sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bad Radkersburg, Mur (river)

Promoting the Benefits of Natura 2000

Border section of the River with the Gamlitz and Gnas Streams in

AT2213000

Austria

Introduction

Natura 2000 represents the most river with the Gamlitz and Gnas ambitious initiative yet, in the Streams. Together, the studies history of European nature examine actual and potential conservation. The aim is to create benefits in proposed Natura 2000 a European network of biodiversity sites in , Belgium, Denmark excellence to ensure the long-term and Spain, and in Latvia and protection of endangered plant Estonia. Each study was prepared and animal species, and by WWF national offices, in close threatened natural habitats. partnership with local Natura 2000 finds its legal base in stakeholders. the 1979 Birds Directive and the 1992 Habitats Directive, which The case study "Steirische have to be implemented by the EU Grenzmur" was prepared by Member States as well as all E.C.O. – The Institute for Ecology, candidate countries. Klagenfurth. The results were discussed during two workshops In addition to protecting with representatives from the biodiversity, Natura 2000 relevant local authorities, NGOs, designation may also provide local landowners, and opportunities for the region’s stakeholders from the wider local economy and local communities. community. Their contributions To promote the socio-economic have informed the case study benefits of Natura 2000 and to process, and we would like to support better implementation of thank all participants for their time Natura 2000, IEEP and WWF are and thoughts. In particular, we are running a joint project in 2002. The grateful to individuals that have project is being co-funded by the provided valuable quotes for this European Commission, and report. includes preparation of six local case studies, including this study on the Border section of the Mur

Summary to develop this niche market further, building on the growing demand for high-quality and sustainable tourism. The Natura 2000 site, “Steirische

Grenzmur mit Gamlitzbach und The case study confirms that the Gnasbach” in the lower Mur valley creation of a Natura 2000 site can be (Steiermark (Styria)/Austria) expected to have positive impacts on comprises valuable riverine habitats the economic development of the that are home to a rich flora and region. In addition to building on fauna. It is the start of a unique existing tourism activities, there is the 1,000 km floodplain corridor of the possibility of attracting “external” Mur, and rivers. The funding into the area. For agriculture, area marks the border between forestry and fishing, the broader Austria and , and is of pan- impacts will depend on the practical European importance from an implementation of a management ecological point of view. Measures to plan that is being drawn up on the conserve the area can only be basis of a regional partnership effective if they involve cross-border process. Similarly, the raw material cooperation. extraction industry (gravel) may suffer

economic losses, but associated Although there has been a strong measures and strategic planning increase in the number of available should help to anticipate and jobs, the region as a whole is minimise conflicts. presently considered “poorly developed”. The proportion of The positive impacts of Natura 2000 commuters is high and employment designation are mainly to be opportunities are limited. However, expected in the tourism and services sensitive tourism offers opportunities sectors, and to a lesser extent in for future economic development. agriculture and forestry. The type of Health and recreational tourism, economic benefits associated with centred on the hot springs and Natura 2000 will depend on how well regional cycling networks, already the region succeeds in exploiting the constitutes a significant source of opportunities offered. Calculations revenue in the area, and visitor from other regions, such as the numbers have increased. The ‘Waldviertel’, show that it is notably in number of overnight stays in Bad the poorly developed regions that a Radkersburg and the surrounding positive impetus from Natura 2000 in area, for instance, rose from 8,400 in favour of a long-term sustainable 1970 to over 400,000 in 2001. The development can be found. Natura 2000 site offers an opportunity

