In December 2024, the fundamental decision in the local council was made, and preparations for the application was now started in mid-June 2025: Schrems sets off to become the first “Wetland City” within the meaning of the international convention on wetland protection (Ramsar Convention for short) in the entire German-speaking area and thus to rise to a ranks with 74 cities in 27 countries worldwide. The application will be made in autumn 2026, the accreditation then in 2028.
Until then, a variety of activities in the region are being set to enlarge the chance of increasing the renowned status. The foundation for this is the involvement of the community on site, which is why Mayor David Süß has put together a local committee, the members of which should not only contribute a lot of specialist knowledge, but also different perspectives.
BM homicide: nature conservation and regional development go hand in hand
„The application of the city of Schrems as the first Wetland City in the sense of the Ramsar Convention in Austria shows that the protection of our wetlands is a matter of society as a whole. Everyone can make their contribution to the preservation of these valuable ecosystems, the local population and the economy as well as administrative authorities at all levels. This is the only way to perform wetlands such as bogs and meadows, their functions in climate protection. Schrems impressively shows how nature conservation and regional development can go hand in hand”Said Water Minister Norbert Tettschnig.
In addition, the Mayor of Schrems David Süß: “With this certification, Schrems can become a pioneer for the entire region. With the accreditation as Wetland City, we want to become the water capital of the Waldviertel! I would like to thank the members of the committee that they are taking this important way with us. Together we will master this process well.“
Local committee reflects specialist knowledge and various perspectives
Around 25 people have followed the city’s reputation on a voluntary basis and in an advisory manner, with the central coordination, Sebastian Bohrn Mena was entrusted with the Común foundation in Schrems. In addition to the representatives of all municipal groups with Birgit Trojan, Doris Schreiber and Ernst Wurz, the participants also include sizes from the economy.
Moorbiologist Axel Schmidt, Martin Kainz, professor of ecosystem research, forest ambassador Hermine Hackl, Hubert Stark from the Humus movement and Thomas Kainz from the underwater kingdom bring their comprehensive eco-expertise, to name just a few names. The committee is rounded off by representatives of nature parks, schools and civil society organizations.
Accreditation as a highlight for the state exhibition
The state of Lower Austria also pursues the activities in Schrems with great interest. In 2028 the state exhibition on the subject of “Wasserwelt Waldviertel” also takes place, in the region from Gmünd to Litschau, everything revolves around the water. The accreditation of Schrems to the “City of Wetlands” just this year would certainly be an absolute highlight.
State Councilor Susanne Rosenkranz, responsible in the state government for nature conservation: “Moore are true all-rounders: they protect our climate, regulate the water balance and offer rare animal and plant species a unique habitat. I am all the more pleased that the city of Schrems is the first city as the first city in German -speaking countries for the title ‘Wetland City’. As the country of Lower Austria, we consciously focus on the protection of these valuable natural jewels and their habitats in our nature parks.“
Sharpen consciousness: make the population “ambassadors”
Interested citizens of Schrems are at the center of all activities of preparations for the accreditation of “Wetland City Schrems” in 2028. In the medium term, they should act as an “ambassador” of beauty and importance of wetlands. Top experts such as the professors Gert Michael Steiner and Stephan Glatzel will also come to Schrems to share their knowledge in workshops.
„We start with the children in elementary schools. Even the little ones here in the northern Waldviertel can be proud that they come from a region in which there are wetlands of internationally outstanding importance. All over the world, they envy us around the natural treasures here, which will also be official with the city’s accreditation“ so Wetland-City-Schrems-Koordinator Sebastian Bohrn Mena.
Activities start on August 15th with a big family party
In addition to training and lectures, there will also be a number of participatory activities that are deliberately aimed at families. Among them are around three large events planned in the next 12 months, the first will take place on August 15, 2025 in the Schrems Moordbad. Under the motto “Wunderwelt Wasser”, an entertaining program is offered with free entry from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The activities in Schrems are funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environmental and Climate Protection, Regions and Water Management, which has commissioned the Común Foundation to implement a number of activities that have a positive effect on the formation of consciousness on the subject of wetlands and thus also support the application process.
More information can now be found at wetlandcityschrems.at.