ÖAW - Man and Biosphere Programme (MaB)

Ecological and Social Carrying Capacities as Management Challenges for Peri-Urban Biosphere Reserves

Project Management: Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Arne ARNBERGER, Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna
Duration: 3 years (beginning 2005)

Abstract

Peri-urban biosphere reserves are confronted with high-use levels, often exceeding ecological and social carrying capacities. The goal of the three year project is to improve the management of the heavily used peri-urban biosphere reserve Lobau/Vienna by the integration of social and ecological carrying capacities. More specifically, the objectives are (1) Assessing impacts of high-use levels and visitor behaviour on visitors' outdoor recreation experience and analysing compensatory strategies of visitors´ and local residents´ use due to overcrowding perceptions using interviews and route analysis (2) Assessing impacts of different human use levels on wildlife (red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), beaver (Castor fiber)) using monitoring methods in parallel over the period of nearly two years (3) Analysing impacts of modified spatio-temporal activity pattern of wildlife caused by recreation use and use displacement behaviour on agriculture. A stakeholder participation process will be established, and results will serve for the developing of recommendations for an integrative and sustainable management and monitoring of the BR Lobau.

Contact:
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Arne Arnberger
Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning
University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences
Peter Jordan-Str. 82, 1190 Vienna
T +43 1 47654-7205
F +43 1 47654-7209
arne.arnberger@boku.ac.at

Integration of Sustainable Management of Wildlife Resources and Wildlife Habitats in a Participatory Cross-sectoral Concept for Sustainable Landuse in the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald

Project Management: Prof. DI. Dr. Friedrich REIMOSER, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Duration: 3 years (ab 2005)

Abstract

Applying a participatory and applied research approach, the project shall provide a knowledge-base and assessment, management and monitoring tools for the integration of wildlife resources and wildlife management into a cross-sectoral approach to sustainable land use, by using the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald as a model region. Based on expert interviews, land user surveys, a stakeholder platform and field research, regionalised principles, criteria and indicators for sustainable wildlife management in ecological, economic and socio-cultural terms will be developed. Antagonistic and synergistic interactions between wildlife, wildlife management and other regional sectoral forms of land use (e. g., forestry, agriculture, tourism, transport system) will be analysed with regard to their sustainability impacts. For identified wildlife - land use interfaces, an operational cross-sectoral assessment set for integrated sustainable use will be set up. In conjunction with a decision support package derived from a choice model it will be applied to the preparation of practical guidance for wildlife management and wildlife-related monitoring in the Biosphere Reserve. Implementation shall be tested model-wise in sample areas. Throughout, all work results will be harmonized with regional stakeholders.

Contact:
Prof. DI. Dr. Friedrich Reimoser
Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna
T +43 1 4890915-210
F +43 1 4890915-333
friedrich.reimoser@vu-wien.ac.at

Footprints: Integrated Research in the Ötztal region. Assessing the past, present and future

Project Management: DI Willi HAAS, Institute for Social Ecology, University of Klagenfurt
Duration: 2,5 years (beginning 2005)

Abstract

Building upon long-term scientific research in the Ötztal valley the proposed project aims to undertake an integrated assessment in order to work towards economic, ecological and social sustainability of the area. The enlargement of the Biosphere Reserve Gurgler Kamm, designated as such in 1977 under the Austrian MAB programme, and the expansion of ski tourism are two conversing developments whose long-term impacts on the area are to be examined. The analysis therefore includes current and future land use conflicts and aims at building a scientific information system supporting decisions and solutions, for example by building future scenarios. The proposed research builds on past research efforts, both in the fields of long-term ecosystem monitoring, for example within the GLORIA programme, as well as available socio- economic models and data. Social ecological research methods will be material energy flow analysis (MEFA) or human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP). The project will also draw upon experiences from, and co-operate with, the ALPSCAPE project in Davos/ Switzerland. Being a cooperation between both natural and social scientists from Austria and Switzerland, footprints is characterized by its interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and international approach.

