Austria, Neusiedlersee-Seewinkel National Park in Burgenland in the Pannonian lowlands, popular excursion destination with steppe landscape, wetlands, salt ponds and known for its bird life
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Nature & Tourism

Rare natural jewels saved!

saltworks rescue, drying out saltworks, seewinkel austria

An important project has been launched in the picturesque Seewinkel region with the aim of preserving the drying salt ponds. These unique ecosystems are of immense importance for the region. The "LIFE Pannonic Salt" project represents an important step towards improving the groundwater situation and preserving the salt pans.

Protecting unique ecosystems from disappearing

The salt pans in Seewinkel are unique habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. However, according to the national park, the area of salt pans has shrunk by around 82 per cent compared to 1858. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the lowering of the groundwater level due to human intervention such as drainage ditches, canals and water abstraction.

The LIFE Pannonic Salt project is focussing on a range of measures to counteract this decline. These include the construction of weirs in the drainage ditches to enable increased water retention, as well as renaturalisation measures such as the removal of invasive species and the reduction of humus deposits. A comprehensive concept for sustainable water management is being developed that also takes into account the interests of agriculture.

Unique rescue operation

A central aspect of the project is the involvement of the local community. Through workshops, information events and excursions, residents, farmers and other interest groups are to be actively involved in the conservation of the salt pans. This holistic approach ensures that the project takes into account not only ecological but also socio-economic aspects.

The importance of the salt pans extends far beyond the borders of the Seewinkel. They serve as a habitat for a large number of bird species and are also of great importance for tourism. The restoration of the Seewinkel as a wetland is not only an important goal for nature conservation, but also for nature tourism. The uniqueness of these ecosystems is also recognised at European level, which makes the project an important contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.

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Source: red, burgenland.ORF.at/Agencies

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