Austria in recent years: Locus gall midge -- Dothistroma needle blight (Mycosphaerella Damage by game — Forests where regeneration is required and undertaken (Obolodiplosis robiniae) has already spread heavily in pini as well as Dothistroma pini) in European some parts of eastern Austria. Western conifer seed bug black pine (Pinus nigra), Scots pine (Pinus P5 P6 P7 P5 P6 P7 P5 P6 P7 P5 P6 P7 100 (Leptoglossus occidentalis) has successfully colonised sylvestris), mountain pine (Pinus mugo) and 15 16 13 25 23 25 31 31 29 23 23 23 large parts of the federal territory. In Austria, it has so arolla pine (Pinus cembra) 80 far been more of a nuisance pest during their search for a place to stay in fall, when many individuals enter resi -- Diplodia disease of pine (Sphaeropsis 60 51 51 51 61 59 54 51 35 38 55 50 50 dential buildings. So far, the bug has not been active as sapinea = Diplodia pinea) in European 40 a real pest infesting seeds and needles in Austria. black pine (Pinus nigra) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) 20 DAMAGE CAUSED BY SMALL MAMMALS 34 33 36 14 18 16 18 34 33 22 27 27 0 -- Annosum root rot (Heterobasidion annosum) Production Protection forest with Non-productive pro- Total Damage due to small mammals is basically found during in spruce (Picea abies) forest yield/Protection forest tection forest/Protection the entire reporting period — usually in small areas, with timber utilisation forest without timber utilisation but often very intensely. Damage is above all caused by -- Larch cancer (Lachnellula willkommii) voles, dormice, hares, rabbits, but along riversides also in larch (Larix decidua) Figure 15 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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CRITERION 3: MAINTENANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF PRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS OF FORESTS (WOOD AND NON-WOOD)

THIS CRITERION DEALS WITH THE ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF FOREST RESOURCES. It illustrates the wide range of forest products and services offered as well as the sustainable production and harvest. Forest planning is to ensure that future generations will have the same management options as we have today. Forests have to fulfil a great number of functions. A vital one is their economic function which is reflected in the economic productivity. In addition to the classic production of wood, we have to look at the marketing of non-wood products and services.

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TIMBER FELLING REPORT

According to section 171 of the Austrian Forest The total sample of the enterprises corresponds Act the forest authority is obligated to conduct to that of the Agricultural Structure Survey 2010. periodic (annual) timber felling surveys. The volume felled has to be reported annually and comprises 2) Exhaustive survey the quantities of timber felled in the reporting year The exhaustive survey is conducted Austria-wide by (between January 1 and December 31)and intended survey district for all enterprises in ownership category for sale, for own consumption or for the granting 2 (enterprises with forest areas of 200 hectares or more, of wood supply rights. The data reported relate only except for ÖBf AG); in the Federal Provinces of Tyrol to the quantities of timber felled/harvested from and Vorarlberg exhaustive surveys by survey district forest soils. are carried out in ownership category 1 as well. Österrei chische Bundesforste AG (ÖBf AG) report their data SURVEYING METHODS directly to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, The quantity of timber felled is surveyed Environment and Water Management. using three different methods: 3) Estimate 1) Sample survey Estimates of the timber felling report are made Sample surveys are presently carried out in the separately for the individual survey districts in the Federal Provinces of Carinthia, Lower Austria, Provinces of Burgenland and Vienna, for ownership INDICATOR 3.1: Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria, in ownership category 1. They are subject to expert assessments INCREMENT AND FELLINGS category 1 (enterprises with forest areas < 200 ha). by the bodies of the district forest inspection. The total sample of which the sample enterprises are drawn comprises all enterprises with between 2 The quantities of timber determined when determining According to the Austrian Forest Inventory (“ÖWI”) Growing stock, increment hectares and 200 hectares of forested land from the the timber felled are given in cubic metres of timber 2007/09 the incremental growth in Austria‘s forests and utilisation in Austria Agricultural Structure Survey 2010. The sampling harvested under bark, the utilisation determined in the amounts to about 30.4 million cubic metres over bark in million cubic metres over bark plan used was drawn up by Statistics Austria based ÖWI in cubic metres over bark (m³ o.b.). These two (m³ o.b.) per year. Of this quantity, coniferous wood on the agricultural and forestry enterprises census. figures are not directly comparable. accounts for 24 million m³ o.b. (79 %), the species 1,135 represented most often being spruce with 20.1 million m³ o.b. (66 %). Broadleaved trees contribute 21 % to 1,000 the total increment; of this quantity; 1.1 million m³ o.b. are softwoods and 5.2 million m³ o.b. are hardwoods. With 52 %, or 2.75 million m³ o.b., beech accounts for the major part in hardwoods.

500 Increment faces timber utilisation. According to the ÖWI 2007/09 the annual utilisation amounts to 26 million m³ o.b. This proves the sustainability in Austrian forests. Data on the actual fellings, on the other hand, 31 26 are collected annually by the Federal Ministry of Agri 0 culture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. Standing wood Annual wood Annual in forests increment utilisation The required data are obtained directly from forest owners. See the below info box as well as „Indicator 3.2 - Roundwood“. Figure 16 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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INDICATOR 3.2: ROUNDWOOD

Roundwood is the most important forest pro harvested under bark, and the amount used for the duct in economic terms. Its production is surveyed by generation of energy (forest wood chips, fuelwood) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environ- 4.96 million m³ of timber harvested under bark. ment and Water Management in the framework of the Timber Felling Report. Private forest owners (forested area < 200 hectares) felled 10.31 million m³ under bark: 4.7 % less than in In 2013, the total quantity of timber harvested in Austria 2012. The percentage share of private forests in the amounted to 17.39 million cubic metres of timber total removal was 59.26 %. harvested under bark. It was thus 3.50 % below the value of 2012 (18.02 million m³ under bark), 1.94 % below the In large forests (forest area > 200 hectares, not including five-year average (5-Ø; 2009–2013, 17.73 million m³ ÖBf AG) total removals decreased by 2.5 % compared to under bark) and 5.42 % below the ten-year average the survey year 2012, thus amounting to 5.42 million m³ (10-Ø; 2004–2013, 18.39 million m³ under bark). of timber harvested under bark. The percentage share in the total removal was 31.17 %. The quantity harvested can be divided into two sectors: The amount serving material exploitation (sawn- Österreichische Bundesforste AG raised its volume wood, industrial wood) with 12.43 million m³ timber felled by 1.1 % to 1.66 million m³ of timber harvested

Development of timber harvest and timber price

Raw timber — use for energy production Raw timber — material use Total Roundwood price (sawlog spruce/fir/beech, edia 2b)

Cubic Euro metres of timber harvested

25,000 100

12,500 50

0 0 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

Figure 17 | Source: BMLFUW 2014, Statistics Austria 2014

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under bark. The percentage share of the Federal Forests To take account of the growing demand for wood ex- BMLFUW, the Forest Association and other organisa- are linked. Figure 18 shows clearly that, after a damaging in the total removal was 9.57 %. The share of conifers pected for the years to come various strategies of wood tions (see info box: Wood mobilisation — page 60). event like a hurricane, the (usually rather stable) market in the total removal was 82.9 %, the share of damaged utilisation have been developed and implemented in the This is particularly important with a view to the EU‘s is for some time congested with large quantities of wood. wood totalled 19.5 %. past (see info box: Wood mobilisation — page 60). „Europe 2020“ target which requires the increase of the The formerly balanced ratio of offer and demand is dis- share of renewable energy to 20 %. turbed, which makes prices fall. After the storm disasters The development of the past few years demonstrates a These efforts aim at exhausting the existing utilisation of 2007 the forest sector established wet-storage facilities long-term trend towards a higher share of the removals potential and are successful already. Since the 1990ies VOLUME OF DAMAGED WOOD to avoid that the whole amount of damaged wood by small enterprises. Simultaneously a downward trend a constantly rising trend in the development of total AND ROUNDWOOD PRICE overstocks the market at the same time. As a result of has been observed for owners of large forests and ÖBf AG. removals has been observed. Moreover, in 2007 and this measure and the fact that rarely any damaged 2008 clear top results were recorded for the amounts Especially the past twenty years have shown how tightly wood has been produced since 2008, the roundwood In Austria‘s forests there is sufficient potential for of timber used. They are above all a consequence of the damaging events, timber prices and market developments price has reached a maximum at the moment. increased use of timber. In many cases utilisation is large quantities of damaged wood caused by the hurri- presently not useful in economic terms (locations where canes Kyrill and Olli and the resulting marked increase haulage is difficult). There are also small forest owners in bark beetle calamities. who still consider forests a „savings bank“ which is utilised rather irregularly. Furthermore, the group of urban Taking everything into account, the amount of timber forest owners is on the increase. These persons frequent- used has considerably increased over the past 40 years, ly live at a distance from their forests and lack emotional both in the field of material use and, even more, in links to them, which leads to increments in those forests the field of wood for energy. These figures reflect the not being used. success of the wood mobilisation efforts initiated by the

Volume of damaged wood and roundwood price

Storm and snow, in million m³ of timber harvested Bark beetle, in million cubic m³ of timber harvested Roundwood price (sawlog spruce/fir/beech, Media 2b)

Million m³ Euro of timber harvested

11 100

5,5 50

0 0 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

Figure 18 | Source: Documentation of forest damage factors, BFW 2014; Timber Felling Report, BMLFUW 2014

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WOOD MOBILISATION

Covering the increasing wood demand is a central challenge for the forestry sector. The wood mobilisation actions that were introduced a few years ago are showing success. All parts of the forestry sector — the representa tions of interest just as much as associations and authorities — have focussed their efforts on this issue. However, as a matter of fact it cannot be disregarded that a major motivation to utilise forests is the timber price.

An overview of the most important measures:

-- More intensive on-site support from qualified persons who serve as direct contacts and persons of trust for forest owners

-- Intensification of geographical information systems (GIS)

-- Focus of financial support for forests INDICATOR 3.3: on the needs of wood mobilisation NON-WOOD PRODUCTS Forest associations and forest management coopera- -- Awareness-raising with regard tives (WWG) are non-profit associations whose major to unused incremental growth task is to support forest owners in the fields of timber Apart from the raw material wood, forests Percentage shares of non-wood production, timber marketing and forest tending. Their offer a great number of other animal- and plant- products in the total value for 2005 -- Stronger integration of and cooperation prime objective is to ensure and increase their members‘ based raw materials, such as venison, mushrooms, Christmas trees Reproductive material between authorities, chambers, associations berries, herbs or resin, and commodities produced income from forest management. This is achieved above Mushrooms Venison and forestry service providers all by joint wood marketing. In all activities and assisting from them. Yields from the sale of these products Fruit, berries, nuts Furs, hides, trophies actions the freedom of decision of members has priority. usually fall markedly below those from the sale of Resins, aromatic Honey The greater part of the above-mentioned initiatives timber. However, since many products are above substances Fish Decoration focuses on private forests (smaller than 200 hectares). In cooperation with the chambers of agriculture, forest all used for private consumption or because their 1.4 % associations (“Waldverbände”) also represent the utilisation is directly or indirectly the basis of other 18.4 % Below, we present to you the Austrian Forest interest of forest owners on provincial level. Moreover, sectors of the economy, it would be wrong to con- Association („Waldverband Österreich“), one Waldverband Österreich offers the eight provincial clude that they are of minor economic importance. 39.1 % of the organisations and institutions taking efforts associations a platform for joint activities. In addition to To be able to provide concrete data on the role of 7.1 % to promote private forests and stimulating the the handling of Austria-wide projects, the main task is to non-wood products in forestry, the Federal Ministry mobilisation of wood from them. coordinate and represent interests on federal level. of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management awarded a research contract to the 16.3 % Institute of Silviculture of the University of Natural 2.8 % Austrian Forest Association („Waldverband Österreich“): http://www.waldverband.at Resources and Applied Life Sciences. For 2005, the 12.9 % 0.5 % total value of marketed non-wood products amounts 1.3 % 0.2 % to 95 million euros and can be interpreted as added Figure 19 | Source: Institute of Silviculture, University of Natural Resources value from forest management. and Applied Life Sciences 2014

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CHRISTMAS TREES However, as Civil Law stipulates that the forest owner OTHER PLANT PRODUCTS retains the power of disposition of mushrooms, collec Whilst the importance of Christmas trees harvested ting them within the framework prescribed is permitted Apart from the above-mentioned groups of plant from forest soils is decreasing (about 10 % of the only until further notice. The economic importance of products, mainly reproductive material in the form Christmas trees sold), a considerable increase in domestic mushrooms has clearly decreased since the of forest plants and seed are of relevance. Based on Christmas tree plantations has been recorded. From 1970ies and is considered to account for a market share a monitoring conducted by the Federal Forest Office 1992 to 2005 their surface rose to 2,395 hectares and of about 200 tonnes per year and a total value of approxi- (BFW) a total value of approximately 12.2 million thus more than doubled. Of the slightly above 2 million mately 2.6 million euros for 2005. Presently, the major euros was calculated for the reproductive material. trees sold annually, Nordmann fir has become the part of the mushrooms marketed is imported. most important species; it accounts for about 75 % VENISON of the Christmas trees produced in Austria. For 2005, FRUIT, BERRIES AND NUTS the income from sale is reported to amount to about Measured against meat consumption in Austria, venison 37 million euros, thus representing the largest share Wild fruits and nuts from forest woods as well as berries is with 0.5 kg/head playing a minor role. Venison is in in the total value of non-wood products (39.1 %). from forest stands are for the greatest part used in this connection defined as meat from wild animals that processing or directly marketed. It is difficult to assess are subject to hunting law (for the most part roe deer, MUSHROOMS the size and value of this type of use (about 0.46 million red deer, fallow deer, sika, furred game, and game birds). euros), but they are probably much smaller than those In 2005, about 7,500 tonnes of venison with a total value The use of mushrooms is codified in the Forest Act from fruit cultivation in orchards. In wholesale, fruit, of approximately 15.7 million euros were marketed as (supplemented by any nature conservation laws of the berries and nuts are of no significance and are replaced raw material. This does not include the growth in added Federal Provinces) which provides that, basically, by fruit from plantations or by imported products. value from the processing into venison products which, collecting up to 2 kg per day and person is permitted. however, is increasingly aimed at by companies in the RESINS, RAW MATERIALS FOR course of new marketing strategies. MEDICAL PURPOSES, AROMATIC AND COLOURING PRODUCTS HIDES, SKINS AND TROPHIES

The utilisation of resins has continuously lost in sig- Of the category of hides, skins and trophies only the nificance in Austria over the past few decades. Market latter are of relevance for marketing. In the course of the opportunities in Austria are poor; in addition, the price past decades domestic hides from hunting have above and competitive pressure on the global market is high. all been replaced by fur from farmed fur animals and The production of extracts and essential oils from forest are therefore frequently destroyed. As opposed to this, is with 18.4 % second-important as regards the total plants is of even smaller significance (except for Swiss hunting trophies are of high traditional and cultural value of non-wood products. Quite often, however, pine and mountain pine oil). Considering also herbs, importance, both in arts and crafts and in preparation. forest owners generate income only by leaving to which are predominantly marketed directly, the total For 2005, the total value of products marketed in this beekeepers the places for setting up hives. value was about 0.23 million euros. category amounts to some 6.7 million euros. OTHER ANIMAL PRODUCTS DECORATION FOREST HONEY As animal raw material for medicinal and dying purposes In Austria, the marketing of decoration material con- Data on domestic honey production is published is not of relevance, the only sector to be mentioned in cerns above all ornamental brushwood as a coupled annually in the supply balance of Statistics Austria. this category is fish production, which comprises both product from the use of Christmas trees. Therefore, As forest honey is not separately recorded, quantities fisheries and fish breeding. The most important fish the quantity marketed of about 1,500 t/year as well as can only be estimated. According to the Austrian species are trout, carp, pike, grayling, char, catfish, as the average total value calculated (1.2 million euros) beekeepers association, „Österreichischer Imkerbund“, well as pike-perch. Data from the Austrian Federal relates exclusively to the quantities produced in plan- forest honey accounts for about 50 % of the total pro- Forests (ÖBf AG) and from an extrapolation based on tations. Other products made of branches, twigs, root duction. Based on market prices, the quantity of 3,050 a survey in agricultural and forestry enterprises indi- wood and cones that are directly marketed have not tonnes annually represented a total value of about cate that the total amount from fish marketing can be yet been surveyed. 17 million euros for 2005. Furthermore, forest honey estimated at about 1.3 million euros for 2005.

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HUNTING FISHERIES

Hunting is of great importance in Austria, both in Similar to hunting, this category comprises income terms of tradition and culture, and it represents a from fishing licenses and rent for standing and running significant economic factor. In 2005 approximately water bodies. Based on data from the Austrian Federal 110,000 Austrians practising hunting bought a hunting Forests, earnings of about 5 million euros were generat- license. Parts of the marketed goods from hunting, like ed in Austria in 2005. hunting bags, venison, hides, skins and trophies, have already been described under the non-wood products. TOURISM Unlike these products, Indicator 3.4 deals with the service aspects of hunting. According to calculations by the In addition to leisure-time, sports and other outdoor Central Office of the Austrian Provincial Hunting Asso- and adventure activities (not including alpine skiing), ciations the total annual turnover from hunting accounts this category includes the renting of huts and houses for for about 475 million euros, which includes the entire tourist purposes and camping. In Austria, the marketing value added. For the category of recreational services, of such offers in forests relies above all on the principles rents for shoots (not including shooting fees) are thus of (i) compensation for infrastructure through coop- of significance and generate approximately 48 million erations in tourism, (ii) entry fees for offers not freely euros. Consequently, hunting accounts for the greater accessibly and (iii) payments for guided tours by forest part (38 %) of the total value of the services recorded. staff or third persons.

INDICATOR 3.4: SERVICES

The marketed services associated with Percentage shares of services forests include hunting and fishing licences, mountain in the total value for 2005 bike tracks and bridle paths, skiing resorts as well as Hunting Environment & nature educational adventure and other leisure activities. Fishery conservation Also contractual nature conservation schemes in nature Tourism Protection forests Other services conservation and environmental protection as well 15 % as cultural offers provided by cooperation with forest enterprises belong to this category. Austrian forest 38 % enterprises and forest owners offer a great number of such services. The study described in the chapter 13 % „Non-wood products“ investigates also the economic importance of the services provided by forests. According to this study, the total value of services 11 % marketed amounts to 125 million euros for 2005. 4 % The Institute of Silviculture of the University of 19 % Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences is Figure 20 | Source: Institute of Silviculture, University of Natural Resources presently working to update the data for 2010. and Applied Life Sciences 2014

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PROTECTION FORESTS activities, manages and conducts also area-management projects. In 2005, the total amount of subsidies As a consequence of the 2002 Amendment to the Forest for area-related measures amounted to 15.6 million Act, the category „object-protecting forest“, serving the euros. protection of humans and human infrastructure, was defined in addition to the „site-protecting forest“ (pro- OTHER SERVICES tection of the site). In object-protecting forests forest owners are obligated to take measures only to the extent This category includes payments to forest owners for that the costs are covered by public means or payments extraction fees, telecommunication poles, wind energy from beneficiaries. In Austria, protection forest projects and power supply facilities. Based on information from are handled by the Service for Torrent and Avalanche the Austrian Federal Forests, a total amount of approxi- Control which, in addition to various engineering mately 19 million euros was calculated for 2005.

INDICATOR 3.5: FORESTS UNDER MANAGEMENT PLANS

The Forest Act provides the legal framework forest-related operational plans or forest utilisation plans for the management of all Austrian forests. To ensure is eligible for subsidisation under the national Rural De- sustainability, it sets out numerous management restric- velopment Programme. For enterprises with more than tions and stipulations, such as the requirement for certain 1,000 hectares, the availability of forest-related opera- measures to be authorised by the forest authority. Even tional plans is a precondition for the granting of subsidies more stringent regulations apply to protection forests. aimed at improving the economic value of forests. Under the Forest Act, forest enterprises are not required to draw up management plans. In practice, however, all Forest land-use planning as set out in the Forest Act pro- larger forest enterprises use management plans, so- vides for three planning instruments for the presentation called „operates“, as a basis for operational control. These and foresighted planning of the forest conditions: the operates are usually updated or newly compiled every Forest Development Plan, the Hazard Zone Plan and the 10 years in the framework of a forest management: Technical Forestry Plan. Whilst the first two have only an indirect impact on forest enterprise level, the Tech- About half of the Austrian forest is managed by owners nical Forestry Plan offers forest owners an opportunity Even though tourism is an important economic phe- (incl. Natura 2000) are compensated for by private of small private forests, usually by forest farmers. The to outline and plan certain technical fields within their nomenon in Austria, little is known about the many or public funds. Due to the harmonisation of the sur forest is often part of a family-run mixed agricultural and own spheres of interest. In practical life, however, forest forest-related offers. For 2005, the amount of income veying of all types of protection areas (among them forest management business that is passed on from one owners have made little use of this possibility so far. from these broad-based business activities was estimated national parks, Natura 2000, natural forest reserves, generation to the next. Sustainable management by the at approximately 24 million euros and, with about 19 %, landscape conservation areas, nature parks) in 2004, owner of the forest is very important. For the review of sustainability on regional and federal ranks second in the total value of services. it was for the first time possible to determine the share level several monitoring instruments are available. of forests on protected areas: It comprises over 1 In many cases not written plans but the traditional The most comprehensive one is the Austrian Forest NATURE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES million hectares. Differences in the nature conser- know-how of sustainable forest management and a good, Inventory, but other surveys such as the annual Timber vation instruments and the fragmentation of well-established range of forestry training and education Felling Report or the test operation grid, which provides Marketed nature conservation services comprise not competences make it difficult to provide a consistent opportunities provide the basis for this management. information about the earnings situation in forestry, only gene reserve forests and protected forest areas evaluation of current marketing. For 2005, a total value Every forest owner also has the possibility to receive ad- also provide an important decision-making basis for but also all types of contractual nature conservation of about 14 million euros was calculated in a vice, either from the Chamber of Agriculture or from the forest policy in order to ensure sustainable management where services of relevance to nature conservation first estimate. local forest authority. The preparation or improvement of of the Austrian forest.