Area map Natura 2000 along the border section of the Mur River Site Describtion almost completely disappeared. The meandering river, originally 75 The Natura 2000 site, “Steirische to 200 m wide, has been Grenzmur mit Gamlitzbach und straightened, and diverging Gnasbach” is in the southwest of ‘branches’ cut off. Since the Steiermark (Styria). Over a 1970s, the riverbed has been distance of about 34 km, it forms deepened by as much as 1.2 m. the national border between River dredging is part of an Austria and Slovenia. In terms of ongoing scheme to improve surface area, the largest section conditions, notably for power along the Mur is in the stations in the upper and middle Radkersburg (6 reaches of the Mur. This has municipalities); the two caused inter alia a fall in the water contributories, Gnas and Gamlitz table in the lower Mur Valley, with Stream, are in the Radkersburg, adverse consequences for the and Feldbach districts (7 entire alluvial forest ecosystem. municipalities). The Natura 2000 Future conservation work in the site covers 2,122 ha and includes region will be aimed at halting this the second largest stretch of process, in order to secure the alluvial forest in Austria, an long-term ecological integrity of extensive waterway system, as the river and its floodplains. well as productive agricultural land. History The Mur has its source in the Hohen Tauern () and The nature conservation covers a distance of approximately authorities in Steiermark (Styria) 444 km. For the first 314 km, the have long been trying to river is intersected along its encourage protective measures in continuum by a total of 28 the area. As early as 1981, the hydroelectric power stations. At floodplains of the Mur along the Spielfeld, however, a section of Slovenian border were designated more than 1,000 km stretching via a Rural Conservation Area. They the Drava down to the Danube in were subsequently also declared a Rumania, is free of power stations. Biogenetic Park under Council of This transnational floodplain Europe designation. corridor is of pan-European importance ecologically, and fulfils Given the international importance an important function as a of the river Mur, a range of migration path for many designations has been, or is due threatened animal and plant to be, assigned to the region. species. Austria, Slovenia, , and Serbia are promoting “The good state of conservation of the establishment of a transnational “Mura-Drava- the site is the result of sustained Danube Biosphere Reserve”. The management by the local Steirische Grenzmur area and population.” adjoining floodplains on the (Franz AUER, Environment Slovenian side have been Consultant at the Institute for designated Important Bird Areas Rural Education, Styria) (IBA), and the Slovenian authorities are planning the

designation of “Regijski park Due to continuous interference Mura” Regional Park. Natura 2000 with the river since the end of the designation is also to be expected 19th century, the original character of the waters of the Grenzmur has in Slovenia, following EU Site Context accession.

Initial discussions about a possible The river Mur and the adjacent Natura 2000 site on the Steirische floodplains are key features of the Grenzmur commenced as early as border region. In addition to the popular hot spring resort of Bad 1995, following Austria’s entry into Radkersburg, the landscape and the EU. However, regional its natural wealth form the basis representatives were highly for growth in tourism in the area. sceptical about a European site.

Apart from basic objections to excessive nature protection The Mur is also vital for the measures, the authorities were region’s water resources. High- quality ground water reserves are particularly concerned that Natura an essential resource, not just for 2000 would not solve the the local area. prevalent problems of the region.

As a consequence, the site was Until the 1990s, the Grenzmur not nominated for Natura 2000 designation until 2001, following a separated two fundamentally prolonged consultation process. different political systems. The Since then, however, the border has since become politically less important and implementation of conservation cross-border cooperation with measures and the involvement of Slovenia is gaining in significance. landowners in the preparation of a The “Standing Austrian-Slovenian management plan have led to a Commission for the Mur” is change of attitude. working towards the transnational harmonisation of water resource strategies. Importantly, it has Site Projects been recognized that the impact of river dredging and associated During the 1994 to 1999 period, a threats to ground water supplies comprehensive EU funded and alluvial forests can only be (Interreg IIa) project on the solved if the two countries co- ecology of the riverine ecosystems operate closely. was successfully completed. The “Lower Mur Valley Habitat” project had been initiated prior to Natura “For the conservation of the cross- 2000 nomination. Key border wildlife corridor ‘Mur’, close conservation measures and cooperation between the management priorities for the Slovenian and Austrian nature restoration of the ecological conservation authorities is functionality of the river and its floodplain forests were drawn up desirable ” in close cooperation with project (Simona KALIGARIC, Slovenian partners in Slovenia. Nature Conservation Authority representative) During the current programming period (2000 to 2006), the basic management proposals are being implemented in a follow-up Interreg project, entitled the "Lower Mur Valley Actions”.

Overview of site diversity area. Natura 2000 can be expected to have small, yet clearly positive, impacts on regional Nature wealth creation, and thus on The system of waterways and the employment. Natura 2000 may priority alder and ash alluvial therefore help to stabilise existing forests of the river Mur provide a job opportunities. valuable retreat for a large number of threatened animal and plant Participation species. These include the The complex challenges of the kingfisher, black stork and Grenzmur region require close co- Eurasian otter. As part of the operation between all relevant transnational Mur-Drava-Danube specialist disciplines and the floodplain complex, the riverine participation of a wide range of landscape of the Grenzmur, interested parties, notably the makes an essential contribution to Slovenian neighbours. Such co- maintaining this situation in the operation is increasingly common, long term. and has for instance been

