Ramsar sites in IMPR Int

Published by: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, ENVIRONMENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT Stubenring 1, 1010 Wien

Overall coordination: DI Dr. Gerhard Schwach, Abteilung I/8 Author and graphic implementation: DI Heinz Wiesbauer Translation: Mag. D. Magdalena Sorger Photo credits p. 3: BMLFUW/Alexander Haiden

Print: Zentrale Kopierstelle des BMLFUW, UW-Nr. 907. Printed according to the Guideline “Printed Products” at the Austrian Eco-label.

All rights reserved.

Vienna, October 2014 PREFACE austria’s magnificent natural and cul - try dramatically. today, we know that tural landscape bears a rich potential for wetlands not only enrich biodiversity biodiversity and recreation as well as but also play important roles in our daily economic power. to preserve this poten - lives, such as flood protection, securing tial for future generations, it is our re - potable water reserves and storing CO 2 sponsibility to manage this landscape in which is important for the climate. an environmentally friendly and re - source-conserving way and, as a result, as part of the ramsar Convention, protect certain areas. Wetlands, such as signed by 168 states around the world, streams, creeks, riparian forests, lakes, contracting parties designate certain mires and wet meadows are important in wetlands as “ramsar sites” and agree to this regard as it is the availability of maintain and preserve the ecological prop - water that often makes a habitat attrac - erties of these sites through “wise use”. tive for countless animal and plant species – as well as humans. this brochure provides an overview of all 23 ramsar sites that have been desig - until only a few centuries ago, wetlands nated since austria joined the Conven - had been considered undesirable land - tion. these, and all other important scapes useful only if drained. Conse - austrian wetland sites, represent a vital quently, drainage, stream regulation and contribution to conserving the biodiver - peat excavation have changed this coun - sity of our country.

Yours anDrÄ ruPPreCHter Federal minister of agriculture, Forestry, environment and Water management

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5 History and goals of the ramsar Convention

9 austrian ramsar sites

10 Overview map 13 autertal – st. Lorenz raised Bog () 14 mires of the Bayerische Wildalm and Wildalmfilz (, Germany) 15 Donau-march-Thaya-auen (Lower austria, slovakia, Czech republic) 16 Güssing Fish Ponds (Burgenland) 17 Hörfeld mire (Carinthia, ) 18 Lafnitztal (Burgenland, styria) 19 mires and Lakes of Keutschach-schiefling (Carinthia) 20 mires of the nassköhr (styria) 21 mires of the Pass Thurn () 22 mires of the sauerfelder Forest (salzburg) 23 mires of the schwarzenberg (salzburg) 24 mires of the Überling (salzburg) 25 national Park Kalkalpen (upper austria) 26 neusiedler see – seewinkel – Waasen (Burgenland, Hungary) 27 upper Drava river (Carinthia) 28 Pürgschachen mire (styria) 29 rhine Delta at Lake Constance (Vorarlberg) 30 rotmoos in the Fuscher Valley (salzburg) 31 sablatnig mire (Carinthia) 32 Lower reservoirs (upper austria, Germany) 33 Lower Lobau (Vienna) 34 Waldviertler Ponds, Peat Bogs and Floodplains (Lower austria) 35 Wilder Kaiser (tyrol)

36 ramsar – a testimony for nature conservation and tourism

37 Protection of marshes through the austrian Federal Forestry

38 Wording of ramsar Convention

41 addresses

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HIstoRy and Goals of some of the goals of the Convention on tHe RaMsaR ConventIon Biological Diversity (protection – sus - tainable use – equitable sharing of bene - tHe RaMsaR Conven - fits). the Convention seeks to establish tIon Is an InteRnatIonal management plans, ecological moni - tReaty that provides the framework toring and collaborations with other for national action and international co - regional and global conventions and in - operation for the conservation and wise stitutions. another important aim is to use of wetlands and their resources. it include local communities through pub - was adopted in the iranian city of ram - lic outreach. sar by the Caspian sea in 1971 and has been signed by 168 countries. the basic What is the Ramsar Convention condition for participation is to desig - about? nate internationally important wetlands as “ramsar sites”. the Convention’s mission is “the con - servation and wise use of all wetlands ramsar sites now cover all geographic through local, regional and national ac - regions of the planet and the list of con - tions and international cooperation, as a tracting states increases every year due contribution towards achieving sustain - to the importance of ramsar’s mission: able development throughout the Wetland conservation is crucial to en - world”. suring sustainable access to fresh water! the Convention has progressed the Convention uses a broad definition from prioritizing the conservation of of the types of wetlands covered water- and shorebirds to now protecting in its mission, including swamps and entire habitats. this process lead to ex - marshes, lakes and rivers, wet grasslands tending the convention’s goals to match and peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas

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z n i e H and tidal flats, near-shore marine areas, damaged wetlands need to be restored mangroves and coral reefs, and human- and intact wetlands need to be con - made sites such as fish ponds, rice pad - served by ensuring their wise use. dies, reservoirs, and salt pans. “Wise use” Concept Why wetlands? “Wise use” is defined by the ramsar Wetlands provide fundamental ecologi - Convention as a use that benefits cal services and are regulators of water mankind while simultaneously con - regimes. Wetlands not only secure our serving the properties and ecosystem access to fresh potable water and play an services of natural habitats. important role in flood control, they also act as carbon sinks and are critical Wise use of wetlands is defined as “the for climate protection. maintenance of their ecological charac - ter, achieved through the implementa - Wetlands are sources of biodiversity at tion of ecosystem approaches, within all levels. they harbour genetically di - the context of sustainable development” verse populations and contain an overall for current and future generations. high diversity of species and habitats. Wetlands also provide a resource for tra - the “wise use” concept relates to con - ditional land use, scientific research, cul - servation and sustainable use of wet - tural diversity and human recreation. lands and their resources for the benefit of humankind. this includes the man - the encroachment and subsequent loss agement of wetlands through restoring of wetlands often leads to irreparable river banks and constructing water re - damage to the environment including tention measures in drained peatlands. important ecosystem services. already

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What do contracting parties do? and wise use of wetlands; and

Contracting parties have committed --- build international collaborations themselves to: with respect to transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, shared species, --- designate at least one suitable site for and development projects that may af - the List of Wetlands of international im - fect wetlands. portance ( “ramsar List”) as part of their declaration of accession and ensure How does the Convention work? the effective ecological management of the site; --- the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) meets every three years --- contribute as many suitable wetlands to discuss globally relevant strategies to as possible to the “ramsar List”; al - protect and wisely use wetlands and to though sites do not need to be protected adopt policies and guidelines. by policies and legislation, parties are obliged to maintain and preserve the --- the ramsar secretariat, established ecological properties of sites through in Gland, switzerland, manages the daily “wise use”; activities of the Convention. its respon - sibilities include representing ramsar --- work towards the wise use of all their at international conferences (on water, wetlands through national land-use climate, biodiversity, etc.), designating planning and ensure maintenance and new ramsar sites, preparing the Confer - protection of “ramsar sites”; ence of the Contracting Parties (COP) and assisting the 168 contracting states. --- promote research on wetlands and offer training to facilitate maintenance

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--- in austria, the implementation of the Globally, about 2200 wetlands with a ramsar Convention falls on the federal total area of two million square kilo - provinces (nature conservation) and metres have been designated “Ramsar the Federal ministry of agriculture, sites” – this is 25 times the size of aus - Forestry, environment and Water man - tria! agement (water management, environ - mental education and international nature conservation). at annual meet - ings of the “national ramsar Com- mittee”, federal and provincial repre- sentatives collaborate with nGOs like the Chamber of agriculture and the austrian Federal Forestry aG (ÖBf, www.bundesforste.at).

