In an Austria-wide call “#wein.landschaft” by Blühendes Österreich – BILLA non-profit private foundation and partners, five outstanding projects in the field of viticulture and nature conservation were selected. Ꞓ 250,000 project funding will be provided. The company Henkel is providing co-financing of Ꞓ 17,500. The project “Biodiversity oases between vines in the southern Kremstal” of the ORTOLANdschaftspflege association was convincing at the live pitch and, in addition to the project financing, received a media package worth Ꞓ 10,000.
Austria’s wine-growing regions not only shape the landscape, but also the cultural identity. Both the vineyards and the interlocking landscape structures offer a high nature conservation value and are important habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Through the call #wein.landschaft, Blooming Austria 2024-2026 is focusing on biodiversity in Austria’s wine-growing regions. Five projects will be made possible, which will make a measurable contribution to species and biotope protection on a total of 553 hectares and a project volume of €258,979.
Sustainable viticulture in focus
A total of 14 projects from seven Austrian wine-growing regions were submitted as part of the call. The total requested amounted to Ꞓ 533,000.
A top-class jury selected the five best projects: The award-winning submissions come from wine-growing associations, nature conservation associations and a social institution.
“The submitted projects show how important close cooperation between viticulture, agriculture and nature conservation is”
explains Christine Riepl, jury member and winemaker from Gols and regional farmer from Burgenland. “The ARGE farmers’ women support this connection between the areas and particularly appreciate the cooperative approach of the projects, which enable sustainable solutions for the future through synergies.”
BILLA board member and board member of Blühendes Österreich, Robert Nagele, emphasizes: “With #wein.landschaft, Blühendes Österreich finances projects that directly implement sustainable viticulture and thus make an important contribution to responsible food production – a central concern of BILLA AG. My thanks go to all partners for their commitment and valuable collaboration.”
Co-financing from Henkel for biodiversity project in Vienna
The Henkel company is co-financing a Viennese project with Ꞓ 17,500: “From the hotspots to the vineyards” by biologist Heimo Schedl and the Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vienna with the Caritas workshop in the sky. Henkel produces in the middle of Vienna and would like to further strengthen its position as a committed partner for sustainable development in the region with its contribution to #wein.landschaft. Jaroslava Haid-Jarkova, General Manager Henkel Consumer Brands Austria, explains: “As a company with almost 100 years of tradition in Vienna, it is a central concern of ours to positively shape the living space of citizens. Maintaining biodiversity is becoming increasingly important, especially in urban areas. We are therefore pleased that Blühendes Österreich is integrating this important aspect into its project work.”
The funded project partners
Lively vineyards of WINZER KREMS, Lower Austria
The WINZER KREMS cooperative, the largest quality wine producer in Austria, promotes biodiversity on 150 hectares with the “Living Vineyards” project in the Kremstal. By growing herb and plant mixtures, the soil is protected from erosion and the soil life is strengthened. In addition, 500 nesting boxes will be installed and around 1,000 trees and bushes will be planted to create habitats for birds and other animals. Edge strips, embankments and cairns provide additional space for endangered species. The project is supported at Ꞓ 41,500.
“700 winemaking families from across the region are involved in our project. True to our motto ‘Diverse together’, we want to make the wine-growing landscape in the Kremstal a valuable habitat for protected species and at the same time take responsibility for nature in order to leave it as a healthier and more ecologically valuable place for future generations.”
said Wolfgang Hamm, project manager at WINZER KREMS.
Biodiversity oases between vines in southern Kremstal, Lower Austria
The ORTOLANdschaftspflege nature conservation association, which now has 60 committed young members, is working together with young winemaker Lisa Flecher from Palt and the market town of Furth near Göttweig on targeted measures to promote biodiversity in the wine-growing landscape of the southern Kremstal. On 0.6 hectares, existing meadows as well as vineyard edges and slopes are ecologically enhanced with flower borders, woody islands and selected trees such as field elm and serviceberry. In addition, various structural elements such as piles of dead wood and stone blocks are created. In addition, nesting boxes are provided for various species of birds, including the little owl. The project will receive a grant of Ꞓ 13,713 and a media package worth Ꞓ 10,000, made possible by winning the live pitch.
“Through discussions in the region, we became aware of the extent of the decline in biodiversity. Together we would like to bring the landscape between the Danube and the Göttweig Abbey to bloom and live again and hope that our project will find imitators in order to create a network of biotopes in the wine-growing landscape.”
explains Michael Binder, founder of the nature conservation association ORTOLAndschaftspflege.
Species richness in the Leithaberg wine-growing region, Burgenland
The Donnerskirchen wine-growing association, consisting of eleven companies and 30 members, is implementing a nature conservation project on an area of around 400 hectares: The plan is to build dry stone walls and piles of harvest stones as well as greening vineyard areas with local seeds. Fruit trees are planted to preserve traditional landscape elements and a course on caring for old trees is offered. In addition, new spawning waters for amphibians will be created and the amphibian protection fence along the B50 will be expanded. The project is supported with Ꞓ 39,900.
“Our vision is to make our beautiful wine-growing town even more livable in the future. We want to continue to work in harmony with nature”
emphasizes project manager Anna Reichhardt.
Großweikersdorf natural corridor, Lower Austria
In the municipality of Großweikersdorf in the Weinviertel there is a 0.3 hectare, extremely diverse but isolated natural monument surrounded by farmland. It is therefore unlikely that the species found here will spread and mix with other populations of rare animals and plants. For this reason, the Natur@Großweikersdorf association, which has around 30 members, is initiating the creation of a corridor that will enable populations to be connected. The aim is to increase awareness of biodiversity and the value of nature on the doorstep, especially among property owners. In addition, the aim is to continuously increase the number of butterfly species and other insect species on the project area and to establish permanent populations of host plants such as gentian and Easter lucei. The project is supported with Ꞓ 6,500.
“Many once common plants and animals are now rare or have completely disappeared, such as the Swallow’s Lair in our community. The loss of habitats plays a significant role here. By creating a network of small, high-quality areas that serve as ecological bridges, we want to counteract this trend and promote the networking of habitats.”
said Christian Rosker, chairman of the Natur@Großweikersdorf association.
From the hotspots to the Viennese vineyards, Vienna
Starting from two biodiversity hotspots, Burgstall and Caritas am Himmel in Vienna’s 19th district with a total area of 2 hectares, the surrounding wine-growing landscape is to be enriched through habitat-improving measures. The main measures of the project include the restoration and construction of dry stone walls as habitats for reptiles and insects. For example, 20 meters of walls are being renovated and rebuilt on the Caritas areas. In both areas, selective mowing is carried out to promote rare species of butterflies. Biodiversity workshops are also organized on the Burgstall area with the aim of reaching as many winegrowers as possible in order to ensure the connectivity of the habitats and thus the stability of the populations in the long term. The project is supported with Ꞓ 31,708.
“The wine-growing landscape in Vienna Döbling is rich in natural treasures. Many heat-loving and rare species of flora and fauna can still be found in the edge structures of the vineyards. With this project we want to influence the wine-growing areas through habitat-improving measures and an educational offensive.”
explains project manager Heimo Schedl.
“We are happy to take advantage of the opportunity to ecologically enhance our area through traditional structures and care measures together with clients, interns and volunteers.”
adds Gerhard Kohlmeyer, agricultural manager of the Caritas workshop in the sky.
The picture gallery of the #wein.landschaft Award Celebration is ready here available free of charge. When using, please provide photo credit © Robert Harson/Blühendes Österreich.