demonstrated in the "Lower Mur Environment Valley Habitat" project. In addition, The riverine ecosystem of the the activities of the "Standing Grenzmur is important for the Austrian-Slovenian Commission management of water resources in for the Mur" promote cross-border the entire region, especially in initiatives in accordance with the terms of flood protection and the "Basic Concept for the Grenzmur long-term security of ground water Water Resource". resources. This is key to The drawing up of a management guaranteeing supplies of plan offers another opportunity to freshwater for drinking and involve landowners and managers irrigation. Dredging of the Mur’s more closely, and requires riverbed thus has widespread communication and cooperation negative impacts. Ecologically with the Slovenia authorities. sound, structural changes to the urre. Grenzmur would benefit the riverine and floodplain forest ecosystem and would be likely to secure quality ground water Activities on the resources. Steirische Grenzmur

Site usage The area of alluvial forest is mainly Existing land uses in the area used for extensive forestry, include agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing; the economic hunting and fishing, as well as importance of these sectors is “sensitive” tourism. The creation of minor. In contrast, gravel the Natura 2000 site will support extraction is an important source practices which are in agreement of income for the region. However, with local habitats. The gravel mining is commonly thought preservation of the alluvial forests, to conflict with the objectives of for instance, will protect the quality Natura 2000, notably in relation to of the landscape as a basis for the enlargement or opening of tourism in the region. gravel pits. Possible ways of anticipating and solving conflicts need to be developed and Local employment Despite an increase in tourism assessed in pilot studies. activity, the region remains an Recently, agricultural practices in economically less advantaged the Grenzmur region have undergone significant changes, The general trend towards short given the greater specialisation breaks and the increasing and intensification of the sector. importance of health and Favourable production conditions recreational tourism indicate a allow intensive maize and cereal continuation of this positive trend. cultivation, pig and chicken farming, viticulture and vegetable cropping (pumpkin). Maize cultivation in particular has increased considerably in recent decades (see Fig. 1), causing environmental problems locally. Often, intensively farmed land runs alongside sensitive habitats and adjacent to the Natura 2000 site. In some instances, productive Fig. 2: In the last few years, agricultural land even lies within municipalities - especially those the Natura 2000 site. close to the border - have recorded a positive growth in tourism. (Radkersburg District: Growth in the number of overnight stays between 1970 and 1999).

“The health offering and the beautiful landscape are the prime reasons for spending a holiday in the region ” Fig. 1: The strong increase in maize cultivation in recent (CIMA Stadtmarketing, visitors’ decades has had far-reaching poll 2002) ecological consequences. (Radkersburg district: change in maize-planted areas between Ecological Benefits 1969 and 1999). The Natura 2000 site, “Steirische Apart from agriculture, tourism Grenzmur mit Gamlitzbach und plays a particularly important role Gnasbach”, makes a significant in the region. Past investments in contribution to the conservation of the tourism sector have proven to the following Annex I habitat types be effective: in 1970 for example of European importance (as listed 8,400 overnight stays were in the Habitats Directive): recorded in the municipalities of and the - Alluvial forests with alder and surrounding area; in 1999 this ash (91E0), priority habitats increased to 260,200. By 2001, - Hardwood alluvial forests with this figure had grown forty-fold, to common oak, elm and ash over 400,000 (see Fig. 2). The (91F0) local hot springs, the natural - Common oak or oak- beauty of the landscape, the hornbeam forests (9160) network of cycle paths and the - Oligotrophic to mesotrophic variety of leisure facilities (e.g. the standing waters with at and canoe vegetation of the Littorelletea tours), as well as the well- (3130) developed range of catering - Naturally eutrophic lakes with facilities form the basis for this riparian vegetation (3150) growth. - Infertile lowland/hay meadows · 26 animal species listed in (6510) Annex II of the Habitats - Molinia meadows on Directive calcareous, peaty or clayey- · 6 mammalian species, e.g. silt-laden soils (6410) Greater horseshoe bat - Rivers with muddy banks (Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum) (3270) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) · 3 amphibian species, including the Alpine crested newt In addition, the area has an (Triturus carnifex) and the important function as a breeding Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina ground, feeding habitat and transit variegata); area for numerous specially protected animal species: · 14 fish species, e.g. Ukrainian brook lamprey (Eudontomyzon mariae), Danube salmon · 13 Annex I species of the Birds (Hucho hucho), Pigo (Rutilus Directive, e.g. Little bittern pigo virgo), Loach (Misgurnus (Ixobrychus minutus), Black fossilis) stork (Ciconia nigra), White · 3 invertebrates, including the stork (Ciconia ciconia), kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Common river mussel (Unio middle spotted woodpecker crassus) and Stag beetle (Picoides medius), red-backed (Lucanus cervus) shrike (Lanius collurio);