--- Project-based funding for wetland protection and management in austria comes from federal and provincial budg - ets as well as european funding pro - grammes like LiFe, interreG, etZ, rural Development and Leader.

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austRIan RaMsaR sItes upper Drava river, the Lower inn river and the rhine delta at Lake Constance. ramsar sites reflect the diver - sity of wetlands in austria. they encom - among all ramsar sites, neusiedler see pass marshes, wet grasslands, salt pans, – seewinkel has special status. the goal riparian forests, streams, lakes and at this largest austrian ramsar site is to human-made habitats like ponds and conserve the steppe lake with its Pan - reservoirs. nonian alkaline ponds, wet grasslands and steppes. to date, austria has designated 23 ram - sar sites. marshlands are the prevailing the ramsar List of internationally im - habitat type among these localities. al - portant Wetlands also includes “second- most two thirds of all sites (15) are dif - hand habitats” like Güssing Fishponds ferent types of marshes distributed and Lower inn reservoirs. across the provinces salzburg (5), Carinthia (4), tyrol (2), styria (2), Lower austria (1) and upper austria (1). some of these sites cover vast areas and include other habitat types like karst and tufa springs or alpine wood- and grassland communities. riparian landscapes also form a signifi - cant share (30 %) of ramsar sites in austria. these sites are located at the Danube river east of Vienna, the morava river, the Lafnitz river, the

– 9– l o r i t d n a L e g a l d n u r g n e t r a K list of austrian Ramsar sites with page references autertal – st. Lorenz raised Bog (Carinthia): p. 13 mires of the Bayerische Wildalm-Wildalmfilz (tyrol): p. 14 Donau-march-Thaya-auen (Lower austria): p. 15 Güssing Fish Ponds (Burgenland): p. 16 Hörfeld mire (Carinthia, styria): p. 17 Lafnitztal (styria, Burgenland): p. 18 mires and Lakes of Keutschach-schiefling (Carinthia): p. 19 mires of the nassköhr (styria): p. 20 mires of the Pass Thurn (salzburg): p. 21 mires of the sauerfelder Wald (salzburg): p. 22 mires of the schwarzenberg (salzburg): p. 23

– 10 – mires of the Überling (salzburg): p. 24 national Park Kalkalpen (upper austria): p. 25 neusiedler see – seewinkel – Waasen (Burgenland): p. 26 upper Drava river (Carinthia): p 27 Pürgschachen mire (styria): p 28 rhine Delta at Lake Constance (Vorarlberg): p. 29 rotmoos in the Fuscher Valley (salzburg): p. 30 sablatnig mire (Carinthia): p. 31 Lower inn reservoirs (upper austria): p. 32 Lower Lobau (Vienna): p. 33 Waldviertel Ponds, Peat Bogs and Floodplains (Lower austria): p. 34 Wilder Kaiser ( tyrol ): p. 35

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oveRvIeW of RaMsaR sItes Ramsar Site Federal Transboundary Nomination Area [ha] Conservation status Visitor province centre Autertal – St. Lorenz Raised Carinthia 2011 48 Biosphere Park – Bog Bayerische Wildalm and Tyrol DE 2004 120 – Wildalmfilz Donau-March-Thaya-Auen Lower Austria CZ, SK 1982 36.080 National Park + Güssing Fish Ponds Burgenland 2013 124 – Hörfeld Mire Carinthia, 1996 137 partial Nature Reserve – Styria Lafnitztal Burgenland, 2002 2.180 partial Nature Reserve, – Styria area under protection Mires and Lakes of Carinthia 2004 543 Conservation area – Keutschach-Schiefling Mires of the Nassköhr Styria 2004 211 Nature Reserve, nature – park Mires of Pass Thurn Salzburg 2004 190 partial Natural – Monument Mires of the Sauerfelder Salzburg 2004 119 partial area under – Forest protection Mires of the Schwarzenberg Salzburg 2004 266 – Mires of the Überling Salzburg 2004 264 partial area under – protection National Park Kalkalpen Upper Austria 2004 18.532 National Park + Neusiedler See – Seewinkel – Burgenland HU 1982 44.229 National Park + Waasen Upper Drava River Carinthia 1029 – Pürgschachen Mire Stmk. 1991 62 Conservation area – Rhine Delta at Lake Vorarlberg 1982 2.060 Nature Reserve + Constance Rotmoos in the Fuscher Salzburg 1995 58 partial Nature Reserve – Valley Sablatnig Mire Carinthia 1992 96 Nature Reserve + Lower Inn Reservoirs Upper Austria DE 1982 870 Nature Reserve – Lower Lobau Vienna 1982 915 National Park + Waldviertel ponds, peat bogs Lower Austria 1999 13.000 Natural Monument, + and floodplains Nature Reserve Wilder Kaiser Tyrol 2013 3781 Nature Reserve –

124.914

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auteRtal – st. loRenz were built into the drainage ditch in 2007 RaIsed BoG to raise the water table and rebuild the bog. Carinthia this resulted in the formation of a floating raised bog, sedge reeds, moor mat of sphagnum moss and caused atypical birch carr bog woods that had grown on the edges of area: 48 hectares the ditch to disappear. since 2003, water ramsar site since 2011 levels are monitored in six places to control the impact of the dams. the st. Lorenz raised bog is situated near the end of the autertal Valley in the Gurk - noteworthy animals and plants: nine bat taler alps within the Carinthian municipal - species, moorland clouded yellow ( Colias ity of reichenau. its centrepiece is an palaeno ), cranberry fritillary ( Boloria 11-hectare raised mountain pine bog sur - aquilonaris ), bog fritillary ( Boloria euno - rounded by various sedge reeds, wet mead - mia ), large white-face darter ( Leucorrhinia ows, nutrient-poor grazing areas, a moor pectoralis ), large pink ( Dianthus birch carr and a larch-swiss pine forest. in superbus ssp. superbus ), moor birch ( Betula the austrian bog conservation catalogue, pubescens ssp. czerepanovii ), lesser panicled raised bogs are considered nutrient-poor sedge ( Carex diandra ), true fox sedge rain bogs. in addition to the bog, the mean - (Carex vulpina ), large brown clover ( Tri - dering autertal stream contributes to the folium spadiceum ), bog cranberry ( Vac - special charm of the landscape. cinium microcarpum ), round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia ), bog rosemary ( An - a small part of the peat bog was extracted dromeda polifolia ), varnished hook-moss during the first half of the 20th century for (Hamatocaulis vernicosus ) and others the production of livestock bedding. For economic reasons peat cutting was sus - pended in 1968. several wooden dams