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CRITERION 4: MAINTENANCE, CONSERVATION AND APPROPRIATE ENHANCEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT COMPRISES ALSO THE MAINTENANCE OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY. This criterion describes the multitude and the conservation status of the species occurring in forest habitats, their genetic diversity, the role they are playing in the environment, their types of use, the structures within landscapes as well as the management of protection. The data from the latest Forest Inventory confirm the results of the intensified efforts of forest owners in this field. For example, spruce has seen a marked reduction in favour of broadleaved tree species and shrubs in forests. Furthermore, both the share of natural regeneration and that of deadwood, which is playing an important role in the forest ecosystem, increased continuously. The maintenance of biodiversity also requires sufficient genetic resources and the placing under protection of certain forest areas.

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Forest areas by tree species — Commercial forests

Areas covered with shrubs 6 % Blanks Shrubs in stands 17 % 18 % Scots pine 7 % European black pine 1 % Larch 7 % Other areas Fir Gaps 407,000 ha 4 % 59 % 12 %

Spruce 81 %

Broadleaved species Coniferous Softwoods 821,000 ha trees 17 % 24 % 2,139,000 ha Common beech 64 % 41 %

INDICATOR 4.1: Other hardwoods Oak TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION 34 % 8 %

Due to the different climate zones, altitudes, and on 4 % of the coniferous areas, whereas black pine Figure 21 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 soil types and topographic characteristics many different stocks on only 21,000 hectares, thus accounting for 1 % forest communities are found in Austria and, in them, of Austria‘s coniferous area. Arolla pine grows on 15,000 Change in area by tree species in commercial forests about 70 different tree species. hectares, thus accounting for less than 1 percent of the Change over 1992/96 in 1,000 hectares coniferous area in Austria. 2000/02 According to the Austrian Forest Inventory 2007/09 2007/09 („ÖWI 2007/09“) coniferous forests stock on 2.14 mil- As regards broadleaved species, red beech is with lion hectares of land in Austria. This corresponds to 64 % 336,000 hectares of land stocked the most prominent 100 of the total forested area. Broadleaved forests grow on species (41 % of the area under broadleaved forests). 0.82 million hectares of land, which corresponds to 24 % This corresponds to 10 % of the productive forest area. of the forest area. On the remaining 12 % of the forest The second most common broadleaved tree species in area there are fillers in smaller gaps (240,000 hectares), Austria is oak, which stocks on 69,000 hectares of land, shrubs intermingling with forest stands (73,000 hec- thus accounting for 2 % of the productive forest area. 0 tares), unstocked areas (69,000 hectares), and areas Other hardwood species (hornbeam, maple, ash, chest- covered with shrubs (25,000 hectares) (Figure 21). nut, etc.) grow on 275,000 hectares. This corresponds to 34 % of the area under broadleaved forests or 8 % of the In coniferous forests, spruce accounts for 81 % of the forest area in yield. The entire softwoods (poplar, lime, -100 trees. It covers 1.7 million hectares of land and thus willow, alder, etc.) account for 17 % of the area under 51 % of the productive forest area in Austria. broadleaved species and with 142,000 hectares covers 4 % of the productive forest area. Larch and Scots pine each stock on 7 % of the coniferous areas. These two coniferous trees each account for The types of trees present in Austria‘s forests are subject -200 Spruce Fir Larch Scots European Arolla Other Coni Com- Oak Other Soft- Broad- Blanks Gaps Shrubs in Areas Other Total pine black pine coniferous ferous mon hardwoods leaved stands covered areas about 150,000 hectares of land and, together, account to constant change. Figure 22 gives a clear picture of pine species trees beech woods species with for 10 % of the productive forest area. Fir is with 18,000 this change. Based on the inventory ÖWI 1992/96, shrubs hectares represented on 2 % of the productive forest area the change in area (in 1,000 hectares) occurring in Figure 22 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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the periods of ÖWI 2000/02 and ÖWI 2007/09 is broadleaved trees were distinguished in the present illustrated in a diagram. The graphic representation evaluation of the Austrian Forest Inventory: Pure stands shows that spruce declined considerable in favour of with more than 80 % of conifers or broadleaved trees, broadleaved forests, shrubs in forest stands and fillers whereby pure conifer stands with more than 80 % spruce in smaller gaps. However, also blanks increased by were reported separately as pure spruce stands, and 24,000 hectares since ÖWI 1992/96. mixed forest stands with a predominant share of conifers respectively broad-leaved trees. The continuous trend of fir decline observed in the past has reversed since 1992/96. Today, fir is growing Compared to the preceding period, 2000/02, the on an additional 3,000 hectares; fir stocks thus appear trend of declining conifer stands and simultaneously to further stabilise. There are still problems as regards increasing broadleaved stands and mixed forest stands browsing in fir. Also Larch as the second coniferous spe- continued. The area covered by pure conifer stands cies saw an increase altogether, but lost 1,000 hectares decreased by 133,000 hectares, of which the major of land again since 2000/02. The trend of declining part is due to the marked decline in pure spruce stands arolla pine has continued, however. Altogether, it stocks (-123,000 hectares). Pure broadleaved stands increased on 15,000 hectares of land, which corresponds to a by 10,000 hectares, mixed stands by another 28,000 decline by 4,000 hectares since 1992/96. hectares.

Another important indicator for the quality of Austrian The comparison with the latest period of inventory forests in addition to the postulated areas stocked by illustrates the development observed since 1971/80. the individual tree species is the association and mix Forestry in Austria shows a trend towards a forest within stands. management which is closer to nature. As a result, the share of broadleaved trees and shrubs has increased, To determine the mix in the Austrian forest, four pure spruce stands have decreased and a trend towards types of mix depending on the share of conifers and mixed stands is observed.

Shares of forest land by types of mix in commercial forests in percent

Pure coniferous stands Stands with broadleaved Pure spruce stands trees only Mixed coniferous/ Mixed broadleaved/ broadleaved stands coniferous stands

1971/ 1981/ 1986/ 1992/ 2000/ 2007/ 80 85 90 96 02 09 80 Pure coniferous 70 68 67 65 62 60 stands

Pure spruce stands 45 45 45 44 41 38

Mixed coniferous/ 13 14 14 14 15 16 40 broadleaved stands

Stands with broad 9 9 10 11 12 13 leaved trees only

Mixed broadleaved/ 8 9 9 10 11 11 coniferous stands 0 1971/80 1981/85 1986/90 1992/96 2000/02 2007/09

Figure 23 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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INDICATOR 4.2: Situation of the regeneration of target tree species REGENERATION in 1,000 hectares 1992/96 2000/02 2007/09

298 Forest regeneration, both by means of natural Establishing stable, productive and high-quality 275 regeneration and through afforestation, is the basis of forest stands therefore lays the foundation for sustainability and therefore the precondition for future future (forest) generations. generations being able to benefit from forests as ours can today. Regeneration in Austrian forests is recorded as 190 180 175 part of the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI). A distinction is made as to whether or not an area Regeneration on areas requires regeneration and as to whether or not requiring regeneration regeneration exists on these areas. It appears that 92 81 83 77 in percent in production forests regeneration exists on almost 70 half of the areas requiring regeneration. With 20 %, Exists Not existing respectively 26 %, regeneration is dramatically less frequent in protection forests without yield and in Regeneration required protection forests with yield. As has been mentioned Number sufficient Number of Number of Number of undamaged trees target tree undamaged target tree in connection with Indicator 1.3, over-mature stands sufficient species sufficient species sufficient are simultaneously increasing in protection forests. Due to these two components protection forests are Figure 25 | Source: ÖWI 1992/96 to ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 54 59 less and less often able to fulfil their functions in the 74 80 best possible way. To maintain sustainability, there is particularly urgent need for action in this field. The survey of regeneration by the Austrian Forest Regeneration and browsing Inventory refers also to the inhibiting factors that lead of target tree species 46 41 On altogether 555,000 hectares of high forest to the absence of the necessary regeneration. Important in 1,000 hectares 26 20 stands classified as being in need of regeneration, factors inhibiting regeneration are soil vegetation, lack Without brows- With browsing regeneration actually exists. An analysis of this of light, browsing by game, erosion, forest grazing, or the ing damage damage Production Protection Protection High forest regeneration area shows that only on 298,000 type of humus. In this list, one has to note that compe- forest forest forest Total with yield without yield hectares the number of young plants is sufficient tition from ground vegetation is often only a secondary for the establishment of the next forest generation. factor affecting regeneration. In thinned stands young 485 Regeneration not required One positive point is, however, that this area has forest plants are often more severely damaged by game 459 425 considerably increased since 1992. Of these than other types of soil vegetation are. For this reason, 298,000 hectares, sufficient numbers of undamaged excessive numbers of game may shift the natural balance individuals are found on only 190,000 hectares; between young trees and the competing vegetation: 65 66 66 on only 92,000 hectares the number of target trees The competing vegetation becomes denser and thus ob- 76 is sufficient. These two figures, too, indicate clearly structs the required regeneration. Browsing is therefore that these areas are continuously growing. However, a particularly important factor inhibiting regeneration. it is alarming that only on an area of 77,000 hectares regeneration of the target trees was found to be The graphical representation presented below 35 34 34 24 sufficient for the next forest generation. This means (Figure 26) shows that only 8 percent of the areas 75 70 that, taking everything into account, on only 6 % that require regeneration and have actually been 44 Production Protection Protection High forest of the area covered by high forest stands and re- regenerated are not affected by game. Moreover, forest forest forest Total quiring regeneration such regeneration actually one can see that since 1992 the area on which newly with yield without yield 1992/96 2000/02 2007/09 exists to an extent that is sufficient in terms of stocked trees are damaged by browsing has conti Figure 24 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 quality and quantity. nuously increased. Figure 26 | Source: ÖWI 1971/80 to ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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study showed that Austrian forests could be subdivided It can be assumed that naturalness has increased since according to 5 degrees of naturalness. the 1992–1997 period. This assumption relies on the following facts: -- Artificial forests, which accounted for 7 % of the Austrian forest area, were above all -- Increase in deciduous forests and mixed made up of non-indigenous tree species and broadleaved/coniferous forests with did not show any similarities to the potential simultaneous decrease in pure stands of natural forest community. spruce and pure stands of coniferous trees (see Indicator 4.1) -- Strongly altered forests were intensively For the evaluation of naturalness, the existing managed and made up 27 % of Austria’s tree species composition was compared with total forest land. The species composition the potential natural forest community. Es- did not correspond to that of the potentially pecially in artificial and strongly altered forest natural forest community. Where deadwood areas secondary coniferous forests and pure occurred, it was stumps remaining from spruce stands were disproportionately fre- harvesting. quent. We can assume that the degree of naturalness increased as a result of the increase in -- With 41 %, moderately altered forests were broadleaved forests and broadleaved/conifer- definitely the type of forest occurring most ous mixed forests. frequently in the Austrian forest area. These forests were all intensively exploited, but -- Growing share of deadwood some residual elements of the potentially nat- (see Indicator 4.5) ural vegetation existed. The structure of forest In natural forests the share of deadwood stands was distinctly altered by harvesting and amounted to 0.5–6 % of the biomass, depend- frequently also by the impacts of grazing. ing on the level of succession. Furthermore, studies furnish prove that the share of dead- -- Semi-natural forests accounted for 22 % of wood in strongly altered forest areas increases the surface. These forests were the result of a markedly after a stop of exploitation. For this management close to nature. They showed reason the share of deadwood was an impor- only slight deviations from the potentially tant factor in the evaluation of naturalness natural forest community. However, in most cases disintegration phases with correspond- ing volumes of deadwood, one of the typical features of the natural forest, were missing.

-- Natural forests were found on three per- INDICATOR 4.3: cent of Austria’s forest-covered area. Only NATURALNESS forest-covered areas not showing any human impact or areas whose utilisation was so far in the past that it was no longer visible in the As the naturalness of Austrian forests has for This study, entitled „Hemerobie Österreichischer forestry of that time were assigned to this a long time been a controversial issue in the discussion Waldökosysteme“ („The hemeroby of Austrian forest category. of the different stakeholders, a comprehensive study ecosystems“) was conducted by the Vienna University was carried out in the period from 1992–1997 to lift in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Based on these results and the ongoing ÖWI surveys the topic on a scientific level and provide an objective Forestry, Environment and Water Management and the the present situation in Austria‘s forests can now be assessment of the situation Federal Research Centre for Forests. The results of the assessed.

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also in the research project „Hemerobie increased since the hemeroby study. This Österreichischer Waldökosysteme“. As the indicates that the naturalness of Austrian share of deadwood in forest biomass shows forest-covered land continues to spread a clear upward trend in Austria, naturalness and improve. in Austrian forests appears to improve in this respect as well. -- Decrease in artificial regeneration It should be pointed out in this context -- Increase in big-diameter logs that sales figures of forest plant material (see Indicator 1.2) have considerably declined over the past The number of trunks with a diameter of years. This indicates that Austria‘s forest over 35 cm is significantly increasing. This managers practice increasingly natural has two positive effects on the degree of regeneration in their forests. As these sales naturalness: On the one hand, the increase figures reflect the common type of forest in thick trunks gives rise to the conclusion management, this aspect, too, can be used that these forests are less intensively used to assume an increase in naturalness, al- and are therefore more natural. though we have to bear in mind that natural regeneration does not automatically mean a On the other hand one can assume that, regeneration of the potential natural forest due to the higher number of big-diameter community. trunks, more ‚veteran trees‘ can develop. Veteran trees are trees which have reached Summing up, one can say that the degree of naturalness the end of their natural life cycle and thus in Austrian forests shows a positive development. This contain deadwood and holes. As a result means that the shares of land show a shift towards mod- of their habitat features, these trees are erately altered and semi-natural forest areas. Moreover, of great ecological value for biodiversity. it should be emphasised that forestry per se does not affect naturalness but, due to centuries of development, -- Increase in nature conservation areas plays an important part in it. Recent years have shown The number and size of nature conserva- that close-to-nature forest management enhances the tion areas (Natura 2000, national parks, degree of naturalness of forests. This trend is expected biosphere parks, etc.) have significantly to continue.

INDICATOR 4.4: INTRODUCED TREE SPECIES

In our globalised world also the migration unwittingly and unintentionally. The effects these species channels of plants and animals have clearly changed. have on Austrian ecosystems are often not yet foreseea- World-wide trade, tourism, but also the changing cli- ble and, in some cases, may have serious impacts. mate allow many species to reach and colonise regions which in the past, if possible at all, required very long ALIEN SPECIES IN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS periods of time as part of slowly-acting geological and evolutionary processes. The process of the spreading In Austrian forest ecosystems neophytes are and accidental introduction of non-indigenous spe common above all in wetlands along riversides cies occurs wittingly and intentionally just as much as and in warmer areas.

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Time series alien species is continuously rising and amounts to 29,000 hectares INDICATOR 4.5: Area in ha at the moment (Figure 27). DEADWOOD Invasive species Introduced species total Also herbaceous plants like the small balsam and copper tops, giant goldenrot, Japanese knotweed, Indian false Deadwood is playing a significant role in stocks in protection forests) is considerably higher than strawberry or American false ragwort influence Austria‘s the forest ecosystem. It has an influence on natural it is in commercial forests (2.3 % of the volume of timber ecosystems. Most of the plants appear locally, though material cycles (nutrients, carbon) and on the stand in commercial forests). This observation furnishes proof sometimes also area-covering; they cause changes in climate. It can be the cradle of natural regeneration, of the problem of over-mature stands in protection for- the vegetation and in some cases obstruct the natural tree stumps as well as trunks lying perpendicular to ests as a result of the failure of management (Figure 29).

60,000 regeneration of indigenous trees. the fall line can protect against avalanches and erosion, and deadwood promotes the diversity of species. Many Diameter distribution in deadwood 53,000 These economic, ecological and health effects that plant and animal species that adjusted to this habitat neobiota have on Austrian ecosystems are considered in the course of evolution depend on deadwood. It > 50 cm to be a major cause of the loss of biodiversity. To slow is decisive also in which form deadwood exists. For 11 %

43,000 down and prevent this, different strategies are pursued example, the tree species, the dimension, age and stage < 20 cm on national as well as on international level. of degradation have major impacts on the appearance 35–50 cm

36,000 37 % of various organisms. 18 % MEASURES AND STRATEGIES 29,000 Tree species like birch and poplar usually take twenty 25,000 In 2004, the Austrian action plan on alien species (ne- to thirty years to degrade, while others like oak or beech obiota) was published in Austria. It had been prepared take much longer periods for complete remineralisa- 19,000 by order of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, tion. This is important especially for slowly growing 15,000 Environment and Water Management and adopted by organisms as they cannot develop on rapidly weathering 20–35 cm the national Biodiversity Commission. Its supreme goal deadwood. The dimension is an essential factor, as it 34 % is to stop the introduction of further alien species. For also has significant impacts on potential colonisation. 1990 2000 2005 2010 this purpose, objectives and measures for information Big-diameter trunks are more attractive for many animal Figure 28 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 and awareness raising, research and monitoring as well species as the dimension has a great influence on the

Figure 27 | Source: BMLFUW 2014 as for the legal and organisational implementation are micro-climate inside the trunk. Heat equalisation and Time series deadwood in Austria proposed. In the annex all known invasive and poten the protection against extreme temperatures are clearly in cubic metres over bark Several neophyte woods tend to grow wild and tially invasive species that cause economic, ecological better in thick trunks than in thin ones. Moreover, Production forest Coppice stands spread increasingly in Austrian forests. Among them or health problems are listed. bigger species can often colonise only thicker trunks. Protection forest Total are in particular robinia and tree of heaven. These Thicker deadwood is therefore of higher ecologi- with yield Linear (total) two species occur increasingly in oak forests of Other measures aim at developing the capacities cal value. In Austria, about one third of the existing the Pannonian region of eastern Austria and have required for improved national and international deadwood presently has a diameter of less than 20 cm, 11.7 severe impacts on the ecosystems. Robinia is cooperation. another third has diameters between 20 and 35 cm, 9.2 particularly competitive on dry sites. On the one and only 11 % show a diameter of over 50 cm 8.6 8.1 8.4 hand, it replaces native species, on the other hand it With the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020 also the Euro- (Figure 28). is able to enrich its site with nitrogen (symbiosis with pean Union takes account of the great importance of 5.8 6.1 5.9 Rhizobium bacteria) and thus to change it completely. neobiota in the EU area. „Target 5“ of the Strategy deals In Austria, a continuous upward trend in the share of 4.5 Tree of heaven, which is among the 100 most prob- with the fight against invasive alien species („Combat deadwood is observed. According to the Austrian Forest 4.2 3.1 3.4 lematic invasive species in Europe, also causes severe invasive alien species“). Its objective: „Invasive Alien Inventory ÖWI 2007/09 8.4 cubic metres over bark damage in urban areas and, due to its competitiveness, Species (IAS) and their pathways are identified and (m³ o.b.) of deadwood are found per hectare of forest replaces domestic (tree) species. In wetlands, ash- prioritised, priority species are controlled or eradicated, area; this corresponds to 2.5 % of the total stocks. leaved maple and green ash are increasingly invading and pathways are managed to prevent the introduction Since the inventory period 1992/96 the percentage of 1992/96 2000/02 2007/09 ecosystems. The area covered by invasive tree species and establishment of new species“. deadwood almost doubled. Remarkably, the share of deadwood in protection forests (4.1 % of the total Figure 29 | Source: ÖWI 1992/96 to ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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INDICATOR 4.6: for 17 tree species, which cover a total area of 71.8 For other tree species of economic relevance (e.g. com- GENETIC RESOURCES hectares. Most of these plantations were established mon birch, Norway maple, narrow-leaved ash) that are in the nineties and fructify regularly. For the main subject to the Forest Reproductive Materials Act of 2002 species of economic importance — spruce, white fir as amended, seed stocks and/or new plantations will be Maintaining a high genetic diversity of our to 2011, for example, approximately two, respec- and red beech — the primary measures are in situ established in the future. forest tree species is imperative if we want to ensure tively five, tonnes were imported in the case of actions (natural regeneration) as well as ex situ seeding their adaptability and adaptedness, especially in view mountain maple and red beech. Compared to and planting. For larch, seed plantations of the so- Plantations have been established to preserve, protect of the changing climate. The management of genetic the quantities of domestic seeds, this is a very called second generation are being prepared. They are and provide seeds for the rare species of the genera resources is thus an important element of sustainable big share. expected to be ready for establishment in 2018 and will apple (Malus), pear (Pyrus), whitebeam (Sorbus) and forest management. Forest stands of high genetic then provide reproductive material of superior quality elm (Ulmus). Regional marketing of the seeds of these values should be represented as much as possible in In mountainous Austria spruce will remain the for the marginal areas of the Alps. Also the future of rare tree species was stepped up in the future to create all growth areas and their survival must be guaranteed “bread-winning species” of the forestry sector; at the spruce (high stands) and fir is largely secured by seed corridors especially by cultivation in hedges and fields for the long term. An effective measure to ensure com- same time low-lying stands that are unstable due to plantations. Endangered stocks of European silver fir are and to rejoin the frequently splintered populations in prehensive adaptability of a tree species is the in the climate change are gradually to be converted into additionally protected via ex situ measures. Most of the order to permit the necessary genetic exchange between situ conservation of genetic material. This necessitates deciduous stands. The deciduous species oak, beech, secondary species of economic importance (genera of populations. These measures will continue in the future. preserving a tree species at its natural site in such a mountain maple and bird cherry will benefit most maple [Acer], ash [Fraxinus], Rosaceae [Prunus], alder At the Federal Research and Training Centre for Forest, way that the constant genetic adaptation processes from this conversion. Oak cultivation (common oak [Alnus], lime [Tilia], hornbeam [Carpinus]) have al- Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW) 224 black are disturbed as little as possible. In particular, in situ or chestnut oak, depending on the region) is expected ready been protected by the registration of in situ stands poplar (Populus nigra) clones are preserved under the conservation measures are to ensure that the genetic to increase significantly. Between 2003 and 2011, a total and the establishment of seed plantations. Larger stocks, European Forest Genetic Resources Programme information is passed from one generation to the of 36 tonnes of seed were harvested from oaks in Austria. e.g. of Pinus cembra, are additionally preserved by in situ (EUFORGEN); this material, too, is available for next using natural regeneration. Another 7 tonnes of seed were imported during this measures. renaturation measures. period. The frequent use of foreign oak seed in Austria In Austria, there are presently (as of 2013) 335 forest shows that also in the case of oak species the demand for stands with particularly valuable genetic resources seed is currently covered by domestic seed to a too low Location and size of gene conservation reserves (= gene conservation reserves). They cover a total extent. Lacking information about the performance and Area (ha) area of 9,720 hectares. The identification of these suitability of oak of Austrian origin, the fact that they are gene conservation reserves is subject to the following not widely known, and the low incentives for independ- 0.7–18.8 18.8–50.3 criteria: Representativeness, naturalness of stocking, ent harvesting by the forest nurseries are among the 50.3–106.2 minimum size, adaptedness, conditions for natural reasons for preferring imported seed. In the long run, 106.2–250.2 regeneration, and boundary-adjusted site. The popu- the share of foreign material should become smaller. 250.2–470.0 larity of these forests with particularly valuable genetic resources is to be enhanced both in the forest environ- In the future, the existing seed collection stands in Aus- ment and in the general public. tria are to be used more efficiently. As the identification of seed collection stands does not necessarily lead to the The genetic quality of seed collection stands or plan utilisation of valuable genetic resources and, in the past, tations is crucial for the adaptability of the new forest few seed collection stands were often used to an unpro- generation. The performance, that is, the phenotypic portionately high extent, a more balanced harvesting of quality (mass output, form properties, health status), those stands should ensure the existing genetic diversity is therefore particularly important if seed collection of Austria‘s genetic resources for the long term. The stands are to be approved. Seed collection stands should utilisation of domestic forest genetic resources should have a superior quality as regards these properties in therefore be more balanced in the future. the relevant growth area. In addition, also the selection criteria applying to gene reserves are used. In addition to seed collection stands and in situ measures, special actions (ex situ conservation measures) A rather large share of the seed used in Austria is are being taken to preserve forest gene resources. Pres- As of: 12/2013 still imported from abroad. In the period from 2003 ently, there are 51 conservation and seed plantations Figure 30 | Source: BFW 2014

