In the Hochgebirgs-Naturpark Zillertal Alps, the course for renaturation of the largest alpine riparian forest in the Zillertal was successfully. A key measure was the construction of a small protective embankment, which on the one hand facilitates the grazing free in the most fragile area of the approximately four hectare skate and on the other hand secures the pasture areas. In addition, around 150 young grays were set to flank the natural rejuvenation of the endangered existence. The successful implementation was preceded by almost eight years of intensive planning and preparatory work.
The riparian forest on the Schwemmalm and the project is also very important, since softwood meadows have almost completely disappeared from the Tyrolean landscape and natural area. On site, various factors such as grazing, road laying and natural events have led to parts of this meadow to be classified as acute. In a joint campaign, representatives: Inside the project partner Blooming Austria – Billa non -profit private foundation, Almei owner family Penz and Henkel 20 more grays. The targeted setting of domestic grays from the Tyrolean forest gardens is to be continued in the next few years until the development of the Auwald has stabilized.
Alpine au forests in danger
The Grauenlen -audwald of the Schwemmalm is a nature conservation rarity in the Hochgebirgs-Naturpark, is located at around 1,350 m along the Zemmbach and forms the largest meadow complex in the protected area. Au forests are among the most species -rich and most threatened habitats in Central Europe. They arise where rivers regularly step over the shores and offer specialized plants and animals valuable habitat. Unfortunately, outer forests are among those habitats in the alpine space that were recently affected by strong declines. The main cause of this is the construction of rivers, clearing, the use of hydropower and the comprehensive redesign of the valley rooms, many of which are now used as a settlement or economic area.
“The Erlen stocks in Tyrol have suffered dramatic losses in recent decades. It is all the more important to maintain remaining relics such as the Auwald on the Schwemmalm”
emphasizes Peter Huemer, board member of blooming Austria and butterfly expert of the Tyrolean Landesmuseen. “With flowering Austria, we make a concrete contribution to the renaturation of ecologically valuable habitats in Austria through projects like this.”
Together for the rescue of the Alpine Auwald
The project was made possible by the cooperation between the blooming Austria-Billa non-profit private foundation, the Hochgebirgs-Naturpark Zillertaler Alpen, the Almei owner family Penz and the company Henkel. With 25,000 euros, the implementation of the renaturation measures was financially supported, the total volume of the project is around 80,000 euros.
The joy of the successful project is noticeable for everyone involved: “This project is a prime example of how nature conservation and alpine pasture can go hand in hand. The fact that we were able to set grays together again today makes me proud. It shows what is possible when everyone involved pulls together”
comments Willi Seifert, Managing Director of the Hochgebirgs-Naturpark Zillertal Alps, the project.
“At Billa, sustainability means actively promoting precisely such projects and achieving a long-term effect. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to successfully implement eleven valuable nature conservation projects in Tirol since blooming Austria was successfully implemented and that we can add another with the Auwald project in the Zillertal” “
according to Bernhard Kreuzer, Billa Sales Manager Salzburg and Tyrol.
Berthold Benedek, Senior Key Account Manager Henkel, finally emphasizes the value of the common commitment: “The project in the Zillertal shows how cooperation is possible for specific improvements for endangered habitats. For Henkel, it is a great success to be able to make a visible contribution to nature conservation together.”