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MIRes of tHe BayeRIsCHe by mountain slopes, and is pervaded by WIldalM and WIldalMfIlz hollows and smaller depressions. the tyrol, Germany () raised bog mostly consists of peat mosses, Bog complex with different mire dwarf shrubs and dwarf pines that have ac - types crued to form a rich peat layer. area: 133 hectares ramsar site since 2004 a meandering stream flows into the doline where the water drains into an under - the mires of the Bayrische Wildalm are lo - ground sinkhole. a large fen has developed cated at the border of tyrol and Bavaria in places where seepage water or stream near Lake achen at ca. 1430 metres above water collect or where the groundwater sea level. the part of this bilateral ramsar table is particularly high. site that is located in austria is managed by the austrian Federal Forestry aG. noteworthy animals and plants: eurasian pygmy owl, alpine salamander, bogbean the local microclimate, a terrain featuring (Menyanthes trifoliata ), brown gentian ( Gen - shallow pits and basins, and traditional tiana pannonica ), lesser butterfly-orchid ( Pla - land cultivation all led to the formation of a tanthera bifolia ), broad-leaved marsh orchid diverse mosaic of different mire types, (Dactylhoriza majalis ), common cottongrass alpine pastures and mountain forests. (Eriophorum angustifolium ), sheathed cot - Karstic zones usually contain dry habitats tonsedge ( Eriophorum vaginatum ), round- because water drains quickly through the leaved sundew ( Drosera rotundifolia ), gaps and clefts in the carbonated rock. at spoonleaf sundew ( Drosera intermedia ), Bayrische Wildalm, water-retaining layers bottle sedge ( Carex rostrata ), mud sedge of clay and marl allowed the formation of (Carex limosa ), pod grass ( Scheuchzeria mires. the bog complex is located in a so- palustris ), marsh club moss ( Lycopodiella in - called polje, a karst depression surrounded undata ) and others

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donau-MaRCH-tHaya-auen tion value, the wetlands between Vienna Lower austria, slovakia, Czech and the morava river inlet were declared a republic national park in 1996. riverine and floodplain forest area: 36.090 hectares Donau-march-thaya-auen was declared a ramsar site since 1982 trilateral ramsar site (at-CZ-sK) in 2007. as a result, common goals for site unspoilt landscapes near large streams fea - management have been formulated. a great turing wide floodplain forests, oxbow lakes, way to experience the site is by bicycle. a impenetrable reeds and a diverse avian 60-kilometre bicycle trail runs along the fauna have become rare in Central europe. slovakian side of the march river through the ramsar site Donau-march-thaya- the untouched scenery of the Zahoeri con - auen is one such site located across three servation area, and connects Hohenau and countries and considered the largest re - Bratislava. maining tract of riverine and floodplain forest in Central europe. noteworthy animals and plants: common tern, common merganser, common red - the site combines a diversity of biotypes shank, black kite, sea eagle, eastern imperial to form a unique ecosystem which is home eagle, white stork, black stork, great egret, to an unmatched species richness: more european bee-eater, corn crake, european than 900 flowering plant and species mudminnow, european pond turtle, south - and more than 500 animal species includ - ern festoon ( Zerynthia polyxena ), water ing 100 and almost 60 fish species. chestnut ( Trapa natans ), Urtica kioviensis , this largely intact wetland ecosystem is water soldier ( Statiotes aloides ), mouse gar - considered an important refuge for many lic ( Allium angulosum ) and others animals and plants that live in the Pannon - ian Basin. as a result of its high conserva -

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GüssInG fIsH Ponds Lake neusiedl area and the adriatic sea. Burgenland Güssing Fish Ponds are of great signifi - Pond landscape, marshes and cance due to their large size and old age as floodplains the bank structures have naturally grown area: 148 hectares over centuries. ramsar site since 2013 noteworthy animals and plants: ferrugi - several man-made fish ponds located on nous duck, sea eagle, little bittern, water the outskirts of the picturesque town of chestnut ( Trapa natans ), yellow day-lily Güssing are the centrepiece of this wetland. (Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus ), marsh gen - the ramsar site comprises one large and tian ( Gentiana pneumonanthe ) and others three smaller ponds separated by dams. the landscape is shaped by the vast alluvial plains of the ponds, the marshes around Zickenbach Creek and remnant copses of alluvial forest. the ponds are home to many cr itically en - dangered animals. they are of national significance as breeding grounds for sev - eral species of waterfowl. For instance, two globally threatened bird species, the ferruginous duck and the sea eagle, are regularly encountered here. this wetland is one of the most important waterfowl resting areas during their migration be - tween the Danube river/morava river/

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HöRfeld MIRe beds and small forests that shape the Carinthia, styria landscape today. Fen complex with riverine forests and carrs, tall forb communities the combination of meadows used for tra - and damp meadows ditional agriculture and unspoilt natural area: 137 hectares landscape played an important role in fos - ramsar site since 1996 tering high species richness in the area. meadow cultivation in late summer is an the extremely diverse fauna and flora and important factor in sustaining this diver - the renowned “Kelchtöpfe” (deep water sity. Without regular mowing, the area be - holes that never freeze over) continue to comes fallow and a few select species draw people to the Hörfeld mire. the mire outcompete the majority of wetland-spe - is fed by the steirerbach stream and the cific plants. Hörfeldbach stream which meander through the valley. Partly inaccessible noteworthy animals and plants: whinchat, marshes, riverine forests, carrs, tall forb water rail, common snipe (overwintering), communities and damp meadows form a common rosefinch, common minnow, yel - mosaic of landscapes. low-bellied toad, bog fritillary ( Boloria eu - nomia ), marsh helleborine ( Epipactis the Hörfeld mire was formed during the palustris ), sundew species ( Drosera spp.), last ice age when a branch of the mur bottle sedge ( Carex rostrata ), buckbean Glacier carved out the valley basin. Fol - (Menyanthes trifoliata ) and others lowing the ice age, the basin filled up with meltwater to form a lake. Over the course of several millennia, the lake eventually silted up to form the mosaic of water holes, floating grass mats, reed

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lafnItztal in recent years, two LiFe projects co-fi - Burgenland, styria nanced by the eu have been implemented meandering river with widespread to protect the land, establish passive flood marshes and meadows protection and restore the continuous flow area: 2180 hectares of the river. extensive animal husbandry ramsar site since 2002 also contributes to preserving the species- rich landscape. the upper and lower parts of the Lafnitz river are considered some of the last noteworthy animals and plants: european freely meandering stretches of river pre - otter, common kingfisher, black stork, served in near-natural condition. Here, white stork, sedge warbler, white-finned the untamed force of the water has still gudgeon, yellow-bellied toad, european been able to create a diversity of struc - fire-bellied toad, dusky large blue ( Phen - tures like eroded bank sections, islands, garis nausithous ), marsh gentian ( Gentiana dolly tubs, areas with dead wood and pneumonanthe ), siberian iris ( Iris sibirica ), abandoned meanders. seasonal flooding, creeping willow ( Salix repens ), maiden a high groundwater table and low human pink ( Dianthus deltoides ) and others impact are the reasons why this unique river landscape featuring vast marshes and near-natural alder-ash meadows is intact today. the ramsar site comprises a river and ad - jacent marshes and meadows as well as the nature reserve Lafnitz-stögersbachmün - dung near Wolfau, including the protected area “Kaltenbrunner Lahn ”.