Contact:
DI Willi Haas
Institute for Social Ecology
University of Klagenfurt
Schottenfeldgasse 29/5, 1070 Vienna
T +43 1 5224000-407
F +43 1 5224000-477
willi.haas@uni-klu.ac.at

Sources of Air Pollution Relevant for Austrian Biosphere Reserves: Quantification, Trends, Scenarios

Project Management: Dr. Petra Seibert, Institute of Meteorology, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna
Duration: 1 year (beginning 2005)

Abstract

The sources of air pollution that impact the biosphere reserve Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) are studied in this project. Using a suite of numerical models in combination with measurements at monitoring stations, a detailed investigation of the contribution of different source areas and sectors for various air pollutants is planned. The pollutants that could be included range from wet deposition of major ions, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to ozone and particulate matter. As far as suitable data are available, it would also be possible to look at heavy metals and POPs. The seasonal cycle, long-term trends for past, present and future scenarios for emissions and climate will be looked at.

Contact:
Dr. Petra Seibert
Institute of Meteorology
University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences
Peter-Jordan-Str. 82, 1190 Vienna
T +43 1 47654-5613
F +43 1 47654-5610
petra.seibert@boku.ac.at

Redesigning the Biosphere Reserve "Neusiedler See"

Project Management: Dr. Thomas WRBKA, Institute of Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Vienna
Duration: 2 years (beginning 2006)

Abstract

The Biosphere Reserve "Neusiedler See" was founded in 1977. It currently covers only the water body and the reed belt of Lake Neusiedl. Large tracts of land with smaller remnants of natural and semi-natural habitats interspersed with the surrounding agricultural landscape are excluded. The same is true for the small-scale cultural landscapes situated at the western lakeshore. This delineation reflects the ideas of the MAB programme in the concept of the 1970s. It does not meet the criteria of the Seville-strategy as outlined in 1992. Within this inter- and trans-disciplinary research project the basis for a new delineation and zoning of the Biosphere Reserve Neusiedler See according to the Seville criteria as well as for the description of management objectives with a special emphasis on stakeholder interests shall be built. Another aim of this study is to initiate a concept for the continuation of systematic ecological and socio-economic research. The involved team of researchers covers the domains of vegetation- and landscape ecology, nature conservation (University of Vienna) as well as regional development (University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, University of Klagenfurt).

Contact:
Dr. Thomas Wrbka
Institute of Ecology and Conservation Biology
University of Vienna
Althanstr. 14, 1090 Vienna
T +43 1 4277-54375
F +43 1 4277-9542
thomas.wrbka@univie.ac.at

Feasibility study for creating a new MAB biosphere reserve on the island of Samothraki, Greece

Project Management: Dr. Simron Jit SINGH, Institute for Social Ecology, University of Klagenfurt
Duration: 1,5 year (beginning 2008)

Abstract

The proposed project aims at establishing the feasibility of the creation of a new MAB biosphere reserve (BR), fully in accordance with the Sevilla strategy, on an island in Greece (Samothraki), where a major conservation area (Natura 2000) is already established. The project should clarify whether the creation of a MAB biosphere reserve that would cover the entire island of would provide an added value in guiding socioeconomic development perspectives in a coherent and systemic way in the direction of sustainability. In a general sense, the overall goal of this project is to contribute to the preservation of a unique natural and cultural heritage of world rank in the face of potential destructive development paths and impacts of climate change. At the same time, the project will allow the development of tools for an early stakeholder involvement thus demonstrating a model of good practice for the ownership of the BR vision.

Contact:
Dr. Simron Jit Singh
Institute for Social Ecology
University of Klagenfurt
Schottenfeldgasse 29/5, 1070 Vienna
simron.singh@uni-klu.ac.at

Development of innovative methods for feasibility studies examinating the potential of a region to become a biosphere reserve - exemplified in an Austrian test region (preferably the crossborder-region Karwendel)

Project Management: Prof. Dr. Axel BORSDORF, Research Unit for Mountain Research: Man and Environment, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Duration: 1 year (beginning 2008)

Abstract

Typically, before starting the concrete planning process for establishing a biosphere reserve, a feasibility study is carried out in order to find out if the UNESCO label is the most appropriate conservation category for the requirements of the respective region. Existing feasibility checks for Austrian biosphere reserves, however, mainly focused on the natural conditions of the area and its principal ways of utilisation. This leads to the underlying hypothesis: To guarantee the success of a biosphere reserve, already feasibility studies have to comprise acceptability studies and participation processes. In a first step the pre-planning processes of biosphere reserves nominated after 1995 in German speaking countries will be analysed using questionnaires and interviews. By weighing off the strength and weaknesses of these processes an ideal set of methods (guidelines) for feasibility studies will be suggested. In a second step these methods will be tested in the Karwendel region where the establishment of a biosphere reserve is currently discussed.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Axel Borsdorf
Research Unit for Mountain Research: Man and Environment
Austrian Academy of Sciences
Technikerstr. 21a, Otto Hittmair-Platz 1, 6020 Innsbruck
T +43 512 507-4940, 4901, 5400
Axel.Borsdorf@uibk.ac.at