The Eurasian otter also uses the course of the river Mur as a natural migration path ( H.Glader/WWF-A)

Ecosystem Services supplies – influencing hydrology beyond national borders. The In addition to harbouring Lower Mur Valley represents one significant biodiversity, the Mur of the few catchment areas in floodplains provide a number of Steiermark where ground water key ecological functions. The stocks still provide freshwater riverine ecosystems play a vital supplies of a sufficiently high role in supporting regional water quality and quantity to be of importance beyond the local area. Ecosystem services are, however, The filtration and replenishment of being compromised in a number a freshwater supplies is facilitated ways. by an intact alluvial forest and floodplain ecosystem. Threats In addition to the long-term preservation of ground water · The river Mur forms a natural stocks for the provision of drinking backbone in the rich alluvial water and freshwater for irrigation, landscape. Due to human the floodplains constitute a intervention, however, the significant natural flood prevention course of the river has been and control system. By absorbing subjected to considerable water resources quickly and change. Large-scale releasing excess water slowly, the interference with the river’s alluvial forests can act as a natural natural flow and the disruption buffer. These ecosystem services of sedimentation patterns by can help to minimise expenditure power stations, have had on water purification and supply, significant negative ecological irrigation systems and flood effects. The continued prevention systems. Floodplains dredging of the riverbed and alluvial forests also influence changes the dynamics of the local and regional climate alluvial forest habitats by patterns. Their ability to ‘absorb’ reducing the frequency of seasonal temperature changes as flooding, by reducing the well as their capacity to affect local amount of floodplain waters, humidity has significant and by causing a drop in water consequence amongst others for levels. Regulation of the river’s agriculture. currents causes a loss of key riverine habitats, such as Maintaining the coherence and gravel banks and oxbows. This functionality of the ecological further prevents the natural systems in the Mur Valley regeneration of alluvial forests. increasingly requires transnational co-operation between Austria and Slovenia. The “Standing Austrian- “The unique alluvial forest habitats Slovenian Commission for the suffer from a drop in ground water Mur”, in accordance with the table! Conservation measures are “Basic Concept for the Grenzmur urgently needed.” Water Resource”, is already taking (Andreas Buchberger, Forest this forward. official of the Authority of “The rehabilitation of the Radkersburg) ecological functions in the Border Mura is the best guarantee for the · Due to inappropriate forest long term protection and security management, notably the of ground water stocks and the thinning and re-afforestation of continued quality and quantity of existing habitats with spruce or these valuable fresh water hybrid poplar, many alluvial resources” forest habitats have suffered (Alexander MAJCAN, Director of significant change. the Radkersburg’s Water Supplier Association) · Agriculture, some of which has been intensive (esp. maize cultivation) using pesticides · Measures aimed at improving and fertilisers, has led to the river’s structural integrity pollution of ground and surface should be a priority for the site. water. For the preservation of a near- natural alluvial forest · Fishing adversely affects ecosystem, a more natural aquatic ecosystems, notably water flow is a prerequisite. through the artificial damming This is where European nature and dredging of the oxbows conservation interests coincide most closely with regional · The pressure to extend and requirements. A number of add to existing gravel pits is small pilot projects aimed at high in many areas. improving the ground water resources of the alluvial It is therefore, and as a matter of landscape have already been urgency, important to introduce implemented under the "Lower appropriate management Mur Valley" project (Interreg measures. IIa) (e.g. shaping of the Mühl Stream between Mureck and Bad Radkersburg). Larger- scale ecologically orientated structural implementation steps for the river are planned, particularly under the "Lower Mur Actions" project (Interreg IIIa). Measures include the widening of the river to stabilise the riverbed, improving natural sedimentation patterns and structural integrity, and the interlinking of waterways.

· In addition to these proposed ecological improvements, the main focus, notably of the future management plan, is on securing and promoting land uses that are appropriate for the habitat:

· Alluvial forest: preservation and promotion of a good diversity of endemic tree Opportunities for Nature species, enabling the regeneration of a near-natural Designation as a Natura 2000 site ecosystem. can do much for the long-term preservation and improvement of · Agricultural land: preservation the area’s characteristic habitats of traditional farming practices and species, and its ecological (meadows) and development functions. of extensive farming areas.