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INDICATOR 4.7: LANDSCAPE PATTERN

The fragmentation of landscapes and habi- agreed upon at the international level: “Stop the loss tats is considered to be a major cause of the decline in of biological diversity in Austria by 2010”) focus on animal and plant species and of the threat to species this problem. diversity. The geographical pattern of the forest cover on land- The obstruction or prevention of migration and scape level provides information about the size, shape other exchange functions between organisms can and special distribution of forests in a landscape by lead to genetic isolation and even to the extinction reflecting a landscape’s potential to provide forest of various species. habitats.

The splintering of forest areas into isolated, too small In Austria, thanks to the satellite-aided remote survey- surfaces already jeopardises the long-term survival of ing for assessing the forest area (Gallaun et al. 2007, certain forest types. In the Austrian Forest Programme Gallaun & Linser 2008, Joanneum Research 2007) also Goal 2 (Expansion of forest areas in regions with low statements about the landscape pattern are possible. forest cover, paying attention to ecological, economic Within the scope of the „Forest Monitoring“ project of and social compatibility and with special consideration the European Space Agency (ESA), Joanneum Research to provisions of forest land-use planning) and Princi- in close cooperation with the Federal Environment ple 14 (Conservation and protection of native forest Agency and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of biotope types and related plant and animal species and Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Manage- their genetic diversity, with special attention to the goal ment provided various data on landscape patterns for

Percentage of forest cover for units of 100 ha (1 km x 1 km) for all Austria

< 10 % 10 %–30 % 30 %–50 % 50 %–70 % 70 %–90 % 90 %–100 %

surveying units of 100 hectare grids on a nation-wide satellite pictures (Gallaun et al. 2007, Gallaun & level, e.g. forest cover percentage, number of forest sur- Linser 2008). In view of the international reporting faces, number of forest- and non-forest surfaces, length requirements the forest surfaces were identified in a of forest perimeters per hectare of forest area (Gallaun standardised manner based on the definition of the & Linser 2006, Gallaun et al. 2007, Joanneum Research forest from the United Nations Food and Agriculture 2007). The method applied provides information about Organisation (FAO). the extent, the shape and the distribution of forest and non-forest surfaces in a landscape and illustrates the The evaluation of satellite image data at regular inter- forest habitats found in a landscape. vals enables us to monitor the change in landscape structure and to verify achievement of the goals set To be able to extract these data a high-resolution by the landscape principles required by the Austrian Figure 31 | Source: Joanneum Research 2014 forest/non-forest map was created for Austria using Sustainability Strategy.

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INDICATOR 4.8: utilised low zones are more endangered. In the high Risk situation of forest THREATENED FOREST SPECIES zones of the Alps, endangerment is significantly less biotope types in Austria serious. Forest types that are particularly endangered are flood-plain forests. More than 80 % of the endan- The target“Conservation and promotion of types. This classification proposal was then reviewed gered biotope types have no or little potential for regen- rare and jeopardised indigenous tree and shrub species” and corrected in coordination with experts. The danger eration. The situation is particularly striking in the case 28 has been anchored in the Austrian Forest Programme. to biotope types was classified on regional as well as on of biotope types characterised by typical site conditions national level. that can hardly be restored or whose restoration takes a 22 20 Since the nineteen-seventies, red lists have been a very long period of time, such as peat, swamp or marsh 18 common instrument in the area of nature conservation. RESULTS forests. So far there is no forest-specific evaluation of the red lists of endangered plant and animal species in Austria, but Basically, Austria has a very diverse forest landscape. The Many widespread biotope types are endangered in since 2001 red lists for endangered biotope types have catalogue of biotope types contains 93 different forest terms of quality, for example beech or oak forests. In 5 been available. For this purpose, a red list of endangered biotope types. Of these, 53 (= 57 %) are endangered. So their case the analysis of the causes of danger shows 0 forest biotope types has been drawn up in Austria. This far no forest biotope type has been destroyed completely that there is need for protection due to the intensive Completely Threatened Highly Threat- Not Not red list describes every type of forest biotope in detail in Austria. A total of 22 forest biotope types (= 24 %) are utilisation in the lower zones. destroyed of complete threatened ened threatened evaluated and shows the distribution of the forest biotope types not endangered. Another 18 forest biotope types (= 19 destruction on grid maps. %) were classified as “not particularly worth protection” Figure 34 clearly shows that the greatest diversity of and were therefore not evaluated. forest biotope types can be found in the lower regions The danger situation was assessed by means of danger of the foothills of the Alps and along the major rivers, indicators (area loss, rarity, loss of quality) that describe Differences can be seen in the analysis of regional i.e. in flood-plain forests. Figure 33 | Source: Federal Environment Agency 2014 the quantitative and qualitative danger to the biotope endangerment. Generally, forest habitats in intensively

Distribution of the biotope type „Common pine forest of the eastern rim of the Alps“ Number of forest biotope types in Austria per grid cell of Austria’s flora map

Austria-wide sources Unit of the grid cell: approx. 35 km² Expert and literature sources 1–2 3–5 6–8 9–12 13–16 17–21

Figure 32 | Source: Federal Environment Agency 2014 Figure 34 | Source: Data base of Austria‘s biotope types at the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Federal Environment Agency 2014

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INDICATOR 4.9: PROTECTED FORESTS

Nature conservation law protects forests Assessment guidelines for protected and other wooded areas, among other things in forest areas according to Forest Europe order to preserve the biological and landscape (without Class 3 — Main Management diversity as well as specific natural components. Objective ‚Protective Functions‘) FOREST EUROPE elaborated classification guidelines for these protected forest areas. Forest Europe Classes

Austria is endeavoured and under the obligation 1.1 No Active Intervention to implement these goals. Since nature conserva- Main Management 1 1.2 Minimum Intervention tion already has a long tradition in Austria and the Objective: ‚Biodiversity‘ Conservation Through management of forests is characterised by a long- 1.3 Active Management term forestry policy that takes the issues of biodiversity conservation into account, the status quo regarding Main Management Objective: 2 ‚Protection of Landscapes and protected areas in Austria was surveyed in a study of Specific Natural Elements‘ the Federal Environmental Agency from 2004. In 2009, this study was updated for the first time; Table 2 | Source: Forest Europe 2014

Austria‘s forests in protected areas, classified according to Forest Europe, 2013

Forest area

Class 1.2 Class 1.3 Class 2

Figure 35 | Source: Federal Environment Agency 2014

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Shares of forest areas protected under Overall balance of forests provisions through other instruments to presently 29,800 hectares — but more nature protection legislation by FE classes, protected in accordance with of nature conservation. efforts are required to reach the target of in Austria‘s total forest area FE criteria in Austria placing 1 % of the forest area (almost 39,000 in hectares, not including natural forest reserves, -- Slightly less than 80 percent of Austria’s forest hectares) under strict biodiversity conser Forest area development since 2002 FE Class Share (%) in land are not subject to any general restrictions vation regulations. (hectares) Class 1.2 Class 1.3 Class 2 on forest management set out under nature Areas of for- Total conservation law. -- Increase in the percentage of land of ests protected forest 900,000 acc. to FE area class 1.3 to 4 % of the total forest area. As a consequence of the results of the baseline The target of about 156,000 hectares (4 %) 1.2 29,804.4 3.6 % 0.8 % 600,000 study of 2002 and in view of the targets of FOREST of forest in Class 1.3 was far exceeded, above 1.3 471,823.9 56.5 % 12.1 % EUROPE, but also of nature conservation in general, all due to the establishment of European 300,000 an important step towards further activities to safeguard protected areas (2013: 470,000 hectares). 2 333,153.2 39.9 % 8.6 % forest biodiversity was made within the Austrian Forest In any case concrete implementation of Sum 834,781.5 100.0 % 21.5 % 0 Dialogue: the target provisions in these areas should 2002 2008 2013 be fostered in order to safeguard forest Table 3 | Source: Federal Environment Agency 2014 Figure 36 | Source: Federal Environment Agency 2014 When defining the indicators, the following targets were biodiversity. proposed for indicator no. 22, Protected Forests, and adopted by the Forest Forum in autumn 2007: In the course of the preparation of an aid programme for the EU‘s rural development subsidisation period meanwhile results from 2013 are available. These -- The greater share of forest areas in Class 1.2 is -- Increase in the percentage of land of class 2014–2020 also an Austrian eco-programme for forests results are also the subject of international, periodic located in national parks that were established 1.2 to 1 % of the total forest area. („Österreichisches Waldökoprogramm“, ÖWÖP) reporting obligations, in particular for FOREST in the past few decades. The current survey does show a positive was elaborated. One of its objectives is to maintain EUROPE. trend — from about 21,700 hectares in 2002 and enhance forest biodiversity. -- The forest areas in the “classical” nature The results were balanced for each individual conservation zones are found primarily in Federal Province and presented cartographically Class 1.3. They are usually characterised by for the basic study. concrete provisions with regard to forest management, but forest utilisation is in most In 2013, over 830,000 hectares of forest area located cases not prohibited. in areas identified under nature conservation law were designated as Class 1 and Class 2 according to -- The designation and establishment of Eu- the criteria of Forest Europe (see Figure 36). This is ropean protected areas of the Natura 2000 equivalent to about 21.5 % of Austria‘s total forest network in recent years has led to a marked area (see Table 3). enlargement of Class 1.3 (from about 89,000 hectares in 2002 to about 470,000 hectares at RESULTS present). Even though these, often very large, areas are in most cases not characterised by -- No protected area in Austria meets the concrete and/or (statutory) legal restrictions criteria for Class 1.1. Due to the small- on forest management, there are frequently scale structures in Central Europe, targets providing for example for the main- refraining from any form of intervention tenance of semi-natural forest stands which (Class 1.1) — including game stock justify their assignment to this class. The control — would presumably result in decisive factor for the positive development major changes to the natural (forest) of forest biodiversity will be the area-covering vegetation in the long term. and long-term implementation of these target

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CRITERION 5: MAINTENANCE AND APPROPRIATE ENHANCEMENT OF PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS IN FOREST MANAGE- MENT (NOTABLY SOIL AND WATER)

THE PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF FORESTS ARE VITAL ESPECIALLY NEAR SETTLEMENT AREAS. This criterion outlines the functions of forests in respect of drinking water, pro tection against air pollution, erosion and avalanches, or for the direct protection of people, for example against noise or as a visual cover. All forests fulfil these functions to some extent, but for some forests it is the main management objective.

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INDICATOR 5.1: stable permanent stocking is not possible otherwise. in even 80 % of the cases. The inhibiting factors that PROTECTIVE FORESTS — SOIL, WATER Therefore, it is important to regenerate older stands obstruct adequate regeneration are browsing and forest within good time before their protective function is lost. pasturing, erosion or too dense ground vegetation. AND OTHER ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS For protection forests with yield the ÖWI 2007/09 Under the Austrian Forest Programme rehabilitation reports a very high need for regeneration: On two thirds and timely regeneration as well as the elimination of Protection forest in high forest stands Forest Act 1975 prior to its 2002 amendment. ÖWI of the land regeneration is necessary. However, on over inhibiting factors have therefore been set as targets. thus defines protection forests as forests requiring pro- 70 % of this area no regeneration exists. Also in protec- More comprehensive information on the complex theme of protection forests is Area (ha) % tection whose site is threatened by the erosive forces of tion forests without yield two thirds of the land require available on the pages of the Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, wind, water and gravity, and which require special treat- regeneration. In these forests there is no regeneration Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW) at http://www.waldinventur.at. Protection forest with yield 320,000 8.0 ment to protect the soil and growth, as well as to ensure reforestation. The category “object protection forests” Protection forest without yield 500,000 12.5 newly introduced by the 2002 amendment to the Forest Total 820,000 20.5 Act is not taken into account in the surveys. Table 4 FOREST LAND-USE PLANNING IN AUSTRIA shows the area distribution of protection forests. Table 4 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014 The broad spectrum of effects provided by forests Forest Development Plan In the rural development subsidisation period 2007– ranges from the protection of objects, the protection In Austria‘s alpine landscape, protection forests are 2013 the initiative „Protection through Forests“ (see against soil loss and erosion, their function as a water Presenting and describing the whole of Austria’s forests, particularly important as a safeguard for human habitats. info box) was launched. Its objective is to safeguard reservoir and their air filtering capacity to the provision the Forest Development Plan currently provides the The Austrian Forest Act places these forests under and improve the performance of object-protecting of resources, of areas for leisure and recreation as well most important tool for assessing forest functions of special protection and the owners of protection forests forests in a cost-effective way. In an Austria-wide survey as of habitats for plants and animals. To be able to avoid public interest. In the Forest Development Plan the four must “manage them in such a manner under the local of protection forest stands eligible for subsidisation conflicts of interest between the many forest “users”, effects of forests are assessed and described: conditions that their preservation as a stable vegetation 384,000 hectares of object-protecting forests were interdisciplinary planning and control are a necessity. with a strong inner structure and timely regeneration identified. Forest land-use planning is trying to meet this require- Forests in which the economic function is identi- is guaranteed”. Since its 2002 amendment, the Act has ment with its three key planning instruments: the Forest fied as the so-called „key function“ (presently 61.9 % made a distinction between site protection forests and PROBLEM: AGEING PROTECTION FORESTS Development Plan, the Hazard Zone Plan and the in Austria) are forests in which the production of object protection forests. AND LACKING REGENERATION Technical Forestry Plan. timber as a raw material is predominant and where thus none of the so-called non-market functions is In the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI), protection To ensure that protection forests are able to fulfil their of high significance. Key functions of the Austrian forest forests are surveyed in analogy to section 21 of the function to the full, their age structure must be mixed; According to the Forest Development Plan Forest areas on which the protective function 1.3 % dominates (presently about 30.1 %) can be subdivided Need for and presence of regeneration Recreational function 6.7 % into two different groups as regards the type of protec- Beneficial function tion desired: Need for and presence of juvenile Need for and presence of juvenile Need for and presence of juvenile 61.9 % stage by management type stage by management type stage by management type 30.1 % Economic ÖWI period 5–1992/96 ÖWI period 6–2000/02 ÖWI period 7–2007/09 Protective function In forests with a predominant beneficial function function (presently about 6.7 % Austria-wide, with a rising 49 23 56 47 47 24 23 44 44 22 25 41 not needed — not existing trend) the influence of forests on the environment, 8 11 14 12 9 not needed — existing 13 notably on balancing the climate and the water regime, 17 12 18 13 needed — existing 14 21 needed — not existing 15 7 23 22 23 as well as on the purification and renewal of air and 15 9 15 16 14 14 15 water has priority. 21 56 28 24 16 48 50 20 18 49 53 23 The recreational function (in all Austria 1.3 %) is yield yield yield yield yield yield Total Total Total forest forest identified as the predominant function in the relevant forestwald forest with forest with forest with forest with Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection Production Production Production Production forest without forest without forest without forest without Figure 38 | Source: BMLFUW 2014 Forest Development Plan only where there is evidence

Figure 37 | Source: ÖWI 2007/09, BFW 2014

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that the effect of the forest as a recreational area on of forest land use planning is optional and is usually almost 40 years been prepared by the agencies of the simulations) are increasingly applied. The provision visitors to the forest is the major function. This means prepared at the initiative of forest managers. For the Forest Engineering Service in Torrent and Avalanche of the Forest Act which requires that these draft plans that the recreational effect must not exclusively be authorities, it becomes a binding component of forest Control. The Hazard Zone Plan („Gefahrenzonenplan“) have to be open for inspection by the public also assures concluded from the location amid a settlement area land-use planning only if a respective application is is an area-based expert opinion on the risks due to tor- the participation of the population concerned in the or an industrial area. filed by the authorised party. Between 1975 and 2001 rents, avalanches and erosion in municipalities. It serves four-step review and approval procedure (development only very few Technical Forestry Plans were prepared as a basis for the planning of control measures and for and internal coordination of the plan, preliminary Where forests are too heavily frequented, regulatory in Austria. the assessment of their urgency. It helps the local build- technical review and review at the Ministry). The measures are required and need to be adopted to ing authorities, the local and regional area planning and Hazard Zone Plan has to be updated and adjusted in ensure the maintenance of forests and of its recreati- As a consequence of the increase in „horizontal an- the security sector. By 2015, all municipalities for which particular if the conditions in a catchment area or in onal effect for the long term. gles on the topic“ in the course of the accession to the hazard zone plans of the WLV have to be prepared the area of the municipality change, if there are new European Union, there is growing demand for specific according to the requirements of the 1975 Forest Act findings as a result of disasters, or after the implement A description of the respective functional area is provided management plans, for which the Technical Forestry must have a hazard zone plan. ation of control measures. in the text section of the Forest Development Plan. If nec- Plan is particularly well suited. In recent years the essary, measures are defined to enhance the relevant key Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment The Hazard Zone Plan does not only consider indi- Since 2012, information on the Hazard Zone Plan is also function or to ensure it for the long term. Since 1990 the and Water Management, in close cooperation with vidual events but presents the sum of all events that available in digital form: At the website (see below) one Forest Development Plan has been available for all Austria practitioners, has developed some practical and may occur and thus the sum of all possible hazards can search for addresses, click on digital hazard maps and has been open for inspection by the public at all far-sighted pilot projects to elaborate concrete models. to which living and transport areas are exposed. and, with various zoom settings, check the risk for one’s district administrative authorities, at the provincial forest As a guideline, a draft outline for the Technical Forestry Taking into account the state of the art, the prepa- own house or real estate. administrations as well as at the Ministry of Agriculture, Plan was prepared. It serves to simplify the task and ration of the plan requires comprehensive interdis More detailed information: http://www.naturgefahren.at Forestry, Environment and Water Management (Unit for provide orientation both for simple themes and for ciplinary assessment of the natural conditions pre- Forest Land Use Planning). highly complex issues requiring intensive planning. vailing in the area under survey. In addition to the Data of the forest land-use planning in INSPIRE Since 2002, more than 35 pilot projects have been „historical“ approach (analysis of earlier events) In addition to the analogue publication of the sub-plans initiated at suitable sites. In the years to come the and the evaluation of traces bearing „silent witness“ The INSPIRE Directive of the European Union, of the Forest Development Plan, the spatial data of the wide use of „management plans“ in the forest sector to events of nature, modern methods (e.g. numerical Directive 2007/2/EC („INSPIRE“ = Infrastructure functional areas, the descriptions and the planning will also be more comprehensively adjusted to the for Spatial Information in the European Community), data are fed directly into an information system of the Rural Development Programme 2014/20. serves the development of a geodata infrastructure in Provinces (GIS) and displayed in maps. Since January More detailed information: State of hazard zone planning by the Forest the European Union. The purpose of the Directive is http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/forst/oesterreich-wald/ 2014 all Forest Development Plans are available also raumplanung/waldfachplan.html Engineering Service in Torrent and Avalanche above all to make electronic and standardised geodata digitally. The technically sound and transparent com- Control (WLV) 2013 (and their metadata) accessible and usable for the pub- parison of existing and desired forest functions makes it Hazard Zone Plan lic. In Austria, this Directive has been implemented Municipalities not requiring identification of hazards under the Forestry Act possible to illustrate appropriate tending and enhance- 1975 or municipalities not having a valid hazard zone plan as provided for in both by the Federal Government (Geodata Infrastruc- ment measures, their degree of urgency and the expected In Austria, areas for living are in many fields affected the Forestry Act 1975 at the moment. ture Act, Federal Law Gazette I No. 14/2010) and by Municipalities having a hazard zone plan approved by the Ministry according costs. The application of the GIS allows a faster exchange by natural hazards. Floods, mudflow, avalanches or to the Forestry Act 1975. the Provinces. This implementation also concerns of data and, not least, interdisciplinary cooperation. rockfall can become a menace to humans, the environ- the Forest Development Plan, which is therefore also More detailed information on the Technical Forestry Plan: ment, property and economic assets. Knowing the mentioned under the geodata topic „Bodennutzung“ http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/forst/oesterreich-wald/raumplanung/ waldentwicklungsplan.html extent of this threat is essential for the sustainable (soil utilisation) in the Austrian monitoring list as development of Austrian regions; for this reason „WEP-AUSTRIA-DIGITAL“. Since December 2013 Technical Forestry Plan particularly high priority is given to hazard zone the Forest Development Plan is accessible to the public planning. (shp. GIS file or wms Service) digitally under the link Whilst the Forest Development Plan and the http://inspire-geoportal.ec.europa.eu/discovery/ Hazard Zone Plan are mandatory and prepared A forest land use plan which is of special impor- (Search: Waldentwicklungsplan) Detailed information on the Forest Development Plan: directly by the competent forest authorities, the tance to a mountainous country like Austria is Figure 39 | Source: Forest Engineering Service in Torrent http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/forst/oesterreich-wald/raumplanung/ and Avalanche Control (WLV) 2014 Technical Forestry Plan as the third instrument therefore the Hazard Zone Plan which has for waldentwicklungsplan.html

