Within ALFAwetlands research project we, among other, are investigating different restoration projects and learning their experience. There is already a number of restoration projects in Austria, which is a one of the ALFAwetland´s project countries.
Over the years, in Austria, similar to many other countries, extensive draining for agriculture and peat extraction has led to significant environmental damage. As a result, wetland restoration projects are becoming increasingly common across Austria.
Renaturation of raised bog in the Waldviertel and South Bohemia
One of the most notable efforts to restore Austria’s raised bog has taken place in the Waldviertel region in Lower Austria, and across the border in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. The project is supported by the regional government of Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), the NÖ Nature Conservation Fund, and the Austrian Nature Conservation Association (Naturschutzbund). These areas, which include the Heidenreichsteiner Moor and Haslauer Moor, have been severely degraded over the years, with invasive species and the impacts of drainage threatening their health.
In October 2019, a significant restoration project took place at a bog Workcamp in the region. Volunteers from Austria and the Czech Republic, under the guidance of the Naturschutzbund, removed invasive trees and shrubs, such as pine, birch, and spruce, which had encroached upon the moorlands. This is a critical step in ensuring that native species, such as sphagnum moss and dwarf shrubs like cranberry and sundew, are not overshadowed and deprived of the sunlight and moisture they need to thrive.
The project also had a strong educational component, with participants learning about the unique flora and fauna of the bogs, as well as the essential ecological functions of these habitats. The restoration efforts have not only helped preserve the local biodiversity but also ensured that the bogs continue to function as effective carbon sinks, contributing to climate protection efforts in Lower Austria.
The Haslauer Bog Restoration
Another significant restoration project is taking place at Haslauer Moor, also located in the Waldviertel. Managed by the Austrian Federal Forests (Bundesforste), this restoration project aims to return the raised bog to its natural hydrological state across an area of about 30 hectares. As Bernhard Funcke, head of the Waldviertel-Voralpen forestry operation, explains, that wetlands, especially bogs, are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world, with only about 10% of Austria’s original moorlands still intact.
The restoration works at Haslauer Moor are focused on re-establishing the natural water balance by preventing further drying out of the peat. This involves building wooden dams made of larch to slow down the water flow and raise the water table. By increasing the water level, the restoration project will encourage the growth of peat-forming mosses and help to preserve the bog’s ecological functions. Additionally, unwanted tree growth is being removed to ensure that the bog remains open and that the characteristic plant species, such as sphagnum moss, continue to thrive. The work is being conducted during the winter months to minimize disruption to the habitat and avoid disturbing breeding birds.
The Haslauer Moor restoration is part of the cross-border INTERREG project “Crossborder Habitat Network and Management“, which aims to connect protected areas and natural landscapes in Austria and the Czech Republic. This international collaboration ensures that the efforts to restore bogs are aligned across borders, with scientific and practical expertise from both countries.
The Role of Public and Private Partnerships
These restoration projects are supported by a broad range of public and private stakeholders. Funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the state of Lower Austria, and the Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism underscores the importance of wetlands for both environmental protection and climate change mitigation. In addition to government support, organizations such as Service Civil International (SCI-Österreich), the Cultural Initiative Amaliendorf-Aalfang, and the Heidenreichstein Nature Park have played key roles in facilitating the restoration work.
Public-private partnerships, such as the one involved in the Haslauer Moor restoration, highlight the importance of cooperation across different sectors to tackle complex environmental challenges. The combination of scientific expertise, financial support, and local involvement creates a robust framework for successful and long-term wetland restoration.
This post is prepared by Vlado Vancura, European Wilderness Society´s expert