· Waterways: facilitation of a area, using targeted information more natural hydrological material. system and ecologically sustainable stocking measures “The management plan provides for fisheries. an important opportunity to set sustainable targets for the · Gravel extraction: ensuring improvement of the alluvial that extraction in sensitive habitats of the Mur; and to do so in areas is in accordance with the consultation with local protection objectives of Natura landowners.“ 2000. This applies to the (Andrea KRAPF-NOGRASEK, opening of new gravel pits and Representative of the Styrian to the extension of existing nature conservation authority) ones.

The drafting of the management plan is to begin before the end of 2002. The process should ensure co-operation with landowners, users and other stakeholder representatives. Moreover, it is important to promote the European importance of the floodplain landscape amongst the local population and visitors to the

Rehabilitated: This could become the view of the Steirische Grenzmur once more. Natural section of the river Mur on the Slovenian-Croatian border (© A. Mohl/WWF-A)

Opportunities for the associated measures are Economy introduced and if conflicts are avoided through strategic planning. General effects The Natura 2000 designation has Because the potential for positive positive implications for the impacts is larger than the potential development of the regional for negative impacts, it is economy. The impacts of anticipated that Natura 2000 conservation measures are designation will have a small but generally over-estimated. The overall positive influence on the range of concerns, including growth of the regional economy. optimistic to pessimistic views, This tallies with the estimations was investigated as part of this from other Natura 2000 sites in study. An opportunities and risks Austria. It is also evident that model, as shown in Fig. 3, active regional participation can emerged from the discussions, reinforce the positive impacts and basic research and expert mitigate any negative effects. The knowledge. Three scenarios following points should be emerged: respected:

· Only positive impacts are · Inclusion of the Natura 2000 possible: In tourism, by Conservation site in local and “tapping” into promotional regional models, development opportunities or by creating the strategies and planning. technical basis and materials for PR work; all activities · Involvement of local firms in related to Natura 2000 have planning, supervising and positive impacts on the implementing the actions to be regional economy. undertaken.

· Both positive and negative · Transparent systems for impacts are possible: In participation and information of agriculture and forestry, and in all interested parties. fishing, minor economic impacts are to be expected. They depend on the actions “Natura 2000 provides and compensatory measures opportunities, which have to be taken, but the overall outcome seized by the Region.” will be slightly positive. (Josef PINTERITSCH, Mayor of Bad Radkersburg district) · At best no impacts: There might be economic losses in the gravel extraction industry, but they can be avoided if

General impacts: tourism General impacts: gravel mining General impacts: business/industry General imacts: fisheries General impacts: forestry General impacts: agriculture General impacts: hunting Payments for ongoing forestry measures Payments for ongoing agricultural measures Monitoring/EU reporting requirements Information and awareness raising Conservation management/co-ordination Initial site management measures Land aquisition/one-off payments EU Life-projects Site mangement plan Provision of adequate infrastructure Scientific basis/management plan

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Fig. 3: Some of the opportunities and risks associated with Natura 2000 designation of the Grenzmur. The bars represent the range of impacts Natura 2000 is expected to exert on the regional economy - from very negative (-3), to neutral (0) and very positive (+3).