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INDICATOR 5.2: prominent position of the Austrian Forest Programme. Protection through Forests“ („Initiative Schutz durch PROTECTIVE FORESTS — INFRASTRUCTURE In order to provide forests having an object protection Wald — ISDW“) in coordination with the Federal function with the stability of cover and the regeneration Provinces. Meanwhile, this programme is tuned to the AND MANAGED NATURAL RESOURCES capacity of forests they need specifically and on a large EU Regulation on support for rural development. It is scale, the Directorate-General „Forestry“ of the Federal also implemented in the framework of the Austrian The vital significance of the complex theme up in most Federal Provinces. The Federal Protection Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Programme for the Development of Rural Areas of protection forests is reflected for example in the Forest Forum established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management launched the programme „Initiative 2007–2013 and prepared for the 2014–2020 period. broad and well-founded discussion on the topic in Forestry, Environment and Water Management serves the Austrian Forest Dialogue; Subsequently numer- primarily as a service agency for the initiatives of the ous concrete proposals for action were included in Federal Provinces. the Austrian Forest Programme and were made „INITIATIVE PROTECTION THROUGH FORESTS“ (ISDW) objectively verifiable by means of a set of indicators The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and (http://www.walddialog.at). Water Management initiated and has also participated The programme “Initiative Schutz durch Wald” Torrent and Avalanche Control, with in some international EU-assisted projects that deal with (initiative concerning protection through forests) integration of science (BFW) Maintaining and improving the protective effects of modern protection forest management. In these projects serves to safeguard and enhance the protective effect forests as cost-efficiently as possible is one of the most special attention is paid to the effects and functions which of forests. Protection against natural hazards is provi- -- Introduction of an evaluable “traffic light important elements of Austrian forestry policy. For forests are expected to fulfil. ded above with the help of silvicultural measures which, system” for the status quo and the target forests that protect humans, human settlements, facilities if necessary, can be supplemented by accompanying status of the protective functions of forests or cultivated land in particular against natural hazards There have been numerous awareness-building technical measures. with an object protecting effect or damaging environmental impacts, and which require activities both at the federal level and in the Provinces special treatment to obtain and safeguard their protective under the motto “The protection forest concerns In the Austrian Protection Forest Strategy, and to -- High efficiency of support through accom- or beneficial effects, the 2002 amendment to the Forest everyone!” in recent years. One particularly successful implement the Mountain Forest Protocol of the panying monitoring activities; standardised, Act introduced the new category of the “object protec- example is the initiation of the Tyrolean protection Alpine Convention, the following objectives were efficient administration tion forest” (section 21, paragraph 2, of the Forest Act forest partner towns (with systematic integration of agreed upon for the ISDW programme: as amended) in addition to the existing categories of the the stakeholders of the relevant valleys/municipalities, -- Funding security for the ISDW: The annual “site protection forest” and the “protective forest”. naming of concrete protection forest contact partners -- Optimisation of the object-protective funds are provided by the financial partners in the municipalities, as well as appropriate competitions, effect of forests to a far greater extent within the scope of the agreements made PROTECTION FOREST PLATFORMS school projects with differing focuses, accompanying than so far PR work, etc.). Similar approaches are chosen also in -- Taking account of other funding opportuni- Based on the output of the provincial protection forest the other Provinces or regions dominated by protection -- Stronger motivation for the management ties concerning protection forests and optimi- concepts, an even more targeted use of the necessary forests (regular coordination meetings of the interest of forests having an object protecting effect, sation of the requests from applicants through funds and, above all, an even stronger regional anchoring groups concerned, conduct of school competitions, especially through fair, performance-related options on provincial level with simultaneous of themes of relevance to protection forests were agreed afforestation activities, awards for particularly successful compensation within the meaning of the Al- compliance with minimum standards apply- upon in January 2002. For this purpose, representatives projects, etc.). pine Convention/Mountain Forest Protocol ing on federal level of ministries, provincial governments and representations of interest of the forest owners, territorial bodies, These activities are implemented on the most decen- -- Linking regional planning (district framework Planning tools and procedure industry and the hunting sector codified their common tralised level possible, making use of regional structures; plans based on the Forest Development Plan) will in the Austrian Protection Forest Strategy. Since then integrating multipliers and stakeholders (such as mu- with site-related projections (detailed pro- In order to reach the desired targets the “Initiative Schutz protection forest platforms have worked to explain and nicipalities, schools, tourism and hunting associations) jects), dynamic district framework planning durch Wald” follows a uniformly defined development harmonise the required measures for protection forests is particularly important in this context. This allows with regular readjustments and approval procedure that guarantees the required in the Provinces and municipalities and to create a fair synergy potentials to be exploited in all areas (resources, planning security and transparent funding at all levels from balance of interests. Special importance is attached to infrastructure, funding approaches, etc.). Furthermore, -- Cooperation between the provincial forest framework and detailed plans through the implementation the necessary regulations concerning forests and conflicts of interest are to be resolved on an interdis- service and the Forest Engineering Service in of measures on the relevant forest site to the evaluation. pastures and to a form of game management which ciplinary level by involving all the parties involved in is in line with the requirements of protection forests. advance. To ensure that these approaches are continued Meanwhile protection forest platforms have been set and developed as planned, the theme was laid down in a For details, see: http://www.naturgefahren.at/massnahmen/isdw

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Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and planning. The objective is to shift areas of settlements Water Management, has been charged with this task. away from imminent natural hazards (preventive regional planning). die.wildbach pursues the concept of an effective combination of protective forest biology, engineering and The federal government allocates about 70 million euros land-use planning measures within the scope of the per year from the Disaster Fund to support measures overall natural hazard management. The tasks include to control torrents, avalanches, rockfall and erosion. the planning, implementation and maintenance of active With the close linking of hazard zone planning and the control measures, hazard zone planning, consulting and planning of measures as well as the provision of federal expert activities, as well as support for the catchment funds subject to compliance with the plans and expert areas. Federal subsidies from the Disaster Fund are used opinions of die.wildbach as provided for by the “reasons to allow preventive protection. for obstruction” decree of the BMLFUW, an effective and economic control of the use of resources (subsidy In recent years the analysis and evaluation of the natural management) is ensured. hazard potential in torrent and avalanche catchment areas, which had formerly been based on concrete plan- Together with the provincial forest services, the ning, has developed into an area-wide information and provincial chambers of agriculture and in consultation knowledge base on natural hazards for the entire federal with expert engineering consultants and engineering territory (knowledge management). die.wildbach has offices die.wildbach also elaborates area-management important instruments for this purpose, such as the projects to rehabilitate and safeguard protective hazard zone plans, which are available for a great part mountain forests. The measures are implemented of Austria, the digital torrent and avalanche register, above all by the owners of the forests; many of them regional studies and analyses of the natural space for are mountain farmers. die.wildbach has about 1,100 individual valleys. employees.

In the course of time the measures taken to protect http://www.die-wildbach.at torrent and avalanche catchment areas have developed into integral management plans that include permanent technical and forest biology measures and most recently INTERNATIONAL also temporary measures. The control plans do not only COOPERATION provide for active measures, but also aim at controlling TORRENT AND AVALANCHE concerns about their present and future life. With other ways of using the space in the catchment area Since mountain forests are faced with similar problems CONTROL (DIE.WILDBACH) people‘s constantly increasing demands on prosperity (catchment area management). With the implementa- and framework conditions all over the world, Austria and quality of life, also the need for safety is growing. tion of the EU Water Framework Directive and the EU participates also in international efforts to develop joint Natural hazards constitute a safety risk in many Austrian Natural hazards present a complex threat to the basis Floods Directive, the perspective is raised to the level strategies aimed at improving the condition of mountain regions: Torrents, avalanches, mudflows, landslides and of life against which the individual can no longer effec- of larger hydrological space units (river basin manage- and protection forests and their protective function in rock falls threaten humans, their areas of living, settle- tively protect himself. In the Austrian Constitution ment). the case of natural disasters. In addition to the initia- ments and economic area, transport routes and major torrent and avalanche control has therefore been tives for protection forests taken in the framework of infrastructure. For many centuries the Alpine region declared a federal task of major importance. The Hazard Zone Plan serves as a basis for regional FOREST EUROPE, the European Union or the Alpine was settled and managed in line with the forces of na- planning and the construction sector, but is not norma- Convention14, Austria participates also in a great number ture; people were well aware of the existing dangers To fulfil this task, preventive protection measures tive ex lege. Based on what has been learned from the of international projects dedicated to cross-border and had a high level of acceptance of the imminent are implemented and the instrument of hazard zone flood events of recent years, greater attention is paid to strategic cooperation between regions dominated by risks (risk culture). planning (see info box „Forest Land-Use Planning“) the implementation using the instruments of land-use mountain forests. is applied to control the use of land. In Austria, the In modern society the reasoning of humans is Forest Engineering Service in Torrent and Avalanche becoming more and more captivated by people’s Control (abbr. „die.wildbach“), a unit of the Federal 14) Alpenkonvention: http://www.alpconv.org/de/convention/default.html

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CRITERION 6: MAINTENANCE OF OTHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS AND CONDITIONS

THIS CRITERION DESCRIBES THE SOCIOECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF FORESTS AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS OF FORESTS. Due to the significant changes that have taken place over the past few decades information about the persons working in forests as well as about forest holdings and the whole forest sector are important social indicators especially for the sustainable development of rural areas. Austrian forests fulfil a great number of socio-economic functions, ranging from the creation and securing of jobs and foreign trade in wood and wood products to social and cultural aspects. By means of these functions and the resulting added value forests contribute to Austria‘s gross domestic product.

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municipalities own forests (altogether 3 %). Taking owners is increasing. In consequence, people everything into account, the share of public forest feel less closely linked to the forest and are ownership totals 18 %, which is significantly less than therefore less willing to work in forests in most other European countries. themselves.

Over the past decades, massive structural changes As a result of this growing disinterest in management, have taken place in agriculture and forestry. The certain forests are no longer managed at all. Austria‘s number of enterprises has been steadily on the de- forest policy tries to counter this development by cline in recent years. This has several reasons: A subsidising mergers and cooperations. Forest associa- decrease in the traditional ties between forest pro- tions and forest management communities take over perty and agricultural enterprises can be observed various tasks of forest management depending on the while at the same time the group of urban forest wishes of their members.

Enterprises and forest areas according to Agricultural Structure Survey 2010, compared to 1995 and 1999

Structural features Number of enterprises Area in hectares

Size categories of forest areas 1995 1999 2010 1995 1999 2010 INDICATOR 6.1: FOREST HOLDINGS Less than 3 ha 77,157 64,681 41,853 102,958 88,254 59,373 3 to less than 5 ha 32,293 30,728 27,106 125,130 119,173 104,751

5 to less than 20 ha 57,384 56,594 55,638 553,517 547,136 540,868 As opposed to many other European coun- Forest areas and ownership structure — tries, Austrian forests are managed above all by private types of ownership according to cadastral map 20 to less than 50 ha 12,360 12,476 13,689 370,489 373,152 410,528 forest owners. The most frequent structure is small-scale 50 to less than 100 ha 2,998 2,989 3,524 205,763 205,055 240,689 ownership with holdings covering less than 200 hectares Survey year: 2012 (in hectares) A % of forest land; 50 % of the Austrian forest is managed 100 to less than 200 ha 1,617 1,674 1,960 220,520 228,605 266,972 by such small holdings, the major part of them with the Total 3,646,382 100 labour of family members. Most of these private forest 200 to less than 500 ha 849 854 961 260,438 263,061 293,632 Private forest < 200 hectares* 1,829,002 50 owners manage not only forests but also agricultural 500 to less than 1,000 ha 270 284 300 189,597 200,427 207,319 areas. Private forest 200 hectares and more* 797,693 22 1,000 to less than 2,000 ha 127 132 147 177,014 185,117 206,590 Community forest 346,728 10 The other half of the Austrian forests is managed 2,000 to less than 3,000 ha 41 40 45 100,522 97,785 108,713 by about 1,500 enterprises with 200 or more hectares Communal forest (forests as assets) 80,169 2 of forest land. Beside these private forest holdings, 3,000 to less than 4,000 ha 21 20 22 72,430 68,294 73,705 Provincial forest 46,301 1 which account for about 22 % of the forest area, 4,000 to less than 5,000 ha 18 12 10 81,731 54,052 44,574 and the community forests with approximately 10 %, Austrian Federal Forests and 546,489 15 the Austrian Federal Forests hold a special position. other publicly owned forests 5,000 ha and more 84 64 52 795,878 826,534 845,428 They manage 14 % of the domestic forested land and Total 185,219 170,548 145,307 3,255,987 3,256,645 3,403,142 are thus by far Austria‘s largest forest enterprise. Table 5 | Source: BMLFUW 2014 In addition to the state, also some Provinces and *) including church-owned forests Table 6 | Source: Statistics Austria 2014, Agricultural Structure Survey

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INDICATOR 6.2: LARGE FOREST ENTERPRISES CONTRIBUTION OF FOREST SECTOR TO GROSS Lastly, 100 enterprises participated in the test network DOMESTIC PRUDUCT of large forest enterprises which was established as early as in the 1960ies. With over 310,000 hectares of According to most recent calculations the billion euros for the production and processing of paper commercial forest area, these test enterprises account for forestry sector’s contribution to gross domestic product and cardboard. half of the total sample in this size category. An external growth was about 1.7 % in 2013. Thereof, 0.4 % account- assessor prepares a business account for each test entered for forest management, 0.7 % for wood processing Since 1995 the gross value added by the forestry prise, thus allowing a detailed cost accounting analysis and 0.6 % for the production and processing of paper sector has increased from 3.96 billion euros to on a uniform basis. In 2012, the large-scale forest enter- and cardboard. In absolute terms, the gross value added 4.91 billion euros; in relation to the overall economy, prises achieved an operating result of 136 euros by the forestry sector at cost of production amounted however, the importance of the forestry sector has per hectare of commercial forest, 4 % less than the to 4.91 billion euros after 4.96 billion euros in 2012. decreased: In 1998 the forestry sector still accounted preceding year, but 12 % (or 5 % when comparing Thereof, 1.23 billion euros accounted for forest manage- for a little more than 2.4 % of the total value added, inflation-corrected real values) above the ten-year ment, 2.02 billion euros for wood processing, and 1.66 in 2013 for only 1.7 %. average. The rather good results of the last two yearsare above all due to the relatively high prices of roundwood. However, we should not have any illusions about the long-term development based on the good results for INDICATOR 6.3: the past few years. The revenues and value added from NET REVENUE timber production have shown a downward trend for the consolidated turnover from 213.7 million euros several decades. Only with consistent rationalisation to 226.9 million euros, the operating profit (earnings and the associated cost cuts has it been possible to before interest and tax = EBIT) from 26.1 million euros Regular surveys and analyses of key economic PRIVATE FORESTS always get positive operating results. to 36.1 million euros. Taking into account the financial indicators document the economic performance of result, which was influenced by write-offs from the forest enterprises and the competitiveness of domes- The survey of private forests is based on a sub- AUSTRIAN FEDERAL FORESTS (ÖBF AG) participation sector in 2012, the result from ordinary tic wood production. This kind of monitoring has a sample of about 110 farms from the more than 2,200 business activity amounted to 15.7 million euros long-standing tradition in Austrian forestry. It has been agricultural enterprises statistically surveyed for the Some 15 % of the Austrian forest are managed by the (2011: 23.7 million euros). The annual surplus amount- a successful instrument in supplying basic data for forest “Green Report”. In 2012, the farm forest enterprises Österreichische Bundesforste AG (Austrian Federal ed to approximately 8.5 million euros (2011: 21.0 mil- policy decisions. The documentation of forest-economic invested an average of 7.7 family labour hours per Forests or ÖBf AG), which was disincorporated from lion euros). The usufructural fees that have to be paid to data is based above all on two networks of test forest hectare of commercial forest and earned a family the federal budget in 1997 and is organised as a stock the owner, the Republic of Austria, is legally set at 50 % enterprises, of which one has been established in forests income of € 297 per hectare, i.e. € 39 per hour of corporation (the federal government is the sole share- and amounted to 4.3 million euros (2011: 10.5 million smaller than 200 hectares (as from 2013: up to 500 family labour. holder). euros). Since 1997 the Federal Forests paid altogether hectares), the other in forests larger than 500 hectares. 340 million euros of usufructural fees, dividends and tax Further data is also supplied by the Austrian Federal The family income from forest management was The business results of Österreichische Bundesforste on earnings to the Republic. Forests. thus 18 % below the preceding year and 15 % (or 5 % AG are published in an annual sustainability report when comparing inflation-corrected real values) (http://www.bundesforste.at). Since the individual The number of persons employed increased by six, In general, these investigations rely on data supplied above the ten-year average. The reduction compared business divisions are not differentiated internally thus amounting to 1,155. The sustainable prescribed voluntarily by individual enterprises. The data is to the preceding year is a result of the smaller quantity within the meaning of full cost accounting, however, cut was with 1.5 million cubic metres in line with the collected according to cost accounting factors. The of wood felled, the exceedance of the ten-year average only few economic indicators can be compared directly planned felling quantity. Process optimisation, consist- results thus describe primarily the profitability of is above all due to the rising timber prices of the past with the results of the test forest surveys for farm forests ent management of costs and a decrease in damaged wood production and thereby differ essentially from few years. and large enterprises. wood had a positive impact on the result. With a share balance sheet ratios. Ancillary enterprises are not of 72 % (170.3 million euros) in the operating output included in this profit and loss account. Preparation The pro-rated social insurance contributions allocated In the financial year 2012, Österreichische Bundesforste forest/wood remains the core business. With 38.0 of the data is carried out at the University of Natural to the forest are not included in the profit account and AG reported its best operating results since the estab- million euros, respectively 18.9 million euros, also the Resources and Applied Life Sciences (“Universität ultimately reduce the available family income, most lishment 15 years ago. The operating output increased business areas of real estate and services made important für Bodenkultur”). recently by € 69 per hectare. from 226.1 million euros (2011) to 237.0 million euros, contributions.

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INDICATOR 6.4: EXPENDITURES ON SERVICES

Private and public forest owners make additional the public sector also tries to ensure the provision of the expenditures in order to allow a range of free services desired services by offering financial incentives. Under to be provided to the public. These include for example the Forest Act, for example, it is the duty of the federal expenditures for the conservation of protection forests. government to promote forest management with a view These services make an important contribution to to its effects in the public interest. the quality of life and the safety of the population. A major part of the services rendered by forest Due to the tendency towards a decrease in value owners are rendered as a “by-product” in the course added by timber production, it is becoming in- of forest management, as many of these services cannot creasingly difficult or financially uninteresting for be marketed because as „public services“ they do not some forest owners to manage all of their forest area have a realisable market value either ex lege or due to and to provide the services required by the public. strong social pressure. With a few specific exceptions, The public, and thus every individual person, is there forest owners are not forced by law to manage their fore called upon more and more to make a contribution forest; however, if they do, the law ensures that the towards ensuring these services, be it in the form of desired public services are also rendered. This makes payment for a specific service by the concrete beneficiary it very difficult to segregate the additional expenses for or compensation of part of the costs, or in the form of the provision of free services from normal expenditures, public funds being made available in order to cover the and to quantify them. In addition to legal stipulations, necessary expenditures.