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MIRes and lakes of Heritage site, are another highlight of the keutsCHaCH-sCHIeflInG site. in recent years, ramsar associations Carinthia in both Keutschach and schiefling have mires and lakes with carrs, built several nature observation facilities marshes, sedge reeds, moor grass - (nature discovery trail, observation tower, lands and reed beds etc.) and have implemented measures to area: 543 hectares protect the meadows. these meadows pro - ramsar site since 2006 vide habitat for the largest population of the dusky large blue ( Phengaris nausithous ) the ramsar site, which is part of the ca. in Carinthia. 2500-hectare conservation area Keutscha - cher seental, is located in a valley between noteworthy animals and plants: european Lake Wörthersee and the sattnitz mountain otter, Daubenton’s bat, whinchat, little range in the municipalities of Keutschach grebe, eurasian golden oriole, italian and schiefling. numerous lakes, such as crested newt, european tree frog, yellow- Keutschacher see, Hafnersee, rauschelesee bellied toad, dusky large blue ( Phengaris and Bassgeigensee that have formed through nausithous ), scarce large blue ( Phengaris several moraine walls during the glacial ice teleius ), fen orchid ( Liparis loeselii ), marsh melting, are characteristic for this area. in helleborine ( Epipactis palustris ), english addition, several ponds contribute to the sundew ( Drosera angelica ), lesser bladder - aquatic landscape. the landscape mosaic wort ( Utricularia minor ) and others consists of meadows, carrs, water bodies with water lilies, reed and sedge communi - ties, fens, moor grasslands, damp meadows and elements of a raised bog. about 6000-year-old pile dwellings in Lake Keutschach, part of a unesCO World

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MIRes of tHe nassköHR other mires, there are still traces of past styria land use at nassköhr: Overgrazing and peat mire complex with raised moun - cutting have left some areas significantly tain pine bogs and fens damaged. as part of a mire protection ini - area: 211 hectares tiative, the austrian Federal Forestry has ramsar site since 2004 built 120 wooden dams at Capellarowiese and Zerbenwiese to revitalize the mires. Consisting of 23 mires, nassköhr is the the goal was to raise the water table and biggest mire complex east of the northern stabilize the hydrology. . it is located in northern styria, about three kilometres northeast of noteworthy animals and plants: lesser neuberg a. d. mürz near the schneealpe. horseshoe bat, , eurasian the limestone bedrock is covered with a sparrowhawk, eurasian pygmy owl, large layer of impermeable shale and the absence pink ( Dianthus superbus ), ivan’s paddle of aboveground runoffs allow water reten - (Drosera x obovata ), marsh club moss tion. this has been the prerequisite for the ( Lycopodiella inundata ), slender sedge formation of a mosaic of bogs, transitional (Carex lasiocarpa ), flea sedge ( Carex puli - mires and fens over the course of thou - caris ), traunstein’s Dactylorhiza ( Dacty - sands of years. lorhiza traunsteineri ), bog cranberry (Vaccinium microcarpum ), pod grass the mire complex is situated in a karst- (Scheuchzeria palustris ) and others depression and comprises about 211 hectares, 31 of which are pure swamp. the most important areas from a conservation perspective are two raised mountain pine bogs: Capellarowiese (3,5 hectares) and Zerbenwiese (13 hectares). Like in many

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MIRes of tHe Pass tHuRn trail features interesting facts about the salzburg flora and fauna, the history of peat cutting mire complex featuring peatlands and the restoration process of the mires. at various stages ranging from spring fens to raised bogs noteworthy plants: black grouse, western area: 190 hectares capercaillie, hazel grouse, felwort ( Swertia ramsar site since 2004 perennis ), dwarf birch ( Betula nana ), marsh club moss ( Lycopodiella inundata ), round- the raised bog complex is located north of leaved sundew ( Drosera rotundifolia ), bog the municipality of mittersill at 1200 me - cranberry ( Vaccinium oxycoccus ), bog rose - tres above sea level. mary ( Andromeda polifolia ), dioecious sedge ( Carex dioica ), dotted sedge ( Carex a botanical gem of international impor - punctata ), bog sedge ( Carex paupercula ), tance is the Wasenmoos. this site is not mud sedge ( Carex limosa ), slender sedge only home to all native carnivorous plants (Carex lasiocarpa ), sheathed sedge ( Carex like sundew, butterwort and bladderwort, vaginata ), brown bog-rush ( Schoenus fer - it also features rarities like silver birch, rugineus ) and others moor birch and dwarf birch. there are several drainage ditches within the mires from former peat cutting. in 2002, the austrian Federal Forestry imple - mented several restoration measures to convert all formerly exploited areas in the mire back to natural peatlands. the project also included the installation of an observa - tion deck and a themed nature trail. the

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MIRes of tHe saueR - the prevailing mountain pine--peat - feldeR foRest moss communities are a special highlight salzburg of the mires. such communities are ex - mountain pine bogs, flush fens, tremely rare in the alps and only known to transitional mires occur in a few other places. area: 119 hectares ramsar site since 2004 noteworthy plants and animals: black grouse, , hazel grouse, the ramsar site is located east of tams - felwort ( Swertia perennis ), dwarf birch ( Be - weg in the “niedere tauern” mountain tula nana ), marsh club moss ( Lyco podiella range and managed by the austrian Federal inundata ), round-leaved sundew ( Drosera Forestry aG. rotundifolia ), bog cranberry ( Vaccinium oxycoccus ), bog rosemary ( Andromeda po - the mire complex is located between 1480 lifolia ), few-flowered bog sedge ( Carex pau - and 1720 metres above sea level towering ciflora ), bog sedge ( Carex paupercula ), over mica-schist and glacier moraines. the dioecious sedge ( Carex dioica ), thread rush site comprises eleven single mires, such as (Juncus filiformis ), cleft bog moss ( Sphag - mesotrophic percolating mires, flush fens, num riparium ) and others oligtrophic rain bogs, transitional mires and mountain pine bogs. the mires of the sauerfe lder Wald are perfectly preserved. not even grazing has damaged the mires in the past; they re - main in their natural condition. today, human use of the mires is limited to hunting.

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MIRes of tHe spring fens. the boundaries of the site ex - sCHWaRzenBeRG tend to the perimeter of the mire complex. salzburg noteworthy plants and animals: black mire complex with rain bogs, grouse, western capercaillie, eurasian raised mountain pine bogs and pygmy owl, black woodpecker, eurasian spring fens woodcock, bog rosemary ( Andromeda po - area: 267 hectares lifolia ), dwarf birch ( Betula nana ), pod ramsar site since 2004 grass ( Scheuchzeria palustris ), mud sedge (Carex limosa ), few-flowered bog sedge the ramsar site is located on the plateau (Carex pauciflora ), bog sedge ( Carex pauci - of schwarzenberg mountain in the munici - flora ), round-leaved sundew ( Drosera ro - palities of , and tundifolia ), bog cranberries ( Vaccinium ramingstein. the site is managed by the oxycoccos , Vaccinium microcarpum ), bog aus trian Federal Forestry aG. billberry ( Vaccinium uliginosum ), buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliate ), several sphagnum the subalpine continental climate at species and others higher elevations of schwarzenberg moun - tain, siliceous decalcified bedrock and glacially impacted landforms have pro - vided favourable conditions for the forma - tion of an alpine mire complex. the ramsar site comprises several peatlands: saumoos, sattelmoos, moor bei der Bayer - hütte, Kohstattmöser moore, seemoos and several mires at Obernock. the different mire types here are nutrient-poor rain bogs, raised mountain pine bogs and

