The protection of species in the Life Ministry

In Austria, the conservation of nature and wildlife in its natural environment is primarily the responsibility of the federal provinces (Bundesländer).
Despite this, the Life Ministry has set itself the task of initiating and supporting pilot projects with EU-wide or nationwide significance. Ever since Austria entered the European Union, priority has been given to species that require special protection pursuant to the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive for flora and fauna. Needless to say that efforts are also underway to protect species threatened throughout Austria, even such species that are not of “European interest”. The criteria for a pilot project aimed at the protection of species to be rated as meaningful, urgently required, and thus ultimately eligible for promotion are:

The project must
- clearly have a pioneering role in the protection of species in Austria,
- have a main focus on species with international or national significance,
- be relevant, if possible, for the entire Austrian population and
- be financed jointly with the relevant federal provinces.

Besides these specialist criteria, there is also an administrative-financial aspect to be considered: Owing to the co-financing of species protection projects by the Life Ministry and the responsible federal provinces, excellent co-operation is ensured.

For further information:
enrica.seltenhammer@lebensministerium.at