Schutzgebiete in den slowenischen Alpen - Bestandsaufnahme und Problematik (SLOALP)

Project Management: Prof. Dr. Axel BORSDORF, Research Unit for Mountain Research: Man and Environment, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Duration: 1 year (beginning 2008)

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Axel Borsdorf
Research Unit for Mountain Research: Man and Environment
Austrian Academy of Sciences
Technikerstr. 21a, Otto Hittmair-Platz 1, 6020 Innsbruck
T +43 512 507-4940, 4901, 5400
Axel.Borsdorf@uibk.ac.at

Developing. Areas. Efficiently. - The efficient use of land in suburbia. Developing sustainable settlements through the efficient use of development areas in the Wienerwald biosphere reserve

Project Management: Dr. Robert MUSIL, Institute for Urban and Regional Research, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Duration: 1 years (beginning 2008)

Abstract

Those parts of the Wienerwald biosphere reserve that are located in Lower Austria are marked by a high degree of diversity, resulting in a differentiated degree of suburbanisation on the one hand and varied settlement structures on the other. As the municipalities of the Wienerwald partly hold considerable reserves of building land, the development of a sustainable and efficient settlement structure is an important challenge for regional planners. One of the most important questions is in which form and to what extent should the available building land be utilized for settlements? The methology used for this project is based of a concept called "ABC-Standortplanung" which was developed by development planners in the Netherlands. It is used to define the best use of free building land according to an assessment scale. This scale is generally defined by criteria based on the accessibility of an area by public transport and individual motor car traffic. The aim of this research project is to classify the building areas in the municipalities of the Wienerwald according to the above mentioned assessment scale.

Contact:
Dr. Robert Musil
Institute for Urban and Regional Research
Austrian Academy of Sciences
Postgasse 7/4/2, 1010 Vienna
T +43 1 51581-3524
F +43 1 51581-3533
robert.musil@oeaw.ac.at

Towards Integrated Ecological Spatial Planning on Multiple Scales for the Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve and its functional environment: a new approach to the management of conflicts between humans and wildlife (IESP)

Project Management: Prof. DI. Dr. Friedrich REIMOSER, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Duration: 3 years (ab 2008)

Abstract

The project aims at developing a new transdisciplinary approach to the management of conflicts between humans and wildlife by means of spatial planning. Employing GIS-based techniques, land-use - wildlife conflict potentials are identified, located and evaluated. A transferable framework of tools and methods applicable also to other Biosphere Reserves are developed and applied to concrete conflict situations in the Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve. Results will comprise integrated and spatially explicit management strategies, guidelines how to set up an IESP 'Master Plan', and a concept for monitoring of the conflict management. Particular consideration is given to functional linkages between the biosphere reserve and its environment (ecological connectivity, visitor flows, etc.), to integration of multiple spatiotemporal scales of the selected indicator species and indicator activities, and to the zoning design and existing management objectives of the Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve.

Contact:
Prof. DI. Dr. Friedrich Reimoser
Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna
T +43 1 4890915-210
F +43 1 4890915-333
friedrich.reimoser@vu-wien.ac.at

BIOSERV - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services as scientific foundation for the sustainable implementation of the redesigned Biosphere Reserve "Neusiedler See"

Project Management: Dr. Thomas WRBKA, Department of Conservation Biology, Vegetation Ecology and Landscape Ecology, University of Vienna
Duration: 3 years (beginning 2008)

Abstract

The research object of this project is the identification, measuring and communication of the ecological, socio-cultural and economic values of the region for the implementation of a redesigned biosphere reserve following Seville standards. This approach will also act like a basis and for initiating a sustainable development of the region and for displaying dynamic processes. To allow a thorough function-analysis, data on landscape, land use and regional socio-economic data will be used. Based on the evaluation of potential and actually landscape functions regarding to the demands of the three main landuse sectors (nature conservation and landscape management as well as agriculture and tourism and recreation) options for BR-implementation and zoning will be developed. For the selected investigation areas, comparisons of the stakeholders' estimations and the scientific landscape functions approach will be done in order to identify the agreements and disagreements with the Seville Strategy targets.