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MIRes of tHe üBeRlInG several dams to raise the water table. the salzburg damaged peat meadows are now starting to mire complex with terrestrializa - return to their original state and are be - tion mires and flush fens coming a full-fledged mire again. area: 265 hectares ramsar site since 2004 noteworthy plants: felwort ( Swertia peren - nis ), dwarf birch ( Betula nana ), chickweed the ramsar site is located in the munici - wintergreen (Trientalis europaea ), marsh pality of tamsweg and managed by the club moss ( Lycopodiella inundata ), sundew austrian Federal Forestry which imple - species ( Drosera spp.), bog cranberries mented extensive restoration measures in (Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium micro - 2000. carpum ), bog rosemary ( Andromeda polifo - lia ), few-flowered bog sedge ( Carex after the First World War, Überlingmoos pauciflora ), bog sedge ( Carex pauciflora ), was drained completely and converted to dioecious sedge ( Carex dioica ), mud sedge pasture land. Grazing caused the peat soil (Carex limosa ) and others to thicken which had a lasting impact on the vegetation. in addition, there is a net - work of drainage ditches throughout the site. as part of the first step of the restoration efforts, the austrian Federal Forestry pro - hibited grazing in the most damaged parts of the mires southeast of Überlinghütte by placing a fence around an eight-hectare- area. in a second step, the forestry erected

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natIonal PaRk kalkalPen Human use has played an important role in upper austria shaping the landscape. Over the course of alpine landscape with mires, many centuries, humans have used the forests, grasslands and streams forests as hunting grounds and pastures. area: 18.532 hectares they also used wood for construction and as ramsar site since 2004 firewood, and the streams as a means of transport. therefore, one of the most impor - the ramsar site is located across the reich - tant goals at this site is to restore natural con - raminger Hintergebirge and the sensenge - ditions in order to allow nature to regenerate birge and extends from 400 to almost 2000 without any human disturbance. metres above sea level. the site’s boundaries correspond to those of the national Park noteworthy plants and animals: european Kalkalpen which was established in 1997. otter, lynx, barbastelle, Bechstein’s bat, white- at reichraminger Hintergebirge there are backed woodpecker, grey-headed wood - dolomite gorges and mountain streams with pecker, eurasian three-toed woodpecker, more than 800 springs. this constitutes the white-throated dipper, boreal owl, eurasian largest intact spring ecosystem in the eastern pygmy owl, , shaheen falcon, alps. along with the subterranean karst whinchat, red-breasted flycatcher, collared fly - water system, these two elements have been catcher, hazel grouse, wood grouse, rosalia the deciding factors in nominating the area longicorn ( Rosalia alpina ), Cucujus cinnaberi - as a ramsar site. the diverse range of forest nus , endemic cave-dwelling carabid beetles, communities contributes to making the na - freshwater snails (Hydrobiidae), autochtho - tional park a biodiversity hotspot. this range nous brown trout, stone crayfish, apollo (Par - includes ravine forests, deciduous forests and nassius apollo ), woodland brown ( Lopinga mountain forests (with many areas suspected achine ), Pericallia matronula, Dianthus alpi - to be primary forest) which are located next nus, Primula clusiana, lady’s-slipper orchid to barren karst fields near the summit. and others

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neusIedleR see – coastal plants like glassworts ( Salicornia seeWInkel – Waasen spp.), sea arrowgrasses ( Triglochin mar - Burgenland, Hungary itima ) and akali grasses ( Puccinellia spp.) steppe lake, reed belt, salt have been able to settle here in the middle marshes, steppes of the continent. area: 44.229 hectares ramsar site since 1982 since 1988, the site has been listed as a conservation area of the european net - Lake neusiedl, located at the Hungarian work of Biogenetic reserves. in 2001, Lake border, is the westernmost steppe lake in neusiedl’s cultural landscape has been des - Central europe. together with seewinkel it ignated a transboundary (at-Hu) World forms a unique landscape harbouring many Heritage site by unesCO. as part of a rare animal and plant species. ceremonial act in eisenstadt in 2009, the existing ramsar sites were declared the the 44.000-hectare site neusiedler see – “transboundary ramsar site neusiedler seewinkel – Waasen is austria’s largest see – seewinkel – Waasen” (at-Hu). ramsar site. the prevalent features are: a widespread bog called the Hanság, over noteworthy plants and animals: eurasian 630 alkaline waters in seewinkel and an spoonbill, ferruginous duck, great egret, extensive reed belt around Lake neusiedl. eurasian bittern, pygmy cormorant, pied a large portion of the site is part of the – avocet, snowy plover, Danube crested national Park neusiedler see – seewinkel. newt, european fire-bellied toad, sea aster Despite numerous alterations to the land - (Tripolium pannonicum ), siberian worm - scape through human use, we still find a wood ( Artemisia laciniata ), blue iris ( Iris mosaic of wetland habitats and xeric grass - spuria ), glasswort ( Salicornia prostrata ), lands with nutrient-rich black earth and Camphorosma annua , Dwarf plantain desert-like soda lime locations. many (Plantago tenuiflora ) and others

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uPPeR dRava RIveR another important goal has been to en - Carinthia large the river banks as part of extensive Wide network of rivers with inner river widening measures which have also alpine grey alder alluvial forests improved flood control in the area. Further area: 1029 hectares goals are the creation of new alluvial forests ramsar site since 2014 with backwaters, the reintroduction of highly endangered or regionally extinct the ramsar site upper Drava river cor - animal and plant species and the imple - responds to the natura-2000 site with mentation of other species conservation the same name. it extends from the bor - measures. measures to stabilize the Drava der of east tyrol to the outflow of the riverbed have also been implemented. Paternion Hydroelectric Power Plant. thanks to extensive restoration meas - noteworthy plants and animals: italian ures, the 70-kilometre stream is now crested newt, yellow-bellied toad, euro - home to many rare and endangered ani - pean otter, common sandpiper, little ringed mal and plant species. plover, Danube salmon (Hucho hucho ), German tamarisk ( Myricaria germanica ), regulatory measures, which have been in dwarf bulrush ( Typha minima ) and others effect since the second half of the 19th cen - tury, have reduced the former biodiversity of the river. therefore, a water supervision concept has been developed and was used as the basis for two LiFe projects. as part of these projects, extensive restoration measures to improve water habitats and counteract species loss have been imple - mented.

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PüRGsCHaCHen MIRe as part of a LiFe project, valuable sections styria of the area have been protected through mire complex with raised moun - purchasing, leasing or exchanging land and tain pine bogs and fens damaging features like drainage ditches and area: 62 hectares spruce monocultures have been removed. ramsar site since 1991 the conserved fens and damp meadows support a high species richness and give the Pürgschachen mire is located in the rare bird species like the corn crake a place enns Valley between Liezen and admont to live. near the village of ardning. it is considered one of the few mostly undisturbed mires in noteworthy plants and animals: com - styria and has gained significance due to its mon shrew, corn crake, white-spotted large size. bluethroat, moorland clouded yellow ( Colias palaeno ), white-faced darter the mire has formed in t he basin of a post- ( Leucorrhinia dubia ), small cranberry glacial lake. Over thousands of years, the moss ( Sphagnum rubellum ), bog rosemary peat layer has become an impressive six (Andromeda polifolia ), white-beak sedge metres thick. at the surface, mire-specific (Rhynchospora alba ) and others species such as sphagnum mosses, round- leaved sundew ( Drosera rotundifolia ), bog cranberry ( Vaccinium xycoccos ), sheathed cottonsedge ( Eriophorum vaginatum ) and white beak-sedge ( Rhynchospora alba ) are prospering. the central part of the ram - sar site consists of a raised mountain pine bog surrounded by fens and forest belts.