INDICATOR 6.5: FOREST SECTOR WORKFORCE

Sustainable management of the Austrian Bundesforste AG employed an average of 1,157 people forests requires highly qualified human resources. (597 labourers, 560 employees) in 2012. The significantly increasing mechanisation and technical development of timber harvesting observed since The extent of work provided by family labour is the beginning of the nineteen eighties as well as the difficult to determine due to the large number of administrative rationalisation led to strongly declining mixed farm forest enterprises. However, the total numbers of employees. Even so, the Austrian forestry number of paid and unpaid labourers in forestry can sector still provides jobs for many people. In addition to forest workers and employees, many of the forest owners themselves spend more or less of their working time in the forest.

In 2012 the Austrian forestry sector employed 4,023 labourers, including 455 female labourers. The number of employees and civil servants with training in the field of forestry was 2,371 in the year 2012. Of these, 1,403 worked in forest enterprises and the remaining 1,386 worked in the tertiary sector. Österreichische

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be estimated on the basis of data from Statistics Austria. should be pointed out that in the context of the Agricul- The estimate for 2012 is 22,501 annual units of labour tural Structure Survey 2010, separate data for forestry course is on “regional management”, which qualifies foresters or silviculturists and to work as additional (labour output of one person in full employment). It were collected for the first time. the graduates to offer forest-related services in rural assigned forest agent in the forest and hunting regions professionally. services of forest enterprises covering more than 3,600 hectares. The forest manager („Forstwirt“) TRAINING AND FURTHER TRAINING Junior forest official („Forstadjunkt“): After is qualified to independently manage forest enter- the five-year training as a forester, the graduate prises of a size of over 3,600 hectares obligated to Highly qualified human resources provide an important master craftsperson examination. After another three can be employed as a junior forest official at a forest employ certified foresters or silviculturists and to basis for the sustainable management of Austria‘s forests years of practical work experience, a two-month enterprise. A junior forest official is qualified to work as additional assigned forest agent in the forest and simultaneous maintenance of all forest functions. preparatory course and successful completion of work as an additional assigned forest agent in the and hunting services of forest enterprises covering Plans and offers for education, training and advanced the final examination, the title „Master of Forestry“ forest and hunting services of forest enterprises of more than 3,600 hectares. training are continuously adapted to the forest-political („Meister der Forstwirtschaft“) is awarded. In 2013 over 1,000 hectares and to carry out further specific and socio-political framework conditions. This is the the 14 apprenticeship trades then offered according activities according to different provisions of the PEDAGOGICAL TRAINING only way to ensure that forest managers can cope with to the Law on Vocational Training in Agriculture 1975 Forest Act. the steadily increasing demands on domestic forests. and Forestry was supplemented by the new appren- Training and further training of agricultural and Education in forestry is based on the general educational ticeship trade „Biomass and bioenergy“. Master ACADEMIC TRAINING forestry advisors and teachers are offered at the system in Austria and includes a wide variety of vocation- forest administrators are qualified to perform (in University of Agricultural and Environmental al and technical qualifications: most cases as foremen/forewomen) manual and Forestry assistant („Forstassistent“): The educa- Teacher Training in the form of bachelor and motor-manual forest activities within the scope of tion and training for the profession of a „forest assis- master study courses. Teachers are entitled to APPRENTICESHIP afforestation, cultivation, tending and harvesting tant“ is offered at the Vienna University of Resources teach at the levels I or II of secondary agricultural work in forests and to offer his/her activities as an and Applied Life Sciences in the form of a 6-term or forestry colleges. Advisors are above all used at Skilled forest worker („Forstfacharbeiter“): There independent service-provider, as set out in trade law. bachelor study course in „Forestry“ and a 4-term the Provincial Chambers of Agriculture. They are are three ways of becoming a skilled forest work- master study course in „Forest Sciences“ including entitled to advise forest owners in questions con- er. First, in the framework of a regular three-year TRAINING AT A SPECIALISED EDUCATION doctoral studies. The training complies with the cerning, for example, forest management or subsi- apprenticeship at an enterprise qualified to train AND TRAINING INSTITUTION Bologna regulations. The forestry assistant is quali- disation. The education as forest pedagogue allows apprentices and completion of a vocational school. fied to work as an additional assigned forest agent in an optimum training which ends with the award of Furthermore, training is offered in the framework of a Forest warden („Forstwart“): The so far one-year, the forest and hunting services of forest enterprises a certificate. Such courses are offered at each of the second-chance education programme by completion as from the school year 2015/2016 two-year training covering more than 3,600 hectares that are obligated five recognised forestry training institutes in Austria. of a course at a FAST (Forstliche Ausbildungsstätte) as forest warden is provided by a Forestry School to employ certified foresters or silviculturists and Moreover, forest pedagogics is also offered as an and successful completion of the Skilled Workers and ends with a recognised examination. Applicants to carry out further specific activities according to optional subject at the fourth level of the Foresters‘ Exam („Facharbeiterprüfung“). The third possibility must be 16 years of age and they must have passed different provisions of the 1975 Forest Act. School at Bruck an der Mur. is the „follow-up apprenticeship“ in forestry after the entrance examination. Forest wardens are qual- completion of the agricultural secondary school, ified to assist in the forest and hunting services of TRAINING AS EXECUTIVE IN-SERVICE FURTHER TRAINING which ends up with the Skilled Workers Exam at forest enterprises covering over 1,000 hectares and FOREST OFFICER the forestry training centres of the Federal Forest to manage forest enterprises of less than In-service further training for the forestry sector is Office (BFW). Skilled forest workers are qualified to 1,000 hectares independently. State Examination for Executive Forest Services: provided by internationally recognised training and perform manual and motor-manual activities within The specialist training as executive forest officer competence centres. To provide targeted further the scope of afforestation, cultivation, tending and Forester („Förster“): The five-year training as a (forest manager or Graduate in Forestry) includes education and training for all persons who are work- harvesting work in forests. forester ends up with a diploma examination and is the taking of the State Examination for the Higher ing in the forestry sector and interested in forests, offered at the Federal Secondary College for Forest- Forest Service. The purpose of the State Examina- these Forestry Training Institutes (at Ort/Gmunden, Master forest administrator („Forstwirtschafts- ry at Bruck/Mur for all parts of Austria. In parallel tion is to introduce forestry assistants and junior Ossiach, Rotholz, Pichl, and the training institute at meister“): After three years of work experience as a to the regular five-year course a three-year senior forest officials to their future management tasks. Hohenlehen) offer specific events, courses, lectures skilled forest worker, it is possible to take a course at course in „Forest Management“ has since 2007 been The graduate forester is qualified to independently and demonstrations and pass on to them the knowl- one of the forestry training centres to become a mas- offered for graduates of three-year agricultural and manage forest enterprises of a size between 1,000 edge gained from practical trials of forestry working ter forest administrator. This course ends with the forestry colleges. The main focus of this training and 3,600 hectares obligated to employ certified procedures, equipment and machinery.

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ABOUT THE HISTORY OF FOREST WORK late development to the invention of the steam engine improved tools reached even the most remote areas and which, however, was first used only for the transport of eventually resulted in a higher quality of forest work. Excerpt from „Die Entwicklung der forstlichen Ausbildung in Österreich“ timber by forest railways. The mechanisation in forestry (The development of forest-related training in Austria) by Prof. Dr. Anton Trzesniowski (transltd.) experienced a breakthrough as late as in the mid of the The more efficient production of many appliances and 20th century, with the development of light-weight facilities led to stronger typification and thus to a modest combustion engines. Substantial progress in forest standardisation of working methods. work developed from practical forest work and from the forest education and training institutes which From today‘s perspective, all these processes took place adapted the industrial innovations to the needs of very slowly and lasted for centuries. Things began to work in forests. move only when people started to recognise the value of human labour as a production factor. The foundation of monasteries, growing towns and mining led to complex interventions in forests. As a Other chapters of the book (in German) deal with: consequence of these interventions, which were carried out by local farmers, forest work developed differently in -- Forest work, subject of scientific studies many regions. Local traditions developed and in almost all Alpine valleys different types of tools with individual -- The term „forest work“ names were used. -- Priorities of work

In the course of time the exchange of commodities and -- Systems and organisation of forest work the exchange of experiences made with new trends and -- About the training of forest workers

With the development of the axe as a useful tool the powerful. In Central and Western Europe Franconian nomadic Stone Age men became sedentary as they kings became the first forest owners. The possibility became able to fell and process trees. The axe, for the of felling trees must be seen as the starting point of first time, put humans in a position to work trees that planned forest work, because step by step technologies had formerly been unconquerable. viable for the future were developed. The axe is to be regarded as advancement of the celt and for thousands In Central Europe wood was for a long time the only of years remained the only tool used to fell and process building material. Forests were common-pool resources trees in forests. and everyone had the right to use them at discretion. However, utilisation was at will, without pattern or Forest work as a separate profession developed method, and without any restriction. In the 13th century much later, namely with the flourishing of mining the foundation of a great number of towns and the min- and the involved substantially increased need for ing boom increased the consumption of wood to such wood. an extent that, bit by bit, forests were no longer common property but started being under sole proprietorship Forestry technology as a more sophisticated form of and were owned by sovereigns who became ever more forest work and an important part of forestry owes its

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INDICATOR 6.6: FOREST WOMEN — A “GREEN” NETWORK OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Traditionally, forestry and the wood industry are an and the question “What on earth are our women doing?” industry dominated by men. Networks, alliances and has probably been asked hundreds of times. After six Work in forests continues to be one of the most view to safety at work. The programmes offered by regular reserved tables are open almost exclusively years of active work in the association, the situation dangerous occupations in agriculture and forestry. Due the agriculture and forestry training centres include a to men. However, the stronger role of women is also has calmed. to various factors such as difficult terrain, adverse weath- large number of courses relevant to this issue. Impor- reflected in the forestry sector, where the number of er conditions, work with dangerous tools and machinery tant contributions towards the prevention of accidents women working in the industry is on the rise. Even so, Men have grasped that the Forest Women are not a or the force of falling trees, accidents and fatalities occur are also made by the Social Insurance Institution for it is still not always easy for the “stronger sex” in forestry horde of women’s libbers and that instead they boost again and again. Farmers and the Austrian Social Insurance for to accept this fact and to change its ideas accordingly. and support each other in order to achieve successes Occupational Risks. Very often women in the forestry and wood industry for forest and wood together with the forest men! With the improved work techniques, the increased use still have a special status. This caught the eyes of three “Meanwhile quite a few forest men accompany their of modern safety equipment as well as a higher level of OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS IN FORESTRY dedicated women whose “calling” is the forestry sector, Forest Woman to some of the Forest Women meetings”, mechanisation, the number of forest accidents has been and in September 2001 they founded the association says Dagmar Karisch-Gierer, chairwoman and initiator dropping — despite an increase in felling volume — In 2013, a total of 1,238 persons were injured in work “Forstfrauen” (Forest Women). of the network — something she sees as an absolute over the past years and decades. Nonetheless there are accidents in forestry, 18 persons sustained fatal injuries. success. still times when the number of casualties and, unfortu- In addition to injuries sustained in accidents, occupa- What men have always been able to do: Help and assist nately, also that of fatal accidents still rise dramatically, tional diseases (e.g. diseases caused by noise, vibrations each other. Women can do that, too. Mutual support Like in the forest, “regeneration” is very important especially in years with a high level of damaged wood or pollutant emissions by machinery, the partly high and exchange of experiences — especially for women also for the association. Therefore the Forest Wo- due to storms. Therefore, labour safety and its long-term ozone exposure when working outdoors, or by insect in executive positions — can only be helpful and have men have joined forces with the forestry education improvement is always a very important issue. bites and stings) also play a role, albeit a less important a positive effect on the Forest Women’s self-confidence institutions and initiated a mentoring project. Mean- one. Between 2010 and 2013 33 cases of recognised and the entire sector benefits from this. Moreover, it while they have also become a popular platform as For this reason also the promotion of training and occupational diseases of the business branch Forestry enhances the general image of women as reliable and a job centre. further education in forestry is very important with a and Logging were reported. resilient partners also in the professional environment. Developing the network Seven years of active networking An idea has grown into a functioning network that Meanwhile, some 50 women from all corners of Austria interested women can join at any time. Regardless of meet for active “networking” two to three times per year. their vocational qualifications, all women working in the The meetings are quite different: Usually they combine forestry sector and wood industry can join the network. a technical and cultural programme; sometimes they The important thing is to continue developing the net- take the form of a seminar or even a Christmas party. work and to live the networking concept actively: Every The programme is very diverse and is chosen by the Forest Woman can contribute her skills, or even just ladies themselves. The foundation of this network has her contacts and her vocational background, within the led to a wide range of reactions among forest men, meaning of the objectives of the network.

For details, see: http://www.forstfrauen.at/

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INDICATOR 6.7: INDICATOR 6.8: WOOD CONSUMPTION TRADE IN WOOD

Under the klimaaktiv programme „energie- Forestry, Environment and Water Management. The The trade in wood and wood products is of Foreign trade in wood 2013 holz“ initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, wood utilisation data originate from the relevant annual high economic importance to Austria. Large quantities in billion euros Environment and Water Management the Austrian and industry reports by the paper and timber industry, of the goods produced by the Austrian wood and paper Energy Agency („Österreichische Energieagentur“) in which provide an overview of the use of timber in these industry are exported, above all to EU countries. cooperation with the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture sectors. This data is supplemented by data on the use of Wood, wood products Wooden furniture and the Co-operation agreement „Forst – Holz – Papier“ wood as a source of energy based on calculations and Taking everything into account, about 95 % of the incl. cut products Paper, paper publications, (Forest – Wood – Paper) aggregated the data of the estimates by the Austrian Energy Agency. timber felled are processed or used for energy generation Chipboard and fibreboard cardboard, viscose Chemical and Surplus 2013 entire value-added chain of timber and presented them in Austria. The biggest wood purchaser is the sawmill mechanical pulp in the form of a Sankey diagram (Figure 40). In addition The „other wood supplies“ include wood quantities not industry. The paper and board industry buy mainlywood to the generally available base data (timber harvest surveyed in the timber harvest report, such as firewood of smaller diameters and sawing by-products. Moreover, report, foreign trade, industry reports, etc.), expertises for own use from the „smallest forests“, field shrubs, use for energy production has further gained importance. by major players on the market were also included. Due garden and park cutting, or recycling wood. For lack to the complexity of these material flows and the great of reliable databases, the quantities presented here are As was the case the year before, the foreign trade balance differences in the quality of the data, this presentation estimates. for wood, wood products and paper products was with 9.11 must be regarded as a “living document” that will be a plus of 3.69 billion euros much better than Austria‘s developed continuously. The collation of all the various data sources provides overall trade balance. Roundwood imports to supply the a general overview of the supplies and use of wood Austrian wood industry are becoming more difficult to The main input parameters are the foreign trade statis- in Austria and also provides information about the realise as the neighbouring countries are increasing their 7.5 tics provided by Statistics Austria and the timber harvest complexity of wood flows in Austria and how tightly own processing capacities. report provided by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, meshed the entire industry is. Consequently, the domestic forestry sector is essen- 5.70 tial for the supply of the domestic wood industry with Wood flows in Austria roundwood. To ensure that, strategies and incentive 5 schemes have been developed to promote the mobili Export SBP, Import SBP, Holzströme 2009 Export Import semi- industrial wood residues, industrial wood residues, Export SL, IRW, FW sawnwood nished products compressed wood wood chips, compressed wood sation of wood, as has been explained in Indicator 3.1 1.3 2.8 1.1 2.5 3.41 Import SL, IRW, FW 5.7

[m s] 4.7 [m s] s 9.5 0.3 [m ] 9.5 Other wood 1.0 [m s] 2.7 [m s] processing FOREIGN TRADE IN 2013 s Timber 0.8 [m ] Sawmilling industry 2.8 [m ] products 7 .. 8 2.5 s 3.9 [m ] s s 4.7 [m ] 0.7 [m ] 0.3 [m ] s 5.7 [m ] 0.6 [m ] s Timber utilisation Timber Felling Report 0.2 [m s] 0.1 [m s] 0.3 [m ] 3.4 [m s] 1.1 [m s] forest based on Timber [cubic metres harvested Felling Report with bark] 19.6 The trade in wood and wood products is of high eco- 9.7 [m s] 11.1 s 7.8 [m s] 0.4 [m ] Board 10.4 [m s] 0.6 [m s] industry nomic importance to Austria. A significant share of the 2.0 [m s] 3.8 Products 0.7 [m s] 1.3 [m s] 21.9 s 24.9 1.9 [m s] 1.4 [m ] production of the Austrian wood and paper industry

s s 3.2 [m ] 2.0 [m s] 0.1 [m ] Paper s s 0.2 [m ] s 1.3 [m ] industry 3.1 [m s] 0.5 [m ] is exported, mainly to EU Member States. In addition, 2.6 [m s] 2.9 [m s] Produkte 0 2.7 [m s] 8.5 0.7 [m s] s 7.1 6.3 s 0.4 [m ] 2.9 [m s] 4.4 [m ] 8.2 million cubic metres of raw timber and 3.3 million Imports Exports Surplus 0.4 [m s] 2.3 Other Energetic use Natural bark use s s s s 0.8 [m ] 0.4 [m ] 3.9 [m ] tonnes of wood chips, shavings and other wood waste, 0.8 [m ] s decrease 0.5 [m s] 0.1 [m ] 0.7 s 0.6 [m s] 0.8 [m s] 0.1 [m ] Harvest s 0.1 [m ] s s 5.1 [m ] fuelwood as well as wood pellets and briquettes were remains 2.2 [m ] 2.6 [m s] 3.1 3.0 [m s] 24.0 imported in 2013. Figure 41 | Source: Forst Holz Papier 2014, http://www.forstholzpapier.at s s 3.9 3.9 [m ] Other timber 1.3 [m ] production 3.1 [m s] 6.9 6.9 [m s] 3.0 [m s] 7.9 2.5 [m s] 2.5

0.3 [m s]

KEY (All values given in million cubic metres harvested, solid cubic metres [m s], cubic metres [m ]; ows < 0.1 million m s are not shown; rounding dierences from calculation) Sawlogs (SL) Industrial roundwood (IRW) Fuelwood (FW) w.b. Harvest remains Bark Sawing by-products (SBP), industrial wood residues, compressed wood O-cuts and manipulation wood, rounding adjustment Wood chips Brine Natural loss Sawnwood and semi-nished products

Figure 40 | Source: klimaaktiv 2014, http://www.klimaaktiv.at/erneuerbare/energieholz/holzstr_oesterr.html

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EXPORT INITIATIVE

In October 2002 the Austrian export initiative was sector and the cooperation with these countries has launched. The successful initiative of the BMLFUW, been intensified. After a market exploration trip to Agrarmarkt Austria and the Austrian Federal Economic China aimed at intensifying research and know-how Chamber supports companies by providing them with transfer as well as forest consulting, a memorandum professional export know-how and assists them in the of understanding was prepared in 2011 and signed process of internationalising their sales markets. by the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management and the Priorities in this context are the transfer of knowledge as Chinese Minister of Forestry. well as the export of services and technology. Targeted market exploration trips, Austria Show Cases and fora In 2010 and 2011 exploration trips with specific with market partners in the target countries of the export goals and tasks were undertaken also to the nearby initiative were undertaken to achieve these goals. In the markets of the Balkans; existing contacts were course of these years, a great number of delegations, strengthened and new ones were established. expert visits and individual information were procured to interested companies, forest enterprises and stake- Since 2011 Austria‘s forest and timber management holders via the BMLFUW‘s Directorate-General for sector has also been successful in Suriname in South Forestry, the Agricultural Attachés and the Austrian America. In 2011 an agreement concerning closer INDICATOR 6.9: Federal Economic Chamber. In all, almost 100 Austrian cooperation in forestry was signed. Accordingly, Austria ENERGY FROM enterprises from the forest and timber sector and more provides the system for a forest inventory of tropical than 250 companies took part in the events of the export forests; it is to elaborate the concept for a sustainable WOOD RESOURCES initiative for forest and timber. forest management that is environmentally sound and makes good economic sense and advise the country in In addition to the material exploitation, considerable revival in the past decade. Energy Since 2008 Asian countries, too, have increasingly the establishment of appropriate framework conditions, use of the raw material wood as a source of energy from wood serves primarily to generate heat. been interested in the Austrian forest and timber laws and structures. is gaining importance. Although the use of wood as a source of energy was for quite some time rather In 2011, 94.4 percent of the total volume of timber http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/greentec/green-jobs/exportinitiative.html stagnant in Austria, this issue has experienced a used for energy was used to generate heat and the

--- 118 ------119 --- SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRIA SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRIA AUSTRIAN FOREST REPORT 2015 AUSTRIAN FOREST REPORT 2015 CRITERION 6: MAINTENANCE OF OTHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC CRITERION 6: MAINTENANCE OF OTHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS AND CONDITIONS FUNCTIONS AND CONDITIONS remaining 5.6 percent were used to generate eco-power. Figure 42 illustrates the use of wood for the period INDICATOR 6.10: In the coming years, the production of fuels will be an from 2001 to 2011 and the projected need for wood ACCESSIBILITY FOR RECREATION additional potential use. as a source of energy expected for 2015 and 2020. Wood consumption developed particularly dynami- Wood is virtually unrivalled as a fuel. When wood is cally in the field of biomass-based CHP plants and For a tourism country like Austria, landscapes, is responsible for his/her own safety and must pay atten- burned, a neutral carbon balance is maintained, which thermal power stations. The consumption of pellets, and thus also forests, are of overriding importance. tion to any hazards that may arise from conditions in the means that only such an amount of the greenhouse gas a relatively new ‚green fuel‘, has seen a rapid upward In large areas forests are not only the scenery of the forest when moving off of public roads and paths. With