Direct benefits for tourism attracting additional visitors with a The region is already being specialised interest and raising marketed successfully as a place for awareness at local “stork festivals”, rural relaxation and health tourism. etc. Designation as a European conservation site does not conflict Indirectly, initiatives to support with these objectives. Rather, experience and learning can entice additional tourism facilities visitors to the region and thus help (information centres, nature trails, increase wealth creation. exhibitions etc) can be developed and made accessible to people who “For the tourism sector and and visit the region for the hot springs, lokal marketing Natura 2000 is walking or cycling. Moreover, these expected to provide benefits“. facilities can promote cross-border (Josef SOMMER, Director initiatives in the context of the ‘Parktherme Bad Radkersburg’) transnational biosphere reserve “Mur-Drau-Donau“ (e.g. the transnational cycling path Mur-Drau, Direct benefits through incentives and cross-border initiatives and The EU is making a considerable culture-trails promoting cultural amount of funding available to exchange). Given the region’s support nature conservation (e.g. national importance for white stork through LIFE funding). In Austria, populations, it may be feasible to €60 million have been made combine species and tourism available in the last five years for interests. One possibility, for LIFE projects. In addition, the instance, is branding the region as Structural Funds, agricultural an “Important White Stork Area”, support (e.g. the “Nature Conservation Plan” under ÖPUL – Indirect benefits the Austrian agri-environment The designation and/or creation of a programme) or the development of Natura 2000 site, “Steirische cross-border co-operation initiatives Grenzmur”, can also be expected to (Interreg) all offer significant funding have indirect impacts on the growth opportunities. of the regional economy. They are difficult to quantify, but should not be Interreg III is highly compatible with ignored. Natura 2000 (one of its priorities is nature conservation), but eligibility is · Multiplier effects from major not dependent on Natura 2000 investments and ongoing designation. An Interreg IIa project funding: Through Natura 2000, was successfully concluded in the funds come into the region “from Mur region – the “Lower Mur Valley outside”. They can be fed into Habitat” project. The project had a the regional treasury, at least to total budget of approximately € 2.6 a certain extent, and thus million. It was aimed at the improve regional wealth creation. development of a set of basic These possibilities are far from principles, developed in 17 individual exhausted in the case of the projects involving habitat and land “Steirische Grenzmur” site. use mapping, forest mapping, fish ecology investigations, etc. · Synergies with tourism strategies: in the Grenzmur Associated measures in the region, an official “Natural Area Slovenian border region were of European Importance” fits in financed under PHARE Cross well with the plans for tourism. It Border Co-operation (CBC). will therefore be possible to improve the degree of A follow-up project running until recognition of the region and its 2006, "Lower Mur Actions" (Interreg range of facilities in the longer IIIa), is aimed at the implementation term. of measures for the improvement of the ecological integrity of the riverine · Synergies with agricultural direct landscapes. Approximately € 3.2 marketing and regional labelling: million is being spent on measures There are many examples where in the alluvial forests and on the fact that a product comes measures to improve the structural from an ecologically valuable integrity of the Mur, its tributaries area is seen as positive by the and neighbouring water bodies consumer. The Natura 2000 site (Spielfelder Mühlkanal, might therefore also provide Rinnensystem, Grabenlandbäche). support for the development and A further €400,000 is being allocated marketing of regional products to the development of a Natura 2000 (e.g. pumpkin). site management plan and its initial implementation. The “Oak Galleries” Costs and “Extensive Meadows” projects The costs of setting up and have already been funded under maintaining the Natura 2000 site contractual nature conservation cannot be fully estimated at present. agreements. However, the first investments are already foreseeable. “Natura 2000 offers the possibility to attract additional EU project funding“. (Andreas BREUSS, land owner in the Natura 2000 site) instance (Mill on the Mur at Mureck, Structural alterations € 3,200,000 canoe tours, etc.). Positive impacts to the river (Interreg are also possible in relation to agriculture and forestry. IIIa)

Management plan and € 400,000 initial implementation Rural and Regional (Interreg IIIa) Growth Benefits Routine measures, Not yet nature conservation decided Site context under the agreement A strong increase (60%) in jobs has been recorded in the region in the Future economic development last few years – especially in For decades, the region was tourism based on the hot springs characterised by its peripheral and associated health tourism. position along the national border. Nonetheless, the region as a whole This border is losing its significance must be described as “poorly and the region is now moving in a developed”: A high proportion of jobs new direction. It is no accident that are in agriculture and forestry, there sustainable development of the river are few employees in the service area is one of the first tasks to be sector and generally a poor job tackled jointly by the two countries. supply. One third of all employees commute out of the area; the Employment effects number is on the increase. There The unemployment rate in the are poor connections with public Radkersburg district is transport. The “migration” of civil approximately 7%. The main service posts (Post Office, Ministry characteristics of the labour market of Finance, etc.) is causing are its strong seasonality, high youth difficulties in the area. unemployment and a marked decrease in civil service jobs. The “Tourism accompanied by trade” is proportion of commuters in the considered a source of optimism. In region is considerable. the longer term, a new centre for economic activities and innovations is to be developed by the twin towns Direct benefits of Bad Radkersburg and . The Natura 2000 site is Only slight direct employment essentially limited to the river area opportunities are to be expected and carries little potential for conflict from the creation of the Natura 2000 with this forward-looking plan. site, although it might be possible to create a post for coordination, Contributing to sustainable information and project development. growth Growth is sustainable when it takes into account long-term ecological, economic and social needs. The Indirect benefits future management of the Natura 2000 site is capable of becoming the If regional wealth creation is backbone of a lasting or sustainable improved by Natura 2000 (see development of the region. above), positive employment effects can be expected. It is most likely that Existing and future benefits these will come from the tourism and A study, funded by the Austrian service sectors, in connection with National Bank, showed that Natura ecotourism leisure facilities for 2000 is capable of triggering, or at least supporting, positive economic development, especially in “peripheral” poorly-developed areas. Natura 2000 could have long-term economic benefits for the region ”Steirische Grenzmur“, in the following ways:

· Attracting public funding to the region; · Creating synergy with key economic objectives, especially relating to tourism; · Providing a focal point for cross- border cooperation; · Stimulating organic farming and the marketing of agricultural products through the use of Natura 2000 branding; · Safeguarding water resources for the whole region; and · Preservation and development of a functioning landscape and natural area of European importance.

“Natural alluvial forests, reintegrated oxbows, a diversity of islands and gravel banks, rich fisheries, a bird paradise, bathing people along the river banks, regional organic produce, secured freshwater supplies, greater connectivity and integrity – this could be a reality for the Grenzmur under Natura 2000”. (Günther LUTSCHINGER, Director WWF Austria)

References Drapela, J. & M. Jungmeier (2002): EU Osterweiterung: Chancen und Risiken für eine nachhaltige Kulturlandschaftsentwicklung in der steirisch-slowenischen Grenzregion. Studie im Rahmen des Forschungsschwerpunktes Kulturlandschaftsforschung. (EU enlargement to the East: opportunities and threats to the sustainable development of a cultivated man-made landscape in the Styrian-Slovenian border region. Part of the cultivated man- made landscape research programme. E.C.O. Institut für Ökologie (Instiute for Ecology), Klagenfurt, 19 S. Getzner, M. & M. Jungmeier (2002): Conservation policy and the regional economy: the regional economic impact of Natura 2000 conservation sites in Austria. Journal for Nature Conservation, 10, 25 –34. Amt der Steierm. Landesregierung (Government Office of the Land of Styria) (Eds), 2000: Lebensraum unteres Murtal (Lower Mur Valley Habitat), Umwelt-Naturraum-Energie (Environment-Nature-Energy). Interreg IIA. 15 Bände. . Ständige österreichisch-slowenische Kommission für die Mur (Standing Austrian- Slovenian Commission for the Mur) (Eds.) ( 2001): Wasserwirtschafltiche Gtundsatzkonzept Grenzmur, Phase1, Kurzfassung (Basic Concept for the Grenzmur Water Resource, Phase 1, abridged version)/ Nacelna vodnogospodarska zasnova za mejno Mura, I. faza, Kratki povzetek. Graz.

PROJECT PARTNERS

WWF Austria Arno MOHL IEEP Ottakringerstr 114-116 Overall project coordination A-1160 Vienna Tel 00 43 1 488 17 233 Clare Coffey Fax 00 43 1 488 17 277 Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) Email: [email protected] 18 Ave des Gaulois B 1040 Bruxelles WWF Belgium Belgium Luc DRIES E. Jacqmainlaan 90 Tel: 00 32 2 738 7471 B 1000 Brussels Fax: 00 32 2 732 4004 Tel 00 32 2 340 0968 Email: [email protected] Fax 00 32 2 340 0933 Email: [email protected]

WWF Denmark Uffe Gjøl SØRENSEN Ryesgade 3F

DK-2200 Copenhagen N

Tel 00 45 35 36 36 35

Fax 00 45 35 24 78 68 Email: [email protected]

WWF ADENA/WWF Spain Luis SUAREZ

C/Gran Via de San Francisco, 8 Sandra JEN WWF European Policy Office ES-28005 Madrid Ave de Tervuren 36 Tel 00 34 91 3540578 B 1040 Bruxelles Fax 00 34 91 3656336 Belgium Email: [email protected]

WWF Latvia Tel: 00 32 2 743 8813 Ints MEDNIS Fax: 00 32 2 743 8819 Elizabetes Str. 8-4 Email: [email protected] LV-1010 Riga Latvia Tel: +371 7 50 56 44 Fax: +371 7 50 56 51 Email: [email protected]

Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation Gulnara ROLL Veski 69 50409 Tartu Estonia Tel. +372 (7) 421 001 Fax +372 (7) 421 162 E-mail: [email protected]

This project is being financially supported by the European Commission