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RHIne delta at lake due to its widespread ice-free zones. ConstanCe thousands of red-crested pochards, north - Vorarlberg ern pintails, gadwalls, great crested grebes, reedlands, alluvial plains whooper swans and common mergansers area: 2065 hectares populate the shallow waters in autumn. al - ramsar site since 1982 most the entire alpine population of com - mon mergansers moults here. the fact that Between the original river delta of the rhine little bitterns and kingfishers breed in the river and the 1990-built rhine channel in rhine Delta also showcases the great im - the east, one of the most important shallow portance of this site. Botanically significant water zones of Central europe has formed. species like dwarf bulrush ( Typha minima ) the so-called rohrspitz is a headland that and marsh gladiolus ( Gladiolus palustris ) reaches into Lake Constance and repre - are found here, and it is the only known lo - sents all that is left of the old river delta. cation for marsh pennywort ( Hydrocotyle vulgaris ) in austria. the main part of the site is constantly under water except for the winter months. noteworthy plants and animals: common about 700 hectares of the site are taken up mergansers, whooper swans, red-crested by mires, sedge communities and reed pochard, gadwalls, northern pintails, communities. important natural areas from northern crested newt, european bitter - a conservation point of view are moor ling, european bullhead, marsh pennywort grasslands, transitional mires and near-nat - (Hydrocotyle vulgaris ), dwarf bulrush ural alluvial forests along the old rhine (Typha minima ) and marsh gladiolus river. (Gladiolus palustris ), summer lady’s-tresses (Spiranthes aestivalis ), musk orchid ( Her - the rhine Delta is one of the most impor - minium monorchis ), star duckweed ( Lemna tant winter roosting sites for many water - trisulca ) and others

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RotMoos In tHe to iron (iii) oxide-hydroxide which de - fusCHeR posits at slow-flowing parts of the Fuscher valley ache and gives the water curious colour salzburg combinations. the great abundance of or - Calcareous fen chids including the Western marsh orchid area: 58 hectares (Dactylorhiza majalis ) which blooms by ramsar site since 1995 the thousands in early summer is the rea - son the inner Fuscher Valley is also called the rotmoos is located between roaring the “valley of orchids”. waterfalls and steeply rising mountain chains of the Glockner massif near the end noteworthy plants and animals: whinchat, of the Fuscher Valley at 1300 metres above northern wheatear, common sandpiper, sea level. While the mountain range “Hohe european bullhead, clouded apollo ( Par - tauern” is almost exclusively made up of nassius mnemosyne ), ruddy highflyer ( Hy - silicate rock, rootmos is a calcareous fen. driomena ruberata ), shepherd’s fritillary the fen’s substrate consists of calcareous (Boloria pales ), marsh lousewort ( Pedicu - rock from surrounding areas. laris palustris ), western marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis ), marsh helleborine the Fuscher ache, a tributary of the river (Epipactis palustris ), Davall's sedge ( Carex salzach, flows through the valley basin and davalliana ) and others the fen landscape. the meandering streams are lined with gray alders, bright fields of yellow mountain saxifrage ( Saxifraga aizoides ), bottle ( Carex rostrate ) and cotton sedge ( Eriophorum spp.) communities, and orchid-rich meadows. the name “rot - moos” (transl.: red Fen) is most likely due

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r e d

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saBlatnIG MIRe pond great crested grebes, little grebes and Carinthia tufted ducks can be observed. an educa - mire complex with spring fens and tional nature trail explains the features of a flush fen this idyllic landscape to visitors. area: 96 hectares ramsar site since 1992 noteworthy plants and animals: eurasian bittern, common pochard, common snipe, the sablatnig mire is located in southeast - western yellow wagtail, yellow-bellied toad, ern Carinthia, only 25 kilometres from Kla - moor frog, thick shelled river mussel ( Unio genfurt. the mire complex formed when a crassus ), lesser bladderwort ( Utricularia large post-glacial lake silted up. it consists minor ), marsh gentian ( Gentiana pneumo - of large spring fens and a flush fen. reed nanthe ), round-leaved sundew ( Drosera ro - beds, large sedge swamps, tall forb commu - tundifolia ), fen orchid ( Liparis loeselii ), nities, damp meadows, small sedge reeds, marsh helleborine ( Epipactis palustris ), black alder carrs and other wetland habitats early marsh orchid ( Dactylorhiza incar - are characteristic of this site. nata ) and others the mire is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Carinthia. more than 170 bird species have been recorded in recent years. starting from the “tomarkeusche”, a small visitor centre, the best way to explore the mire is by using a pair of binoculars. Various water plant communities featuring water lilies and water knotweed ( Persicaria amphibia ) are visible from the river banks, while in the open waters of the sablatnig

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loWeR Inn ReseRvoIRs tributing factor to the designation of the upper austria, Bavaria area as a ramsar site. at times, as much as marshlands and alluvial plains one-fourth of all waterbirds from austria area: 870 hectares and Bavaria are concentrated in this area. ramsar site since 1982 the Lower inn river has been a nature conservation area since 1978 and has now more than 70 years ago the inn river be - been awarded the title “european nature tween Braunau and schärding at the aus - reserve”. trian-German border was dammed to support a hydroelectric power plant. Over noteworthy plants and animals: little the course of several decades, extensive bit tern, black-crowned night heron, fine sediment deposits have formed in the mediter ranean gull, common kingfisher, shallow water zones of the reservoir. bluethroat, eurasian penduline tit, red- crested pochard, gadwall, flowering the conservation area extends over 25 rush ( Butomus umbellatus ), spikerush kilometres and consists of four reservoirs (Eleocharis acicularis ), mare’s tail which are among the most important rest (Hippuris vulgaris ) and others and overwintering locations for waterbirds in Central europe. the most important sections on the austrian side are Hage - nauer Bay, mühlheimer banks, a large is - land and the reichersberger floodplains. a remarkable feature is a breeding population of black-crowned night herons comprising 30 to 50 breeding pairs in the last few years. the great importance of this transbound - ary site for the bird fauna has been a con -

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loWeR loBau forest since it is periodically flooded by re - Vienna treating flood waters. nevertheless, the alluvial floodplains with forests, Lower Lobau harbours considerable marshes and gravel ridges species richness and abundance due to the (“Heißländen”) mix of wet, damp and xeric habitats. area: 915 hectares “Heißländen” are a special feature of the ramsar site since 1982 Lower Lobau. these are high stacks of gravel which resemble savannahs and pro - the Danube-auen between Vienna and vide a stark contrast to the alluvial forests. Hainburg is one of the largest continuous the lack of flooding allows xerothermic areas of alluvial forest in Central europe. conditions and has promoted the develop - the ramsar site Lower Lobau, located ment of xeric bushes like hawthorn and within the Vienna metropolis, comprises common sea-buckthorn and dry grasslands about two thirds of this forest. the site is with numerous orchid species. an internationally recognized biosphere reserve and part of the national Park noteworthy plants and animals: little bit - Danube-auen established in 1997. the tern, black kite, european weatherfish, largest portion of these precious flood - Danube crested newt, yellow-bellied toad, plains is located behind a flood embank - eurasian fire-bellied toad, european pond ment that was erected in the 1970s. since turtle, water solider ( Tratoides aloides ), bug then, the oxbow lakes have been largely cut orchid ( Orchis coriophora ), early spider or - off from the river dynamics which trans - chid ( Ophrys sphegodes ), lizard orchid ( Hi - formed the flooded forest into an alluvial mantoglossum hircinum ) and others forest. this transformation also caused the forest to slowly shift from softwoods to hardwoods. Only the southeastern area is still a near-natural willow-poplar alluvial