CO2 is released as the tree has recycled while growing. trend as well. Briquettes stagnate at a comparatively landscape, but to an always greater extent provide also regard to works in connection with forest management, Use of this domestic raw material helps reduce the de- modest level. Also the consumption of firewood billet an area for recreation and a place for leisure-time activ- the forest manager is held liable for gross negligence and pendence on imported fossil fuels, which often originate has remained more or less the same. According to the ities. In recent decades, the sector “tourism and leisure for wilful intent on enclosed surfaces. from troubled regions where there is no certainty with forecast of the Austrian Energy Agency (AEA), the industry” has seen exceptionally dynamic growth and regard to guaranteed supply. use of wood as a source of energy might reach 25 million has become a major segment of the economy of Alpine On forest roads or other (marked) paths in the forest, cubic metres in 2020. countries. The tourism and leisure industry is an impor- the legal situation is different. Here, the liability provi- The use of wood creates added value and jobs in the tant employer in rural areas and reduces the migration sions set out in the Austrian Civil Code apply. As a result country and it improves the Austrian balance of payments, To the European Union, Austria committed itself from structurally deprived regions; in the case of Austria, of this legal framework, there is an increasing number of in which the purchase costs for fossil sources of energy are to ambitious targets as regards its share of renewable it is also one of the largest foreign-exchange earners. court actions due to the rising number of forest visitors a massive burden. By international comparison, Austria energy and climate change mitigation. Based on a and sportsmen in forests with the existing hazard poten- is one of the leading nations with regard to the utilisation share of 23.3 % in 2005, 34 % of the energy consum- Against this background it appears useful to illustrate tials. Some forest enterprises and land-owner represent- of biomass. The share of renewable sources of energy in ed is to be covered from renewable sources by the the broad range of topics concerning recreation/ atives together with representatives from the tourism gross domestic consumption is about 32 % (in 2012), that year 2020. The intensified use of wood continues to leisure/ tourism and forests not only with a view to industry and the authorities initiated the identification of biomass about 18 %. It is noteworthy that bioenergy is play a substantial role to ensure achievement of the potential conflicts, but also to pursue a far-sighted, of public cycle paths and mountain-bike routes and above all (about 80 %) generated from wood. targets. need- and customer-oriented strategy. reached mutual agreements on solutions to the liability issue under insurance law. FORESTS AND TOURISM — Use of wood and demand for wood as a source of energy STRONGER CUSTOMER TOURISM TRENDS in million solid cubic metres per year ORIENTATION IS REASONABLE IN FORESTS Biomass-based CHP plants Briquettes Thermal power stations Fuelwood (firewood billet) Pellets In recent years the field of tourism, spare-time, recrea- There is a clear trend towards short breaks and increas- tion and holidays has been discussed quite intensively ing day-trips, the lion’s share of which is naturally found in forest-related working processes (in particular in the in forest areas close to towns and cities on the one hand, Austrian Forest Dialogue) and in general a more pro- and the ecologically sensitive mountain regions on the 20 active strategy that is oriented towards customers has other hand. This type of tourism can have varying inten- been regarded to be expedient. The subsidy options tried sities in the individual regions and therefore can have a and tested in regional development and new subsidy negative impact on ecosystem interrelations, especially options (LEADER15) are to be used more intensively in overloaded areas. The “adventure society” is carrying by the forestry sector in the future. out more and more activities in forests and the associated conflict potential is growing. The pressure to establish 10 The legal framework regulating the utilisation of forests tourism infrastructures in and close to forest areas is for recreational purposes in Austria can be outlined as increasing and the associated demands on the forest follows: According to the Austrian Forest Act anyone experts are becoming more complex. In some forest ar- may enter and spend time in the forests for recrea- eas the potential value added by tourism exceeds that of tional purposes. Restrictions apply only under specific conventional timber utilisation, making other objectives

0 conditions. The Forest Act also stipulates that everyone and planning standards necessary. 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2015* 2020* *) Forecasts

Figure 42 | Source: Energieagentur, Statistics Austria, Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, 2014 15) LEADER: http://www.netzwerk-land.at/leader/leader-in-oesterreich

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In the Austrian Forest Strategy 2020 an ap- consensus between forest tourists and proach to solutions is developed in the context forest managers concerning their joint of the Forest Dialogue which aims at achieving a use of forests.

INDICATOR 6.11: CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL VALUES

Austria has become an active trailblazer in cultural and historical awareness. This knowledge about the development and business-oriented utilisation of the importance of historical conditions and circum- cultural values and potentials in the forest and in the en- stances is the most important prerequisite for identifying vironment for forest managers in Europe. An active and the values, potentials and objects, and for their mainte- far-sighted contribution, including special features about nance and proper utilisation. Austria, was made towards designing the topic-specific international work processes. Austrian forest experts In the process of the preparation of an implementation were actively involved in particular in the development strategy on the theme „Forest + Culture“ by the Ministry of Resolution 3 by the Ministerial Conference on the of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE — now FOR- Management and the Austrian Forest Association it EST EUROPE) in Vienna (2003), in which “cultural also became clear very soon that there were numerous and spiritual aspects” of sustainable forest management individual initiatives by public institutions, associations, were defined more precisely for the first time. These enterprises, museums and, last but not least, dedicated aspects must be contributed to and implemented in private players in the cultural environment of the forest practical forestry. The Austrian initiatives in the area of sector in Austria. The „Network Forest & Culture“, forest and culture are based on the principle of voluntary established in October 2003 at the Forestry Training participation. They are characterised by a high level of Centre Ort/Gmunden, a historical forest site, has for commitment, motivation and cross-sectoral networking many years actively worked on technical and structural of the actors. networking. This network is intended as a working platform that offers expert support, connects most different One of the specific features of Austria by European organisations and organises events on the subject. comparison is the vast extent of mountain forest management and the predominance of family enterprises of The topic, which, as „maintenance of rural cultural her- all sizes, the important role of forest stands in protecting itage“, has already been firmly anchored in the EU-wide the living area of people. funding initiative „VOLE — Rural Development“, has to be promoted and pushed ahead in a targeted manner. The period from the establishment to the final utilisation Forest and culture have also become a topic for discus- of forest stands is often far longer than hundred years in sion in the Austrian Forest Dialogue and are reflected Austria. Therefore, owners usually have a high level of accordingly in the Austrian Forest Strategy 2020.

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CRITERION 7: AUSTRIA‘S INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

CRITERION 7 ILLUSTRATES AUSTRIA‘S COMMITMENT IN THE CREATION OF AN INDEPENDENT, INTERNATIONAL AND BINDING INSTRUMENT FOR THE PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FORESTS as well as other activities to raise the awareness for forest maintenance all over the world. Austria demonstrates international responsibility and is committedly working for sustainable forest management all over the world.

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INDICATOR 7.1: Projects in development cooperation funded by the BMLFUW since 2008.

FOREST-RELATED PROJECTS IN Country Year Projects Budget in € Funded by DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION BMLFUW, Directorate 2008– Supporting sustainable management Argentina 72,482.00 of International 2014 of forests and local communities in Argentina Austria takes big efforts to promote sustainable the national partner governments to strengthen their Environmental Affairs forest management also on international level. One pri- capacities and competences. Wherever possible nati- Supporting local communities and 2012– BMLFUW, Directorate Brazil the sustainable management of the 28,000.00 ority is the bilateral know-how and technology transfer onal experts are used who are assisted by Austrian 2013 of Climate and Air Quality as well as the support for projects dealing with sustain- organisations. Araripe forest (Ceará State) Sustainable forest management in able forest management as a contribution to superordi- BMLFUW, Directorate-General Suriname 2012 Suriname (“Nachhaltige Waldbewirt- 180,000.00 nate development objectives such as, for example, the In 2013 forest-relevant projects were carried out for Forestry schaftung in Suriname”) fight against poverty or rural development. in the Caucasus, in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Brazil, Management of forests in Georgia BMLFUW, Directorate Bhutan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and in the ECOWAS Georgia 2013 (“Bewirtschaftung von Wäldern in 1,500,000.00 of Climate and Air Quality In 2013, a total amount of 7.6 million euros of public states . Georgien”) (REDD+) funds were granted to twelve forest projects in the Sustainable management of framework of development cooperation. Austria aims at increasing the number of projects agroforestgenetic resources (“Nachhaltige BMLFUW, Directorate Burkina Faso 2013 500,000.00 and the budget according to the 4th Global Objective Bewirtschaftung von agroforstgenetischen of Climate and Air Quality Ressourcen”) (REDD+) In the Austrian development cooperation, projects are on Forests: „to raise additional funds for the develop- Regeneration of forests (“Regeneration BMLFUW, Directorate wherever possible carried out in direct cooperation with ment cooperation in forestry“. Ethiopia 2013 1,300,000.00 von Wäldern”) (REDD+) of Climate and Air Quality Adaptation of forests in Bhutan BMLFUW, Directorate Bhutan 2013 1,100,000.00 (“Anpassung der Wälder in Bhutan”) (REDD+) of Climate and Air Quality Contracts directly relating to forestry, concluded since 2011 by ADA Management of natural hazards by protection forest management BMLFUW, Directorate Kyrgyzstan 2013 200,000.00 (“Naturgefahrenmanagement durch Schutz- of Climate and Air Quality Country Year Projects Budget in € Funded by waldbewirtschaftung”) (REDD+) Design and Development of Robust BMLFUW, contract administra- Reafforestation in support of sustainable Systems for National Forest Monitoring tion by ADA (complementary Uganda 2013 650,160.00 agriculture and forestry in Kakheti, Georgia — ADA funds (complementary and Information on Safeguards for to the national water and erosion control for agricultural areas to measures taken by GiZ Georgia 2011 41,853 Uganda’s REDD+ Activities climate programme) (“Wiederaufforstung zugunsten einer nachhaltigen (German Agency for International Land- und Forstwirtschaft in Kakheti, Georgien — Cooperation) BMLFUW, contract adminis- Strengthening Implementation Erosionsschutz für landwirtschaftliche Flächen”) tration by ADA (complemen- Ethiopia 2013 of the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve 378,045.00 tary to the share of equity of the Region of THEMIS — Regional Platform on sustainable (REDD+) ADA funds (complementary to applicants) South-Eastern 2011 natural resource management in South Eastern 27,106 own resources from applicants) Europe Europe to combat illegal logging In 15 West ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy 2013– BMLFUW, Directorate African States and Energy Efficiency (ECREE) — Sustainable 600,000.00 2016 of Climate and Air Quality IZW project: Establishment of markets and (ECOWAS) Biomass Actions (REDD+) capacities in Bosnian forestry to revitalise the Contribution from OEZA timber processing industry (Project of the ECREEE — WACCA Actions — Bosnia- (Austrian Development 2012 Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research: 55,638 West African Clean Cooking Alliance Herzegovina Cooperation), at least doubled ECOWAS 2013– BMLFUW, Directorate „Markt- und Kapazitätenaufbau in der bosnischen (there is a direct link between the use of efficient 600,000.00 by private funds states 2016 of Climate and Air Quality Forstwirtschaft zur Revitalisierung der stoves and forests; as less wood is needed, Holzverarbeitungsindustrie”) the pressure on forests decreases). ENPI FLEG II Forest Law Enforcement Reducing CO emissions from rural Region of ADA funds 2 2013 and Governance: Complementary Measures 13,689 areas in Paraguay and strengthening BMLFUW, Directorate Caucasus (complementary to EU funding) Paraguay 2014 300,000.00 to Georgia and Armenia Indigenous Peoples and Peasant of Climate and Air Quality Communities Rooting through Agroecology Table 7 | Source: BMLFUW 2014 Mali National Forest Inventory BMLFUW, Directorate Mali 2014 38,000.00 Project Appraisal of Climate and Air Quality

16) ECOWAS states (Economic Community of West African States): Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Republic of Cabo Verde, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of Gambia, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Mali, Republic of Niger, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Senegal, Republic of Sierra Table 8 | Source: BMLFUW 2014 Leone, and Republic of Togo.

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Funds of the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) to the European Bank for Reconstruction and -- World Heritage Convention Activities at the EU level: Development (EBRD) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) -- ITPGRFA (International Treaty -- Standing Forestry Committee Country Year Projects Funded by Budget in € on Plant Genetic Resources for

Bosnia- Food and Agriculture) -- FLEGT Committee 2007 Forest Sector Overview EBRD 250,000.00 Herzegovina -- GATT (General Agreement on -- Council Working Party on Forests Romania 2007 Forestry and Forest Industry Study EBRD 300,000.00 Tariffs and Trade) Bulgaria 2009 Forest Sector Reform EBRD 500,000.00 -- Council Working Party on Pan-European activities: Rural Development Belarus 2011 Forest Sector Study EBRD 350,000.00

Central and 2012 REDD IDB 1,000,000.00 -- FOREST EUROPE -- Council Working Party on International South America (Ministerkonferenz zum Environmental Issues (incl. climate and

Table 9 | Source: BMLFUW 2014 Schutz der Wälder in Europa) biodiversity)

-- FAO European Forestry Leadership functions in international bodies: Commission -- UNFF Vice Presidency 2008–2010 -- UNECE Committee on Forests INDICATOR 7.2: and the Forest Industry -- ITTA, ITTC Presidency 2008 AUSTRIA‘S CONTRIBUTION TO -- Think Forest -- 2007–2011 Co-Presidency of the INTERNATIONAL AND MULTILATERAL FOREST EUROPE Working Party FOREST GOVERNANCE -- EFI (European Forest Institute) for a Legally Binding Instrument on Forests (LBI) -- EfE (‘Environment for Europe’ The objective of the foreign-policy endeavours -- CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) Ministerial Conference) -- Presently (2014) chair position in 4 national is to promote the breakthrough of sustainable forest initiatives for the support of UNFF management principles, if possible all over the world. -- UNCCD (United Nations Convention -- Alpine Convention to Combat Desertification) -- Presently (2014) member to the Secretariat Austria pro-actively participates in the process of -- Ramsar Convention of the Intergovernmental Negotiation shaping international forest policy, in particular at -- FAO — COFO (Committee on Forestry (Convention on Wetlands) Committee for a Legally Binding Instrument the United Nations Forum on Forests, in the of the Food and Agriculture Organisation on Forests (LBI). Climate Convention, in the Convention on Bio- of the United Nations -- Bern Convention diversity, and in the Ministerial Conference on (Convention on the -- Presently (2014) leading roles in the Protection of Forests in Europe. -- ITTO, ITTA (International Tropical Conservation of European 3 UNECE/FAO working parties Timber Organisation, International Wildlife and Natural Habitats) Global activities: Tropical Timber Agreement) -- Presently (2014) member to a -- Bonn Convention on the global coordination group of FAO -- UNFF (United Nations Forest Forum) -- WTO, WTA (World Trade Organisation, Conservation of Migratory World Trade Agreement) Species of Wild Animals Target -- CSD (United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development) -- CITES (Convention on International -- Carpathian Convention Continuous priority-setting of the Austrian policy Trade in Endangered Species of Wild for sustainable forest management world-wide. -- UNFCCC (United Nations Fauna and Flora) Climate Framework Convention)

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INDICATOR 7.3: INDICATOR 7.4: PUBLIC FUNDS FOR FOREST-RELEVANT, AUSTRIAN CONTRIBUTION INTERNATIONALLY ACTIVE ORGANISATIONS TO EFFORTS ON COMBATTING AND FOR THE PARTICIPATION OF AUSTRIAN ILLEGAL LOGGING EXPERTS IN FOREST-RELATED INTERNATIONAL BODIES In order to combat illegal logging, the Euro- on the market. FLEGT licenses are one possibility pean Commission adopted the action plan „Forest Law how this proof can be furnished. Forest-relevant, internationally active and various EU working parties as well as research Enforcement, Governance and Trade — FLEGT“ in organisations are supported with a view to the cooperations (e.g. ThinkForest, ERANET, COST). 2003. In 2005 Regulation (EC) no. 2173/2005 on the With its Timber Trading Surveillance Act expansion and active support of international establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports („HolzHÜG“), which entered into force on 7 August transfer of know-how and technology. In 2013, of timber into the European Community (FLEGT 2013, Austria adopted the required provisions for the about 300,000 euros of public funds were paid to Public funds for the participation of Regulation) was adopted. This licensing scheme relies implementation of both the FLEGT and the EU Timber support e.g. FAO, IUFRO, EFICEEC, ANRICA, experts of the Directorate-General for basically on voluntary partnership agreements of the Regulation. The Federal Research Centre for Forests or the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Forestry in forest-relevant, international European Union with partner countries, which are to (BFW) is now in charge of the controls of the FLEGT for a European Forest Convention (INC). This bodies and meetings ensure that exclusively timber logged in compliance licenses and the controls according to the EU Timber includes also the participation of experts of the with the national law of the partner country or legally Regulation concerning timber and timber products Directorate-General for Forestry in forest-relevant, Funded by imported into this partner country is to be imported into from non-Austrian logging. international bodies and meetings such as UNFF, the European Union. Until 2014, such agreements were UNECE/FAO, OECD, EU Council and Standing Country Meetings Expenses concluded with six countries. The district administration authorities are responsible Forestry Committee, Forest Europe including the for the remaining controls required according to the EU Global negotiations on the European Forest Convention In none of these countries the establishment of legality Timber Regulation. With the Austrian Timber Trading UNFF 1 4,527 assurance systems and their recognition by the Europe- Surveillance Act also the participation of the customs an Commission has been completed; first imports with authorities as well as the penalties for infringement were UNECE/FAO 11 10,863 Public funds of the Directorate- FLEGT licenses will therefore probably be carried out regulated. General for Forestry for forest- OECD 2 1,490 in 2015 at the earliest. The competent bodies of the EU Member States will then have to check whether a valid Controls conducted: relevant, internationally active Europe organisations FLEGT license was granted for the individual deliveries EU (Council + Standing 18 12,787 of wood products from partner countries. Only if such -- EU Timber Regulation: Forestry Committee) a license exists, will the relevant load be released for free In spring 2014 the Federal Research Centre Public funds Organisation 2013 in € Forest Europe (incl. the circulation under the Community Customs Code. for Forests (BFW) conducted first controls of negotiations for an Agreement 10 15,152 market operators placing on the market tim- on Forests in Europe) ANRICA 25,000 On 3 March 2013 Regulation (EU) no. 995/2010 of ber and timber products from third countries. EU other 8 4,866 the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 EFICEEC 75,000 (e.g. EU working groups) October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators -- FLEGT Regulation: FAO 20,000 Other who place timber and timber products on the market The BFW is prepared: First imports with (EU Timber Regulation) entered into force. This Regu- FLEGT licenses are expected for 2015 only. IUFRO 11,000 Bilateral meetings 3 6,670 lation prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber Austrian Federal 1,605 Multilateral meetings 21 7,746 Environment Agency and timber products on the internal market. Operators -- Cooperation with customs authorities: INC (Intergovernmental Negotiating Research cooperations must also be able to furnish proof that, due to the use of The information flow between the customs Committee for a (Legally Binding) 90,000 (e.g.ThinkForest, ERA-NET, 14 11,369 a diligence system, they take no or only a negligible risk authorities and the BFW works well; the legal Agreement on Forests in Europe COST) to put timber and timber products from illegal logging basis is the „HolzHÜG“. Total 222,605 Sum Directorate-General Forestry 88 75,470

Table 10 | BMLFUW 2014 Table 11 | BMLFUW 2014

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QUALITATIVE INDICATORS

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An integral element of the working programme is the on Austrian forests and to find solutions to possible ÖWAD set of indicators which includes 70 individual utilisation conflicts. The Forest Strategy 2020 is to indicators. The indicators are used to check to which ex- provide forest-political cornerstones to ensure and tent the goals set out in the Forest Programme are being continuously optimise the sustainable management achieved. By means of the indicators actions which may and maintenance of Austria‘s forests so as to ensure be necessary to ensure and optimise sustainable forest the multifunctional services rendered by forests for management can be identified. present and future generations.

EVALUATION OF THE THE BODIES IN CHARGE AUSTRIAN FOREST DIALOGUE OF THE FOREST DIALOGUE

At the end of 2011, after nine years and completion of an Various bodies have been established external evaluation (evaluation of processes and results), to implement the Forest Dialogue: the first cycle of the Austrian Forest Dialogue ended as planned. The external evaluation gives the Austrian -- Round Table: Being the highest decision Forest Dialogue a good report, also in the context of body of the Forest Dialogue, the Round national forest dialogue processes of other countries. Table is headed by the Federal Minister of According to this evaluation the ÖWAD complies with Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and the international criteria for national Forest Programme Water Management himself. processes, has good instruments for implementation and monitoring (working programme and set of indicators) -- Forest Forum: The Forest Forum is the body as well as wide participation opportunities. preparing the decisions for the Round Table; its tasks are to work on the requirements set THE AUSTRIAN FOREST by the Round Table and to find a contextual DIALOGUE IS GOING ON! balance of interests in forest-relevant issues. INDICATOR A.1: The Forest Forum is also responsible for pro- NATIONAL FOREST PROGRAMMES At the end of 2011 the supreme political body of moting and monitoring the implementation the Forest Dialogue, the Round Table, decided to of the Forest Programme (including ÖWAD AND SUCHLIKE continue the Forest Dialogue and to launch another Indicators). cycle with the objective of preparing a new Forest THE AUSTRIAN FOREST DIALOGUE — and nature protection, sports, forestry and agriculture, Programme in the form of a Forest Strategy 2020 by -- Technical modules (expert working JOINTLY ENSURING AND DEVELOPING the wood-based and paper industries, employee and the end of 2015. Continuation of the Forest Dialogue groups): Content-related work takes SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT consumer protection, hunting, the church, development requires several structural and process-related adjust- place in the Modules. Four technical cooperation, youth, science, education, energy manage- ments which are to guarantee effective and efficient modules have been established: For ages and generations Austrian forests have fulfilled ment, the Federal Provinces and public administration implementation of the Forest Dialogue for the pur- M1: Forests.Economy.International economic, ecological and social functions of inestimable participate continuously. poses of „good governance“. affairs value. In order to identify and optimally balance the M2: Forests.Climate.Ecology many different social claims associated with these servic- The Forest Dialogue provides the opportunity to The primary objective of the Forest Strategy 2020 is M3: Forests.Water.Natural hazards es, the Austrian Forest Dialogue (ÖWAD) was launched exchange different opinions and expectations in relation to ensure and optimise the ecological, economic and M4: Forests.Society.Knowledge in early 2003. The Forest Dialogue is a participative to Austrian forests and their management in consulta- social dimensions of sustainable forest management process of policy development. tions based on partnership. The concrete objective is to in a well-balanced way, paying special attention to the -- Steering Group: The Steering Groupacts formulate consensually strategies and guidelines that added value and the potential of the Austrian forestry as an interface between the Round Table, It is a nationally and internationally much renowned can be implemented on an operational basis on for- and timber sectors for a „liveable Austria“. the Forest Forum and the Modules and is example of „good governance“ in which representa- est-political fields of action. In 2005 the first Austrian responsible for strategic process planning tives of over 90 public and private organisations and Forest Programme was adopted in this framework and The Forest Strategy is intended as an instrument to har- and process management as well as for the institutions representing the interest of environment then implemented using a working programme. monise the multiple interests and demands made content-related and editorial adaptation and

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integration of the results of the individual the Forest Dialogue and its results, notably working groups. the Austrian Forest Strategy 2020.