Homepage

Contact:
Dr. Thomas Wrbka
Department of Conservation Biology, Vegetation Ecology and Landscape Ecology
University of Vienna
Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna
T +43 1 4277-54375
F +43 1 4277-9575
thomas.wrbka@univie.ac.at

Perspective LOBAU 2020: Exploring management options of a heavily used urban biosphere reserve confronted with new urban developments in its neighbourhood considering a restricted potential for ecosystem development

Project Management: Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Arne ARNBERGER, Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna
Duration: 3 years (beginning 2008)

Abstract

The small Viennese Biosphere reserve (BR) Untere Lobau represents a groundwater-fed and back-flooded floodplain lake system and harbours an extremely diverse mosaic of aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial habitats. On the other hand, already 150,000 people live within few kilometres of distance from the borders of the BR. Large housing developments for ten thousands of new residents nearby and new developments in traffic planning until 2020 will further intensify use pressure on the already heavily used BR. BR management needs sound decision making tools which consider the effects of new urban developments and provide solutions how to deal with the expected new users in a sustainable way. This study will explore the effects of several management options in and outside the BR for visitor load scenarios in 2020 to mitigate negative effects on local residents, on visitors' recreation experience and on the ecological integrity of the aquatic ecosystem compartments and wildlife, using sophisticated research tools in combination.

Contact:
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Arne Arnberger
Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning
University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences
Peter Jordan-Str. 82, 1190 Vienna
T +43 1 47654-7205
F +43 1 47654-7209
arne.arnberger@boku.ac.at

("part_b") - Participation Processes in Biosphere Reserves - Development of an Intervention Theory, Analysis of Strategies and Procedural Ethics by example of BRs Nockberge, Vienna Forest and Großes Walsertal (Austria)

Project Management: DI Daniel ZOLLNER, E.C.O. Institute of Ecology Jungmeier GmbH
Duration: 2 years (beginning 2008)

Abstract

The establishment as well as the management of a Biosphere Reserve (BR) can be understood as a permanent intervention to promote regional change management towards sustainability. These long-term processes need a proper theoretical basement, concise tools and a consistent accumulation and reflection of experiences. By example of three Austrian BRs (Vienna Forest, Walsertal, and - in planning: Nockberge) very different processes shall be documented, analysed and reflected along 7 guiding hypothesis. Four aspects are taken into account in particular: Intervention science and intervention, ethics, Change management, Diversity management, and Good regional / local governance. The interpretation is performed with methods of the different disciplines involved. The different perspectives within the interdisciplinary research-team and the focus on transdisciplinary sythesis shall lead to new concepts of participation and thus enhance the capacity to understand and to conduct participation processes in BRs.

Contact:
DI Daniel ZOLLNER
E.C.O. Institute of Ecology Jungmeier GmbH
Kinopl. 6, 9020 Klagenfurt
T +43 463 504144
F +43 463 504144-4
E-Mail: zollner@e-c-o.at

Monitoring of Biocultural Diversity in the Biosphere Reserve "Großes Walsertal": The use and management of biodiversity of crops, cultivars and wild gathered species)

Project Management: Prof. Dr. Christian R. VOGL, Institut für Ökologischen Landbau, Universität für Bodenkultur
Duration: 2,5 years (ab 2008)

Abstract

In the Biosphere Reserve "Großes Walsertal" the diversity of wild gathered species, traditionally grown crops and their cultivars is closely linked to local peoples' culture, profession and preferences. The aims of this project are to document in the Biosphere Reserve with interdisciplinary methods through a period of 35 months (including at least 16 months of ethnobotanical field research):

the diversity of plant species gathered by local people
the diversity of traditional crops and their cultivars grown by local people
the diversity of local uses, habits and preferences related to these elements of biodiversity
to make visible the role of women as users and managers of biodiversity
to actively support various local initiatives and the Biosphere Management in their efforts for sustainable conservation and use of Biosphere resources.

The research process will be linked from the beginning to local actors and initiatives through stakeholder workshops, involvement of local people in data collection and analysis and through participatory assessment and dissemination of results at local level.

Contact:
Christian R. Vogl
Division of Organic Farming
University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna
Gregor Mendel-Str. 33, 1180 Vienna
T +43 664 9153022
F +43 1 47654-3792
christian.vogl@boku.ac.at