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WaldvIeRtel Ponds, moor. traces of former peat cutting are still Peat BoGs & flood - apparent. as part of a LiFe project, two of PlaIns the mires were reflooded by sealing Lower austria drainage ditches with wooden dams. mires, ponds, wet grasslands, meandering streams at the nature Park Hochmoor schrems area: 13.000 hectares and the nature Park unterWasserreich, ramsar site since 1999 visitors can experience and learn about the fascinating Waldviertel Ponds and mires. the landscape between Gmünd, schrems the nature parks “Heidenreichsteiner and Litschau is shaped by raised bogs, moor” and “Blockheide-Gmünd-eiben - ponds and near-natural streams like the stein” consist of a unique landscape featur - Lainsitz and the reißbach. Due to its loca - ing granite boulders and rocking stones. tion at the border of the Czech republic the site has been mostly spared from noteworthy plants and animals: european human disturbance in the past. otter, eurasian harvest mouse, black stork, eared grebe, Western marsh harrier, euro - the history of the fish ponds extends far pean honey buzzard, noble crayfish ( Asta - back: they were established in the 13th cus astacus ), moor frog, european tree frog, century and consist of, in part, richly struc - european spadefoot toad, mountain pine tured aggradation zones. the wetlands are (Pinus mugo ssp . rotundata ), marsh calla an important rest area for many migrating (Calla palustris ), marsh labrador tea wading birds and plover species. (Rhododendron tomentosum ), water flag the ramsar site consists of six mires or (Iris pseudacorus ), yellow water-lily mire complexes: Karlstifter moore, (Nuphar lutea ), sundew species ( Drosera Gemeindeau, rottalmoos, schönauer spp.), bladderwort species ( Utricularia moos, Haslauer moor and schremser spp.) and others

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o t t O

WIldeR kaIseR the goal of an austrian-Bavarian inter - tyrol reG restoration project initiated by the re - alpine landscape with mires, gional tourist board and implemented forests and meadows between 2005 and 2007, was to convert the area: 3781 hectares mire back to its natural state and to elimi - ramsar site since 2013 nate damage caused by drainage. several barriers were installed within the drainage the karst area of the Kaiser mountains is ditches to raise the water table and to stim - shaped by limestone which fea - ulate regeneration. the project received tures bizarre rock formations and steep cliffs. state, federal and eu funding as well as funding from the austrian Federal Forestry Long before humans started to take an in - aG. terest in this area, the mighty mountains were inhabited by prehistoric animals. noteworthy plants and animals: common thousands of bones in the tischhofer european viper, fire salamander, northern Cave prove the existence of cave bears, crested newt, yellow-bellied toad, golden- cave hyenas, cave lions and reindeers from ringed dragonfly ( Cordulegaster boltonii ), the ice age. rather inconspicuous but round-leaved sundew ( Drosera rotundifo - no less impressive are the animals living lia ), english sundew ( Drosera angelica ), there today like the green earthworm Al - marsh violet ( Viola palustris ), marsh calla lolobophora smaragdina. (Calla palustris ), common cottonsedge (Eriophorum angustifolium ), cottonsedge at the southern slope of the Kaiser moun - (Eriophorum latifolium ), sheathed cot - tains there are near-natural spruce-fir- tonsedge ( Eriophorum vaginatum ) and beech forests with several mires (e.g., others Hüttlmoos, Windwehenmoos, stein - bichlwaldmoor and many smaller mires).

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RaMsaR – a testIMony ramsar has helped to place a new value on foR natuRe ConseRva- wetlands so that they are now considered tIon and touRIsM precious and important, which has not al - ways been the case. the ramsar Convention has be - come an important impetus for habitat and Gaining ramsar status has been an impor - species protection in austria. tant impulse for the optimal development of each site. therefore, detailed manage - the creation of ramsar sites has stimu - ment plans have been created to cover the lated the formation of new partnerships. fundamentals of protecting and maintain - the interaction of nature conservation, ing sites. also, the continuous monitoring agriculture and forestry, water manage - of all ramsar sites is considered standard ment, tourism and other groups has been practice today. essential to the success of these conserva - tion projects. this has created the founda - many ramsar sites feature themed nature tion for the sustainable positive trails, observation decks, information cen - development of ramsar sites. tres or other educational facilities. such fa - cilities provide an important economic and “ramsar” has become an important testi - tourism stimulus. Broader impacts include mony for the value and high quality of a creating awareness among the local com - wetland. ramsar sites are frequently pro - munity about the economic value of wet - moted in books, brochures and digital land conservation. media. especially amongst nature-lovers, which make up an increasing part of our society, the ramsar trademark has posi - tively affected local tourism. in particular, ramsar sites stimulate sustainable tourism.

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PRoteCtIon of MaRsHes area of about 1700 hectares, 70 percent of tHRouGH tHe austRIan which are in near-natural condition. fedeRal foRestRy as part of the WWF campaign “Lass sie the austrian Federal Forestry leben” (transl.: “Let them live”) ÖBf and (Österreichische Bundesforste aG, WWF signed a cooperation agreement on www.bundesforste.at) is the largest “active marsh conservation”. according to landowner in the country and has given the agreement, marshes that have suffered rise to many important initiatives and damage through drainage, peat excavation, measures for marsh and wetland conserva - grazing and reforestation should be actively tion in the past. restored. the ambitious program for marsh protection started in 2000 in Überling - marshes are among the most endangered moos in the municipality of tamsweg habitats in the world. their use as a source where the mire was restored through wa - of fuel can be traced back to the Bronze terlogging. age. Changes to these landscapes through human activities had been self-evident and in addition to ramsar sites, ÖBf marsh accepted over the course of centuries. protection projects also pertain to many Lastly, a fundamental rethinking process marshes of national and international im - started and the importance of marsh con - portance. For instance, the focus of restora - servation was realized. On the occasion of tion and revitalisation efforts in 2012 was the 1993 “year of the wetlands” designated placed on upper austria (salzkammergut). by the Federal ministry of agriculture, Forestry, environment and Water manage - ment, the Federal Forestry decided to place all their marshes under protection. at pres - ent, the ÖBf owns 474 marshes covering an

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WoRdInG of RaMsaR BeinG COnFiDent that the conservation of ConventIon wetlands and their flora and fauna can be ensured by combining far-sighted national policies with co-ordinated international action; Convention on Wetlands of interna - Have agreed as follows: tional importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat ramsar, iran, 2.2.1971 article 1 as amended by the Protocol of 3.12.1982 and the amendments of 28.5.1987 1. For the purpose of this Convention wetlands Paris, 13 July 1994 are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether Director, Office of international standards and natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with Legal affairs water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or united nations educational, scientific and Cul - salt, including areas of marine water the depth of tural Organization (unesCO) which at low tide does not exceed six metres. 2. For the purpose of this Convention waterfowl the Contracting Parties, are birds ecologically dependent on wetlands. reCOGniZinG the interdependence of man and his environment; article 2 COnsiDerinG the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands as regulators of water 1. each Contracting Party shall designate suitable regimes and as habitats supporting a characteristic wetlands within its territory for inclusion in a List flora and fauna, especially waterfowl; of Wetlands of international importance, here - BeinG COnVinCeD that wetlands constitute a inafter referred to as “the List” which is main - resource of great economic, cultural, scientific, tained by the bureau established under article 8. and recreational value, the loss of which would be the boundaries of each wetland shall be precisely irreparable; described and also delimited on a map and they DesirinG to stem the progressive encroachment may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adja - on and loss of wetlands now and in the future; cent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of ma - reCOGniZinG that waterfowl in their seasonal rine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying migrations may transcend frontiers and so should within the wetlands, especially where these have be regarded as an international resource; importance as waterfowl habitat.