-- Working Group „ÖWAD Indicators“: The OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN task of this permanent working group is to THE AUSTRIAN FOREST DIALOGUE continuously develop and adjust the indicators of the Forest Dialogue, including the Participation in the Forest Dialogue is open to all relevant actual values and target values. More- groups, institutions and interested parties concerned over, it has to prepare indicator reports at with the Austrian forest. The general public can partici- regular intervals. The ÖWAD set of indicators pate in the work of the Forest Dialogue via the Internet also provides the basis for the structure of platform http://www.walddialog.at as well as through this Forest Report. written statements.

-- Working Group „ÖWAD Monitoring“: In addition, the interested public is informed by The task of this permanent working group is means of a Forest Dialogue Newsletter which to support the Steering Group in the imple- reports regularly on the current state and the mentation of the evaluation results and to progress of the Forest Dialogue. work out proposals for the content-related orientation as well as for the structural and If you are interested in participating in the Austrian process-related adjustment of the Forest Forest Dialogue, in receiving the Forest Dialogue Dialogue process. Newsletter or other information, please contact INDICATOR A.2: [email protected] in writing or call the head INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK -- ÖWAD Secretariat: The Secretariat assists of the Forest Dialogue Secretariat, Dr. Georg Rappold, the Steering Group and is responsible for at +43 1 711 00-7314. the overall coordination as well as for the FOREST AUTHORITY verfahrensgesetz“, VwGVG) the authority can, within a All publications and results as well as more detailed information can be consult- operative planning and implementation of ed at http://www.walddialog.at. period of two months, freely decide to annul or amend The activities of the Forest Authority are based on the the contested notice or to reject the appeal (preliminary 1975 Forest Act as amended (ForstG 1975). There are appeal decision), or to present the appeal to the Provin- also several other laws (see A.3) that have an impact on cial Administrative Court. Cycles of the Forest Dialogue the activities of the Forest Authority. The enforcement of the Forest Act usually falls within the competence The Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, of the district administrative authorities in the first Environment and Water Management is the instance. However, for certain matters the Provincial supreme forest authority. Forest Strategy 2020 Governor or the Federal Minister of Agriculture, 1st Austrian Forest Programme 2nd Austrian Forest Programme Forestry, Environment and Water Management is After having exhausted all ordinary remedies, the entrusted with enforcement. recipient of the official notification is still entitled to extraordinary legal remedies, notably: The instrument applied to enforce the will of the Forest st nd 1 Cycle of the Forest Dialogue 2 Cycle of the Forest Dialogue Authority is the official notice. If required, the recipient 1. In certain cases the ordinary appeal of the official notice has the right to lodge an appeal with according to section 25a VwGG the Provincial Administrative Court. The appeal has to (Administrative Court Act — be lodged with the authority finding the official notice „Verwaltungsgerichtshofgesetz“) to 2003 2011/12 2020 (first instance) stating the reasons. the Administrative Court (VwGH) or

According to section 14 of the Law on Legal Proceed- 2. the appeal to the Constitutional Figure 43 | Source: ÖWAD, BMLFUW 2014 ings in an Administrative Court („Verwaltungsgerichts Court (VfGH).

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The Administrative Court either rules itself on the case, of forest desertification and forest- OTHER STAKEHOLDERS -- Commission Internationale pour which could also mean a rejection of the appeal, or it damaging air pollution. AND INTEREST GROUPS la Protection des Alpes (CIPRA) abrogates the unlawful decision by the authority and transfers it to the same authority for a new decision, Forest land-use planning, official expert functions, as The English term “stakeholder” refers to all persons/ -- Distelverein (“Thistle Association”— whereby the legal opinion of the Administrative Court well as the very own task of the Forest Authority, namely organisations interested in an action/problem/solution. an association for the preservation has to be taken into consideration. forest supervision, have a kind of intermediate posi- The kind of participation (active/passive) is not relevant and promotion of rural habitats) tion as regards the above-mentioned division of tasks, in this respect. The following stakeholders are important The Forest Authority is assisted by university graduates since both external (third parties) and internal (forest to forestry: -- Friends of the Earth in forestry and foresters as official forest engineering owners) influences have to be taken into consideration experts, and by legal experts. At the level of the district and corrected if necessary. This includes for example the Non-government organisations (NGOs) -- Global 2000 administrative authority the official forest engineer- cessation of illegal felling or land clearing activities, as ing experts work within the framework of the District well as the prevention of forest desertification and the -- Austrian Economic Chamber with the trade -- Greenpeace Forest Inspection Service, at the level of the Provincial monitoring of proper reforestation. associations for the Austrian wood industry, Governor within the framework of the Provincial Forest the timber and construction materials trade, -- Austrian Environmental Umbrella Inspection Service. Also the Federal Minister of Agricul- the paper industry, the construction industry, Association (ÖGNU) ture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management REPRESENTATIONS OF etc. has a forest engineering expert. The Provincial Admin- INTEREST IN FORESTRY -- World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) istrative Court will usually cooperate with the forest -- Federal Chamber of Architects and engineering experts of the Provincial Forest Inspection Legal representations of interest in forestry Engineering Consultants (Civil Engineers) -- etc. Service. These are the nine Provincial Chambers of Agriculture, -- Austrian Chamber of Labour Tasks which are subdivided into District Chambers of Agricul- and its sub-organisations COOPERATIONS FORESTRY— ture in Burgenland, Lower Austria, Upper Austria and TIMBER INDUSTRY Whether the 1975 Forest Act is applied or not depends Styria. Membership in these Chambers is mandatory by -- Austrian Federation of Trade Unions in principle on the existence of forest soil; however, law for owners of agricultural and/or forest land over a and its sub-organisations -- proHolz Austria — Working party some provisions are applicable beyond the scope of the certain size. of the Austrian timber industry forest or have an effect reaching beyond forest borders. -- Universities and other education The activities of the Forest Authority can be roughly Private representations of interest in forestry and training institutions -- Cooperation Agreement divided into Forest – Wood – Paper -- Austrian Chamber of Agriculture (LKÖ) -- Federation of Alpine Associations a) Internal tasks: In addition to consulting as the umbrella organisation of the Provincial in Austria (VAVÖ) and participation in forestry subsidisation, Chambers of Agriculture they also include the preparation of forest -- Österreichischer Alpenverein engineering expert opinions, the monitoring -- Forest associations for each Federal (Austrian Alpine Association) of forest management activities by forest Province (except Vienna) and the owners within the legal framework prescribed Austrian Forest Association -- Naturfreunde Österreich by law, including the cessation of illegal activities as well as the stipulation of -- Austrian Association of Farm and Forest -- etc. necessary measures Owners, which in turn is subdivided into provincial associations (except in Tyrol, Environmental Non-Governmental and Vorarlberg and Vienna) and the Federal Organisations (ENGOs) Association of Agricultural Enterprises in b) External tasks: These tasks include the handling Austria as member associations -- Birdwatch of petitions to clear forest land, the procla- mation of protective forests to protect third -- The Austrian Forest Association, which is -- BIOSA — Biosphäre Austria parties, as well as the abatement or prevention subdivided into provincial forest associations.

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INDICATOR A.3: -- Other federal acts with a forest and pasturage rights, LEGAL/STATUTORY FRAMEWORK AND direct relation to forestry as well as special field servitudes Animal Welfare Act 2004 INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS Federal Law regulating the Trade in Timber (Timber Trading -- State Treaties of importance to and/or The following principles and international provide constitutionality with regard to the Surveillance Act) legally binding on forest management obligations are legally binding on forest management 2012 amendment on administrative litigation Federal Law on the creation of a quality in Austria: was adopted. label for wood and wood products from Saltworks Convention sustainably managed forests Convention on Wetlands of -- Forest Act 1975 as applicable Above all, the forest-law provisions concerning logging Act on Forest Reproductive Material 2002 Inter national Importance, especially cooperatives were amended, or supplemented, in such a (Agricultural Law Amendment Act 2002) as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Important topics way that on the one hand more concrete legal require- Ordinance on Forest Reproductive Convention) ments on the text of the statutes and on the other hand Material 2002 Convention on Biological Diversity Maintenance of forests regulations are created that are to facilitate procedures in Plant Protection Act 2011 (Biodiversity Convention) Sustainability of forest management the cooperative (e.g. organisation of General Assembly, Federal Law on the new regulation of Convention on the Protection Reforestation decision-making, distribution of costs) and make the the legal form of the Austrian Federal of the Alps (Alpine Convention) Afforestation and enhancement cooperatives take the required activities. Forests and the establishment of a stock International Plant Protection of forest condition corporation for continuation of the Convention In turn, the possibilities of the authority to intervene in enterprise „Österreichische Bundes European and Mediterranean Plant -- 2002 Amendment to the Forest Act problem situations or in the case of prolonged failure to forste“ (Austrian Federal Forests) Protection Organisation (EPPO) act on the part of the cooperative have been improved (Federal Forests Act 1996) Important topics by means of new instruments (substitute performance, Basic Freight and Cableways Act 1967 -- Provincial laws appointment of a curator). 1951 Framework Law on dealing with Elimination of bureaucracy and simplification of administrative procedures: Another important issue are deregulations, especially Partly new regulation of the clear- a reduction of the activities handled by authorities and cutting procedure, new regulation of thus the saving of costs concerning the division of forests the obligation to appoint forest officers, and clearings with a time limit. The application proce- new regulation of the state examination dure for clearing, which contributes essentially to the in forestry administrative simplification, applies also to clearings Stronger focus on the aspects of ecology: with a time limit of areas up to 1,000 m². New regulation of reforestation obligation, special provisions for national parks, Furthermore, changes in wording, clarifications as well natural forest reserves and the like as the repealing of meanwhile obsolete regulations were New regulations concerning carried out to consolidate existing legislation. The law the protection forest contains also changes with respect to the clarification New regulation of forest subsidisation concerning the obligation to employ certified foresters Restructuring of research, training and or silviculturists; this obligation is now met according education in forestry to section 113.

-- 2013 Amendment to the Forest Act Moreover, it includes changes and/or clarifications concerning the rights of use of land by administrative With the 2013 amendments through the Federal bodies (in particular the authorities and the Forest Act Amending the Agricultural Law, Federal Engineering Service in Torrent and Avalanche Control) Law Gazette I No. 104/2013, and through Federal Law to allow them to perform their tasks in a more efficient Gazette I No. 189/2013 the amendment required to way.

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Ordinances of the Provincial Governors and -- Other federal legislation ecosystem services, improving the forest knowledge Provincial Forest Laws as set out in sections 15, SURVEY OF AUSTRIA‘S base, innovative forestry, fostering coordination and 26 and 95 ff. of the 1975 Forest Act — Apart from the above-mentioned legislation, INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS communication, and forests from a global perspective. implementing laws on forestry there are several other federal-law regulations In conclusion, the different attempts to coordinate that concern sustainable forest management. European Union activities of relevance to forest policy in the EU have Regional planning and Among them are, for example: so far mainly been based on voluntary cooperation regional development laws In late September 2013 the European between Member States and a few activities by the Construction law and Austrian Farm Act 1999 Commission published a new European Commission. supplementary construction law Austrian Water Rights Act 1959 Forest Strategy (COM 2013/659). It relies Nature and landscape protection laws Industrial Code 1994 on three guiding principles: However, also forest-relevant EU legislation increased National park laws Environmental Impact over the past decades. In other political fields of the Clean air acts of the Federal Provinces Assessment Act 1. Sustainable forest management European Union (Figure 44) an always greater number Land transaction acts (EIA Act) 2000 and multifunctional role of forests, of legally binding regulations are adopted, partly with Protection of cultivated agricultural land Clean air legislation 2. Resource efficiency and incompatible objectives. Hunting law Waste Management Act 2002 Fisheries law Environmental Information Act 3. Global forest responsibility. Moreover, over the years a great number of formal Laws on the protection Plant Protection Products Act 1997 and so-called ad hoc institutions have become of Alpine pastures Fertilisers Act 1994 The new strategy identifies eight priority areas established in the European Union. Their task is which are based on the existing forest-political on the one hand coordination in forest policy within activities: Supporting our rural and urban com- the European Commission, among Member States munities, fostering competitiveness, forests in a and the Commission and, on the other hand, the changing climate, protecting forests and enhancing direct communication with stakeholders. Even the

Policy areas having impacts on forests in Europe

Rural development & External relations regional policy

Industrial policy Environmental policy

European Union Forest Policy Soil protection Biodiversity

Forest fires & Research policy air pollution

Development Forest reproductive cooperation material

Trade policy Climate policy Energy policy

Figure 44 | Source: Pülzl, H. 2005. Evaluation of European Community: Regulations and policies relevant to forest policy. Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, Vienna, AT. 119p. (slightly adapted).

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European Court of Justice, which is in charge of the Pan-European context forest policy and in whose design and establishment International context interpretation and implementation of EU legislation, Austrian representatives are involved. Since the early can be given a role in this process if, for example, it In Pan-Europe17 there are presently a small number 1990ies the Ministerial Conference on the Protection Like in (Pan-) Europe so far no comprehensive checks the application of EU law (see Figure 45). of legally binding instruments (Alpine Convention of Forests in Europe, which is now referred to as legally binding instrument for forest has been With the Lisbon Treaty, also the role of parliaments with Mountain Forest Protocol, Carpathian Conven- FOREST EUROPE, has become established in addition agreed at the global level. However, there are a has been strengthened. They have been able to play tion, Bern Convention, Espoo Convention, Aarhus to these regional instruments. This political process large number of instruments of international law a stronger role since then. Convention) that are also of relevance for Austria‘s aims at establishing sustainable forest management that relate to forests and that directly or indirectly all over Europe. The goals of the process are evident deal with forest issues (e.g. World Heritage Con- from the political declarations and the resolutions vention UNESCO), Bonn Convention on the Institutions of relevance to forest policy in/outside the European Union adopted at the regular Ministerial Conferences (so far Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild seven). Vital parts of the documents include a uniform Animals, Vienna Convention for the Protection Meeting of Forest Directors send chairperson definition of sustainable forest management (Helsinki of the Ozone Layer, Framework Convention on Resolution 1 — 1993), the adoption of criteria and Climate Change UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, indicators for sustainable forest management and the Convention on Biological Diversity CBD), Brussels NGOs Europäischer Rat Europäischer Gerichtshof (Examples) wording of a European approach to national forest Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol, Inter- programmes (Vienna Resolution 1 — 2013). Austria national Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Environment has lent its strong support to this Ministerial Conference Food and Agriculture, Convention to Combat Commission Council Parliament NGOs STAR on Forests. Between 1998 and 2003 also the Liaison Desertification CCD, General Agreement on SFC Unit, the secretariat of the process, had its headquarters Tariffs and Trade GATT, Agreement on Technical DG Agriculture DG DG in Vienna. In 2011, at the Ministerial Conference in Barriers to Trade TBT, WTO Sanitary and Phyto Trade Energy Oslo, it was decided that the negotiation process for a sanitary Agreement, Washington Convention on Adv. IG CBSD CEphFs GFC ISG DG legally binding forest convention should be launched. International Trade in Endangered Species of Environ- CEPI CEPF ment Austrian representatives took particularly great efforts Wild Fauna and Flora CITES, International WPOF DG DG CEI Bois Enterprises Climate Adv. SGF at the preparatory stage and have also had leading roles Tropical Timber Agreement ITTA, etc.). CCPFI in the negotiations (e.g. by managing working groups etc.). However, at the moment negotiations have stalled In addition, there are non-legally binding instru- National level (28 Member States) and have not yet been finalised. There is also a "Environ- ments, such as the Forest Principles, Agenda 21 National ministries National parliaments ment for Europe" Ministerial Conference which can be with its Chapter 11 on combating deforestation understood as a pan-European response to the imple- which were adopted at the UN Conference on mentation of the Convention on Biological Diversity Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio Provinces (only for federal states) and which, in forest-specific issues, is tightly linked to as well as the non-legally binding instrument for all Provincial assemblies/ministries Provincial parliaments Forest Europe. types of forests (United Nations Forest Instrument) which was adopted by the UN Forum on Forests Some organisations of the United Nations, such as (UNFF) and approved by the General Assembly of Local level the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations in 2007. Austrian representatives the United Nations Economic Commission for are taking actively part in these global fora by for Key: Europe (UNECE), prepare forest-relevant data example, held leading positions within the UNFF CEPI Confederation of European Paper Industries STAR Committee on Agricultural Structures and information and act as hosts and organisers context. CEPF Confederation of European Forest Owners and Rural Development CEI Bois Bois European Confederation of Woodworking Industries ISG Inter-Service Group for Forestry of expert conferences and meetings. Every other year SFC Standing Forestry Committee IG CBSD Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity the countries also meet in Rome within the Committee In addition to the above activities there are also Adv. GFC Advisory Group on Forestry and Cork and Sustainable Development Adv. CCPFI Advisory Committee on Community Policy SGF Sub-group for forestry on Forestry (COFO) which is organised by FAO. In forest certification processes launched by civil regarding Forestry and Forest-based Industry CEPhFs Committee on the Environment, these fora, too, Austrian representatives are actively society (Forest Stewardship Council FSC, Pro- Public Health and Food Safety working in leading positions (FAO-ECE Forest gramme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Figure 45 | Source: Pülzl, H. and Nussbaumer, Eva. 2006. Modes of Governance for European Forest policy. Coordination, co-operation and communication. Communicators Network). schemes PEFC) that are also active in Austria. Vienna. AT, Federal Austrian Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.

17) All of Europe.