– 38 – 2. Wetlands should be selected for the List on ac - likely to change as the result of technological de - count of their international significance in terms velopments, pollution or other human interfer - of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrol - ence. information on such changes shall be passed ogy. in the first instance wetlands of international without delay to the organization or government importance to waterfowl at any season should be responsible for the continuing bureau duties spec - included. ified in article 8.

3. the inclusion of a wetland in the List does not article 4 prejudice the exclusive sovereign rights of the Contracting Party in whose territory the wetland 1. each Contracting Party shall promote the con - is situated. servation of wetlands and waterfowl by establish - ing nature reserves on wetlands, whether they are 4. each Contracting Party shall designate at least included in the List or not, and provide adequately one wetland to be included in the List when sign - for their wardening. ing this Convention or when depositing its instru - ment of ratification or accession, as provided in 2. Where a Contracting Party in its urgent national article 9. interest, deletes or restricts the boundaries of a wetland included in the List, it should as far as 5. any Contracting Party shall have the right to possible compensate for any loss of wetland re - add to the List further wetlands situated within its sources, and in particular it should create addi - territory, to extend the boundaries of those wet - tional nature reserves for waterfowl and for the lands already included by it in the List, or, because protection, either in the same area or elsewhere, of of its urgent national interests, to delete or restrict an adequate portion of the original habitat. the boundaries of wetlands already included by it in the List and shall, at the earliest possible time, 3. the Contracting Parties shall encourage re - inform the organization or government responsi - search and the exchange of data and publications ble for the continuing bureau duties specified in regarding wetlands and their flora and fauna. article 8 of any such changes. 4. the Contracting Parties shall endeavour 6. each Contracting Party shall consider its inter - through management to increase waterfowl popu - national responsibilities for the conservation, lations on appropriate wetlands. management and wise use of migratory stocks of waterfowl, both when designating entries for the 5. the Contracting Parties shall promote the List and when exercising its right to change entries training of personnel competent in the fields of in the List relating to wetlands within its territory. wetland research, management and wardening. article 3 article 5

1. the Contracting Parties shall formulate and im - 1. the Contracting Parties shall consult with each plement their planning so as to promote the con - other about implementing obligations arising servation of the wetlands included in the List, and from the Convention especially in the case of a as far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their wetland extending over the territories of more territory. than one Contracting Party or where a water sys - tem is shared by Contracting Parties. they shall at 2. each Contracting Party shall arrange to be in - the same time endeavour to coordinate and sup - formed at the earliest possible time if the ecologi - port present and future policies and regulations cal character of any wetland in its territory and concerning the conservation of wetlands and their included in the List has changed, is changing or is flora and fauna.

– 39 – article 6 meetings, it shall adopt the budget for the next fi - nancial period by a two-third majority of Con - 1. there shall be established a Conference of the tracting Parties present and voting. Contracting Parties to review and promote the im - plementation of this Convention. the Bureau re - 6. each Contracting Party shall contribute to the ferred to in article 8, paragraph 1, shall convene budget according to a scale of contributions ordinary meetings of the Conference of the Con - adopted by unanimity of the Contracting Parties tracting Parties at intervals of not more than three present and voting at a meeting of the ordinary years, unless the Conference decides otherwise, Conference of the Contracting Parties. and extraordinary meetings at the written requests of at least one third of the Contracting Parties. article 7 each ordinary meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties shall determine the time and 1. the representatives of the Contracting Parties venue of the next ordinary meeting. at such Conferences should include persons who are experts on wetlands or waterfowl by reason of 2. the Conference of the Contracting Parties shall knowledge and experience gained in scientific, ad - be competent: ministrative or other appropriate capacities. a) to discuss the implementation of this Conven - tion; 2. each of the Contracting Parties represented at a b) to discuss additions to and changes in the List; Conference shall have one vote, recommenda - c) to consider information regarding changes in tions, resolutions and decisions being adopted by the ecological character of wetlands included in a simple majority of the Contracting Parties pres - the List provided in accordance with paragraph 2 ent and voting, unless otherwise provided for in of article 3; this Convention. d) to make general or specific recommendations to the Contracting Parties regarding the conserva - articles 8 to 12 refer to the organization of the tion, management and wise use of wetlands and ramsar secretariat and other contractual aspects. their flora and fauna; see www.ramsar.org for details. e) to request relevant international bodies to pre - pare reports and statistics on matters which are es - sentially international in character affecting wetlands; f) to adopt other recommendations, or resolu - tions, to promote the functioning of this Conven - tion.

3. the Contracting Parties shall ensure that those responsible at all levels for wetlands management shall be informed of, and take into consideration, recommendations of such Conferences concern - ing the conservation, management and wise use of wetlands and their flora and fauna.

4. the Conference of the Contracting Parties shall adopt rules of procedure for each of its meetings. 5. the Conference of the Contracting Parties shall establish and keep under review the financial regu - lations of this Convention. at each of its ordinary

– 40 – r e g n i l m i s

g n a g f l o W

, v i h c r a - f B Ö addResses tyrol www.tirol.gv.at federal Ministry of agriculture, forestry, Vorarlberg environment and Water Management www.vorarlberg.at www.bmlfuw.gv.at Vienna www.ramsar.at www.wien.gv.at

Ramsar Ramsar site Partners www.ramsar.org austrian Federal Forestry aG umweltbundesamt www.bundesforste.at www.umweltbundesamt.at austrian League for nature Conservation federal provinces naturschutzbund.at

Burgenland naturefriends international www.burgenland.at www.nfi.at Carinthia www.naturatrails.at www.ktn.gv.at Lower austria WWF www.noe.gv.at www.wwf.at upper austria www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at BirdLife salzburg www.birdlife.at www.salzburg.gv.at styria www.verwaltung.steiermark.at

– 41 – r e d e

a j n o s

Information centres relating to Ramsar nature Park Hochmoor – unterwasser - sites reich schrems www.unterwasserreich.at Burgenland upper austria information centre national Park neusiedler see – seewinkel information Centre www.nationalpark-neusiedlersee- Kalkalpen national Park Centre in molln seewinkel.at www.kalkalpen.at ramsar Centre neusiedler see Vorarlberg www.haus-am-kellerplatz.at rhine Delta at Lake Constance Carinthia www.rheindelta.org tomarkeusche – sablatnigmoor Vienna www.sablatnigmoor.at “nationalparkhaus wien-lobau” Lower austria www.donauen.at national Park Centre Donau-auen in Orth www.donauauen.at

Castle marchegg www.schloss.marchegg.at

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