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EUROPEAN FOREST INSTITUTE — BILATERAL AFFAIRS CENTRAL-EAST EUROPEAN REGIONAL OFFICE IN VIENNA Visits of foreign experts at the BMLFUW have been a in Austria (Provincial Forest Administrations, decades-long tradition. The list of countries interested Chambers of Agriculture, Austrian Federal Forests, The European Forest Institute (EFI) operates five East European (CEE) and South-East European (SEE) in Austria‘s successful forest and timber industry is private forest enterprises, etc.) as well as of specific regional offices in all parts of Europe which constitute area. Presently, the EFICEEC-SEE network comprises getting longer and longer. education and training courses which are in most integral components and deal with research topics 40 partners from 20 countries (Figure 46). cases held at the forest education and training of regional relevance. One key task is to put those topics Above all, Austrian know-how appears to gain impor- centres. through the integration expert-know of established re- The topics of the current EFICEEC research activities tance for countries of the Far East. Apart from (South) search institutes in those regions in a European context. comprise European and international forest policy, the Eastern European countries mainly experts from China, Furthermore, projects of Austrian organisations changing structures of forest ownership in Europe, the Japan and South Korea are interested in Austria‘s concerning know-how communication abroad The Central-East European Regional Office (EFICEEC) sustainable use of resources, innovative value-added success formulas. are actively supported and promoted. with its headquarters in Vienna was opened in 2010 and chains in the wood and non-wood sectors, financial acts as a network of the Central-European and Eastern instruments to maintain biodiversity, evaluation of The topics most demanded are Austrian sustainable There are agreements on cooperation (so-called European forest research institutes. The Office in Vienna land use in Europe as well as indicators for sustainable forest management, including small-scale forestry Memorandums of Understanding - MoUs) with takes an important position for the whole Central- forest management. Conditions and circumstances and mountain forest management, as well as forest- ministries of various countries; forestry is dealt like restitution and privatisation, decoupled tradition political questions and biomass from wood. In this with in MoUs with Algeria, Argentina, Bulgaria, and lost expert know-how due to expropriation and the context, also the protection against natural hazards China, Kosovo, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, EFI regional offices and fragmentation of forest property as well as rural exodus has been gaining importance. Czech Republic, Turkey, and Hungary. EFICEEC-EFISEE partners and demographic change are substantial factors to assess the potentials of forest management in Eastern Europe. In most cases cooperation takes the form of Other agreements are already EFICEEC core partners EFICEEC network partners Through the application of interdisciplinary approach- lectures and workshops, excursions with partners being prepared. EFISEE partners es research results shall also be directly applicable for forestry practice and support decision-makers. In the course of cooperation with FAO for instance two studies on forest owners organisations in Eastern Europe were INDICATOR A.4: EFINORD EFI prepared which investigate how forest owners organise FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS/ECONOMIC POLICY Headquarters themselves and in which ways they cooperate. A great number of these topics are dealt with in international projects and in cooperation with UNECE, FAO or Forests and forestry are integral parts of rural have major impacts on forest management. The Federal Forest Europe. areas — almost 50 % of the Austrian territory is man- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and aged by forest farmers having forest areas < 200 hectares. Water Management sees its task in supporting persons EFI Liaison Office Following the positive evaluation, the continued Their forest management is a sustainable contribution managing forests appropriately in order to preserve and operation of the regional office is ensured at least towards the extensive conservation and development improve their areas of living. EFICENT EFICEEC – EFISEE until 2018, also ensured by the support from the of forest ecosystems and rural areas. However, external EFIATLANTIC Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and factors such as RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFI Barcelona Water Management. EFICEEC will therefore further PROGRAMME 2000–2006 EFIMED take a lead in forest-related research activities and -- migration away from the rural regions with policy support in the Danube region as well as on a the associated impacts on the economic, Under the Rural Development Programme 2000–2006 European level. social and cultural structure of these regions, according to Regulation (EC) no. 1257/99, the following measures were supported: -- growing public demands on Figure 46 | Source: EFICEEC 2014 the forest (owners), or -- Maintenance and improvement of the -- international economic developments economic and ecological value of forests More information at: http://www.eficeec.efi.int/

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-- Maintenance and improvement -- Improving the Competitiveness of the Preservation and development of inter-provincial projects, submitting joint applications, of the social value of forests Agriculture and Forestry Sector (Axis 1) surfaces and structures valuable in terms and initiating measures within the scope of inter-struc- of nature conservation, in particular of tural cooperation. These new approaches should enable -- Preservation, amelioration -- Improvement of the Environment habitats and species protected under Di- a more efficient forest management through inter- or restoration of forests with and the Countryside (Axis 2) rectives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC. structural and inter-provincial cooperation, and im- major protective or beneficiary Improved development of areas with a prove the income from forests. effects -- Quality of Life in Rural Areas and Diversi high natural value as well as the preserva- fication of the Rural Economy (Axis 3) tion of the cultural heritage. Subsidies were granted, which means that applicants -- Development of forests also had to accept certain conditions. So the contents -- LEADER (Axis 4) and the essential preconditions for the individual -- Processing, marketing of Table 12 shows the focuses of forest policy measures measures are briefly presented: wood and biomass and comprised the following forest- and their allocation to the measures (new measures political priority actions: are highlighted in blue) and priorities defined in the Axis 1 -- Innovation and information Council Regulation. (Improving the competitiveness of the -- „Forest — Economy“ with the objectives of agricultural and forestry sector) -- Associations of forest owners The measures offered in LE 07–13 should guarantee Sustained improvement of the economic that activities in the areas of networking, cooperation, -- Vocational training and information actions -- Extraordinary stress and prevention value of forests by means of close-to-na- processing, information, tourism and sensitisation for ture forest management and improve- environmental protection that reach beyond the scope Subjects eligible for support: -- Maintenance and improvement of the structure of forest stands; of forestry are integrated as well, and that activities Training and further education, ment of the ecological stability Safeguarding of a sustainable manage- for local development strategies can be implemented. qualification measures (support for of forests ment taking into account the future Additionally, there was the possibility of implementing participants and for events). competitiveness of forestry; -- Afforestation of agricultural Horizontal and vertical integration areas and their tending of forestry in rural areas. Focuses of forest policy measures / Allocation to the measures defined in the Council Regulation

In total, these measures amount to 129.77 -- „Forest — Man“ with the objectives of Forest protection — Forest — Economy Forest — Environment Forest — Man million euros serving the improvement of Protection forest forest management. strengthening human Vocational training, Improvement of the First afforestation of Prevention, resources in forestry; further education and economic value of forests agricultural land forest protection PROGRAMME 2007–2013 improving education and further training. information measures

Forest-related education / Increasing the value added Natura 2000 payments Protection forests The Austrian Programme for the Development of -- „Forest protection — Forest pedagogics Rural Areas 2007–2013 (LE 07–13) was approved Protection forest“ Cooperation, development by the European Commission on 25 October 2007 with the objectives of new products, processes Forest-environment payments and deliberately focused on forest-related measures. and technologies Funds of 25 million euros annually were therefore Restoration of the ecological and social Recreational effect, allocated. In addition, 16 million euros per year were effects of forests and the prevention of Infrastructure tourism retrieved for the „Protection against Natural Hazards“. natural disasters, fires and forest pests. For the entire seven-year programme period, this was Protection against natural hazards. Improving the cultural heritage an amount of 287 million euros or about 4 % of the Protection against natural hazards total budget of the LE 07–13. -- „Forest — Environment“ with the objectives of Information, LEADER In the LE 07–13 „forests“ included all priorities provided for in Council Regulation no. 1698/2005 Improving the status of the environment Axis 1 Axes 2 and 3 Axes 2 and 3 Axes 1 and 3 of the European Community, namely in insufficiently stocked rural areas. Table 12 | Source: BMLFUW 2014

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Volume of funding: 100 % of the -- Cooperation in the development of new and 8.2; maximum eligible surface 20 Subjects eligible for support: Forest creditable costs as a maximum. products, processes and technologies hectares per year and per forest manager; protection, prevention (silviculture, in the forestry sector involvement of the nature conservation combat, clearing works); protection -- Improvement of the economic authority. against natural hazards (silviculture, value of forests Subjects eligible for support: Region- Volume of funding: 70 % of the accompanying technical measures, al forest-related feasibility studies or creditable costs as a maximum. public relations work, project Subjects eligible for support: Silviculture structural concepts; cooperation between management). (afforestation, tending, restructuring of forest owner associations and third -- Natura 2000 payments Conditions: Orientation towards the stands, etc.); forest gardens and seed; parties (personnel, planning, coordi- natural forest community; no game forest-related business plans; one-time nation); interstructural cooperation Subjects eligible for support: damage endangering the forest. acquisition of machinery and equipment; (personnel, planning, coordination); Silviculture (afforestation, tending, Volume of funding: 90 % of the provision of biomass. information, innovation, marketing forest edges, forest clearings, ecologi- creditable costs as a maximum. Conditions: Orientation towards the and services. cally valuable stand cells, etc.), nest natural forest community; maximum Volume of funding: 80 % of the cred- protection zones. Axis 3 supportable surface 20 hectares per itable costs as a maximum, taking the Conditions: Only areas identified on (Quality of life in rural areas and year and per forest manager; no “de-minimis” allowance into account. the basis of Directives 79/409/EEC and diversification of the rural economy) game damage endangering the forest; 92/43/EEC in Austria in accordance support only for new or show equip- -- Infrastructure in connection with the with the provincial regulations; man- -- Promotion of tourism in ment within the scope of forest development and adaptation of forestry agement plans; project confirmation connection with forestry owner associations. by the forestry and nature conservation Volume of funding: 50 % of the Subjects eligible for support: Forest roads authority; maximum area eligible for Subjects eligible for support: Recreation- creditable costs as a maximum, taking (new construction, reconstruction); support 100 hectares per year and per al effect of forests; infrastructure on forest the “de-minimis” allowance (max. EUR ecologically oriented hydraulic forest manager; binding to the natural soil; infrastructure facilities; develop- 200,000 support per applicant within engineering and drainage engineering forest community. ment and marketing of tourism services; three years) into account. measures (erosion protection, small Volume of funding: min. EUR 40/ha/ forest-related structural concepts. retaining basins, stabilisation measures, year, max. EUR 400/ha/year. Volume of funding: 80 % of the -- Increasing the value added studies, planning). creditable costs as a maximum. for forestry products Conditions: Forest road max. length -- Forest-environment payments 3.5 km and max. building costs EUR 35 -- Preserving and improving the Subjects eligible for support: per metre; compliance with provisions Subjects eligible for support: Silviculture rural cultural heritage — forest sector Establishment of and participation of water legislation. (afforestation, tending, forest edges, in organised timber market systems; Volume of funding: 90 % of the forest clearings, ecologically valuable Subjects eligible for support: Man- improving the logistics chain forest — creditable costs as a maximum, stand cells, etc.), nest protection zones; agement plans Natura 2000; studies, wood; one-time acquisition of forest road max. 70 %. gene and natural forest reserves. investments in the cultural heritage of machinery and equipment. Conditions: Management plans; project forests; public relations work; project Conditions: Limitation to small Axis 2 confirmation by the forestry and nature management. enterprises (max. EUR 2,000,000 (Improving the environment and the countryside) conservation authority; maximum area Conditions: Agreement between forest turnover per year, max. 9 employees); eligible for support 100 hectares per year owners, forest and nature conservation support only for new or show equip- -- First afforestation of agricultural land and per forest manager; binding to the authority; compliance with provisions ment within the scope of forest owner natural forest community. of water legislation. associations. Subjects eligible for support: Volume of funding: min. EUR 40/ha/ Volume of funding: 90 % of the Volume of funding: 40 % of the Afforestation. year, max. EUR 400/ha/yr. creditable costs as a maximum. creditable costs as a maximum, Conditions: Only in cadastral Vocational training and taking the “de-minimis” allowance communities with less than 20 % forest -- Restoring forestry potential information actions. into account. cover of the growth areas 7.1, 7.2, 8.1 and introducing prevention actions Subjects eligible for support:

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Training and further education, -- Enhancing competitiveness (Priority 2); accept certain conditions. Therefore, the European above all eligibility, selection criteria and „calls“ qualification measures (support for Commission in addition to the previously known on certain deadlines. These instruments are to participants and for events). -- Food chain organisation and requirements for support set up additional prere- ensure an objective and transparent procedure Volume of funding: 100 % of the risk management (Priority 3); quisites for the granting of support. They include taking into account equal treatment. creditable costs as a maximum. -- Restoring, preserving and enhancing Generally one has to take into account that starting ecosystems (Priority 4); on the date the programme was approved by the INDICATOR A.5: European Commission (25 October 2007) costs -- Resource efficiency and shift towards INFORMATION TOOLS have been creditable as of the time of approval of the a low-carbon and climate-resilient application for support. Possible subsidy applicants economy (Priority 5); and are (depending on the relevant measure): Managers FOREST INFORMATION SOCIAL MEDIA of agricultural and forestry enterprises, other applicants -- Social inclusion, poverty reduction for support, forest owner associations, agricultural and economic development in rural Forests are of incalculable value for the environment Since 2010 the forest has also been very cooperatives, logging cooperatives and joint logging areas (Priority 6). and the quality of life in Austria. To inform the public successfully represented on Facebook ventures, beneficiaries, water cooperatives, water about the many different effects of forests, the BM- (http://www.facebook.com/unserwald) and associations, municipalities. Forests are mainly represented in priorities LFUW implements active public relations work and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/unser_wald). 4 and 5, accompanied by priorities 1 and 6. Main pursues a targeted information policy. An important Visit it there, too! ;) This „mix of measures“ seems confusing at first, but fields of forest policy are: prerequisite in this context is the gathering of all re- should guarantee that forest farmers or forest owner levant data and information about forestry, the wood TREE OF THE YEAR associations can create and implement projects tailored -- Protection against industry and associated areas of the economy. Inter to their own needs. This was particularly important natural hazards; national reporting and responding to ad-hoc On the occasion of the „International Day of the for active forest management, also with the assistance inquiries are also becoming more and more Forest“ on March 21 the BMLFUW, together with of forest consultants, in order to achieve appropriate -- Forest — Environment; important. the forest committee „Kuratorium Wald“, presents additional revenue from forest management. the Tree of the Year. -- Economy; and The most important forestry-relevant reports PROGRAMME 2013–2020 published regularly by the Federal Ministry of -- Knowledge, training and further Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water The Austrian Programme for the Development of Rural training, innovation and social Management (BMLFUW) are the Austrian

MINISTERIUM Areas 2013–2020 (LE 2020) is presently in the approval aspects. Forest Report including its data collection, the FÜR EIN LEBENSWERTES process — a decision by the European Commission is Timber Harvest Report, the annual report of ÖSTERREICH bmlfuw.gv.at expected for December 2014. Every year an amount The measures offered in LE 2020 (they correspond the Forest Engineering Service in Torrent and of 38 million euros is provided — which is 266 million to those of LE 07–13) are to guarantee that activities Avalanche Control, the Game Damage Report, euros for the seven-year programme period or approxi- in the areas of networking, cooperation, processing, and the Green Report. All these reports are avail- mately 3 % of the overall budget of the LE 2020. information, tourism and environmental awareness, able as electronic documents at the homepage of that go beyond forestry, are integrated and that also the BMLFUW (http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at), under In this programme period the European Union sets a activities for local development strategies can be „Publications“. NACHHALTIGE Common Strategic Framework (CSF) which comprises implemented. Additionally, inter-provincial projects WALDWIRTSCHAFT IN ÖSTERREICH the European Structural, Fisheries, Cohesion, Social and can be implemented, joint applications can be sub PUBLIC RELATIONS IN FORESTRY ÖSTERREICHISCHER WALDBERICHT 2015 Agricultural Funds (EAFRD). Overarching themes of mitted, and measures within the scope of inter- the CSF are innovation, environmental protection and structural cooperation or social aspects („green care“) In order to make the public aware of the impor- climate change. From these themes, six priorities are can be initiated. These new approaches are to allow a tance of forests, events with a high degree of derived for the EAFRD: more efficient forest management through inter- publicity are organised every year in addition structural and inter-provincial cooperation and to to the on-going public relations activities. The -- Knowledge transfer and innovation improve the income from forests. Subsidies are main objective is to focus interest on the forest (Priority 1); granted, which means that applicants also have to and its actors for a certain period of time.

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The campaign „Tree of the Year“ has a long tradition -- FORESTS — splendidly also to cooperatives. Also an Austria-wide cooperation A great many interested forest visitors are familiarised and aims at informing about important or endangered SPECIES-rich prize is awarded. Joint ventures or individuals that have with Austrian forests. Among other things, forest tree species and on forests in their entirety, with the -- Our forest rendered dedicated and outstanding service to the pedagogy aims to arouse pleasure and interest in the ecological and economic role they are playing for -- FORESTS are hot … cooperation in forestry (forest assistants and the like) forest and to inform about forests in a playful manner. humans. -- Our FOREST — the recipe for sustainability can be submitted for the prize. -- Our forests in good hands Also in 2013, excursions to forests were conducted Since 1994 the following tree species were „Trees Winners of the State Award are to be messengers of by certified forest educators. In concrete terms, 5,980 of the Year“: Fir, beech, lime, spruce, black alder, From 9–15 June 2014 the Week of the Forest was the forest and pioneers in their fields and they should subsidised excursions with 95,899 participants and as arolla, European black pine, ash, larch, willow, held. Like twenty years ago it was under the banner motivate as many people as possible to use forests to many as 454 certified forest educators were offered. mountain ash, maple, elm, hornbeam, sorb, birch, of the exemplary and sustainable forest management a greater extent. Every year we can see that this is wild-grown fruit trees, Swiss pine, chequer tree, and by families. worth while. The excursions were organised for the following target yew. The Tree of the Year 2014 is beech; the Trees groups: Approximately 15 % kindergarten (children of the Years 2015 and 2016 will be European silver The United Nations Educational, Scientific and FOREST PEDAGOGY aged over 5 years), 62 % primary schools, 15 % new fir and oak. Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 2014 secondary school (NMS), lower secondary school the International Year of Family Farming. This, and Forest pedagogy is a dialogue between man and nature. (HS) and grammar school (MS), 5 % general academic WEEK OF THE FOREST the 20th anniversary of the State Award for Exemplary It conveys the essential messages to and for the public secondary school (AHS) and 3 % groups with persons Forest Management, gave rise to dedicating also the in order that forest managers preserve and improve the with special needs. Also for 2015 the promotion of The Week of the Forest takes place every year in the Week of the Forest to the exemplary and sustainable forest ecosystem in a responsible, transparent and forest excursions (minimum of three teaching units) 24th calendar week. The Federal Ministry of Agricul- management of forests by families. Like twenty years participative manner. This is particularly important is planned — based on the slogan „Forests are ture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management ago the motto of the Forest Week was „Our forests in in a „forest country“ like Austria. beautiful all year round“. is the initiator and coordinator of the Forest Week and good hands“. About 145,000 forest owners take care chooses its focus theme every year. By concentrating on of Austrian forests as part of their daily routine and one central motto, public interest is to be focussed on a dedicate their commitment, their sound training and topical and relevant forest policy issue, thus stimulating innovative ideas to our forests. discussion and opinion-building. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the State Between 1994 and 2014 the themes Award all 184 earlier State Award winners were invited of the Week of the Forest were: to a celebration at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. -- Forests in good hands — Austria‘s forest farmers STATE AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY -- Austria‘s forest farmers — FOREST MANAGEMENT Nature as an economic principle Annually, since 1994, the State Award for Exemplary -- Forests for the future Forestry has been bestowed on Austria‘s most successful -- Forests and water farm foresters. From all Federal Provinces exemplary -- Maintaining forests — a global task representatives of a modern, future-oriented forest -- Timber grows. In forests utilisation and management are asked to step into the -- Forests as an adventure limelight. The aim of this action is to demonstrate the -- Wood power — Energy grows. In forests manifold opportunities to draw economic benefits -- Fascinating wood from forests in a nature-compatible way, to strengthen -- Forest and water — 2 strong partners farm-foresters’ self-confidence, and to raise the status -- Forests as habitats of farm-based forest management. -- Talking about Forests -- FOREST — We All Live From It The prize is awarded to private forest management -- FOREST is WORTH more enterprises or joint ventures and, since the year 2000,

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FOREST RESEARCH -- AIT — Austrian Institute of Technology coordination projects (ERANET and ERANET Plus). These coordination projects aim at creating uniform Forest research aims at developing novel technical Major fields of research: -- JOANNEUM Research rules of participation between Member States for know-how, decision aids and bases of decision to the conduct of joint research projects. In this way fulfil the Ministry‘s tasks to improve, safeguard and -- The forest ecosystem -- University of Vienna research tasks which, in financial or technical terms, sustainably develop the economic, protective, bene- cannot be carried out by one country can be solved ficial and recreational effects of forests and to ensure -- Climate change -- University of Innsbruck in cooperation with several countries. Moreover, sustainable wood supply, to promote the competitive ERANETs are to prevent that, for lack of coordination, strength of forestry, to use wood as raw material and -- New invasive species and animals -- Graz University of Technology the same research tasks are carried out by several energy source, and to enhance the forest engineering countries. For this purpose the ongoing research system of torrent and avalanche control. -- Protection against natural hazards -- Kompetenzzentrum Holz programmes and research projects conducted in and protection forest management (Centre of competence for wood) the different countries are compared, gaps and Due to the specific features of the ownership duplication are identified, and priorities in the structure of Austrian forests with its extraordinarily -- Recommendations on tree Priorities of research under contract: Forest ecosystem objectives of research projects are determined. high share of private forest owners and the long species and choice of origin research, near-natural forest management and greening production periods in forestry with the resulting of the forest management systems, socio-economic For top priorities, jointly funded tender procedures long-term frame and expensiveness of most forest -- Monitoring aspects of forestry, climate change and its impacts on for research projects (Joint Calls) are conducted research projects, there are hardly any enterprises Examples for projects at the BFW: forests, interface forest/timber (timber logistics) where research partners from at least three participating that are able to carry out research activities, nor http://bfw.ac.at including the utilisation and provision of biomass countries can apply for being awarded research projects. private research funding. http://www.waldwissen.net from forests. In the ERANET the projects selected are then funded by the national subsidisation agencies (usually each This situation, with almost complete funding of -- Taking the right forest (choice of the right International research coordination country funds its own national research partners). forest research from public means must be seen plants for the relevant forest location) ERANET SUMFOREST and ERANET Plus In ERANET Plus, additional funds are provided by also in connection with the important social WoodWisdom-Net + (WWN+) the European Commission (top-up funding). Therefore, benefits that Austrian forests provide to the -- Detector dogs sniff out tree pests not the research institutes but the relevant national public in terms of regional culture. The research department of the Directorate-General sponsors or national institutions managing public -- Unmanned aerial vehicles: NewFOR for Forestry participates intensively in European research programmes are participants in ERANETs. Most of the Ministry‘s research projects are carried provides remote sensing data out in the framework of the annual research programmes of the Federal Office and Research Centre -- Forest land use planning: Behind the scenes for Forests (BFW). Other research institutions, especially the institutes of the University of Natural -- Diversity counts — Biodiversity Index Forest Resources and Applied Life Sciences („Universität für Bodenkultur“), are contracted if the processing of a -- Natural Forest Reserve Programme in Austria problem requires special research disciplines or if the BFW does not have sufficient capacity for research Institutions active in forest activities beyond the scope of its work programme. research in addition to the BFW: Also in the event of acute, urgent research need in poli- tics or practice research contracts are, in the framework -- University of Natural Resources and Applied of third-party funded research activities, awarded to Life Sciences (Universität für Bodenkultur) external research institutes, as the necessary technical competence must be available rapidly and the required -- Austrian Federal Environment Agency work has to be carried out speedily. (Umweltbundesamt)

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FOR A LIVEABLE AUSTRIA.

OUR OBJECTIVE is a liveable Austria in a strong Europe, with clean air, pure water, diversity in nature as well as safe, high-quality and affordable food. We establish the conditions for this.

WE ARE WORKING to provide secure livelihoods, to encourage sustainable lifestyles and to ensure the reliable protection of life. MINISTERIUM FÜR EIN LEBENSWERTES ÖSTERREICH bmlfuw.gv.at