Photo: BMLFUW/BFW
Forest Culture - Innovation or/and Tradition?
Forest Culture: Innovations within the framework of modern forest management and passing on forest traditions are not contradictory!.....
They must much rather be regarded as important complementary elements of political strategies. Under today’s framework conditions, however, the preservation of traditional values - while simultaneously fulfilling the diversity of socio-political demands on the forests optimally - requires courageous steps towards change in many areas.Austria’s forest: Important element of the cultural landscape
Centuries of forest tradition with strong regional shaping
With a forest share of about 47% of the national territory and its abundance of forest stands, Austria has considerable, regionally differentiated experience in sustainable forest management on the one hand, and with interesting interactions between the condition of the forest and the socio-political, cultural development of the time on the other hand.
The diversity typical for Austria is not limited to forest stands that are important in terms of forest history; it is also shown particularly by the strong regional differentiation of forest culture stands, and the integration of the enterprises in the culture of the individual region.
History of settlement and history of land use = history of forest use
Austria’s forest sector has played an important role in rural development for centuries. Man has always had close ties with the forests. Forest stands were and are mirrors of society. In terms of cultural history, they also have a very high value, which is often forgotten in the discussions.
As a result of historical development, small-scale ownership structures dominate in Austria. Farm foresters have been managing the forests sustainably for centuries. Forest Culture can offer them an opportunity, while maintaining the infrastructure and value added in the rural regions. But even the usually larger family-owned forests have a share in the structure and preservation of the cultural landscape that is often forgotten in these fast-moving times.
The forest owners have always had a great responsibility for the preservation of ecologically valuable forest ecosystems and in the conservation of biological diversity. Therefore, the important role of the forest sector and its contribution towards intact landscapes must be pointed out in the on-going discussion process.
Making Forest Culture fascinating and building new bridges to the public!
The forest expertise of older generations is an important basis for the further development of sustainable forest management and protection of habitats in general, and in particular the forest ecosystems. The current global discussions on sustainable development clearly show up the need for a transfer of knowledge about the term sustainability, which was already coined by forestry 200 years ago, and about the implementation of this concept in practice. With increased use of fossil fuels in the age of industry this principle was commonly ignored, resulting in damage to the environment.
Sustainable forest management throughout the centuries is by far the most important contribution towards preserving the forest!
Creating an awareness for the connections and strengthening and developing the Forest Culture institutions in Austria!
Austria’s forests have provided many artistic impulses in music, painting, graphics and poetry. By specifically integrating recognised works and future-oriented projects in the graphic and performing arts in forest-related education and public relations work, an understanding of the forest sector can be created and enhanced in many social classes.
A knowledge of forest history and culture has been handed down verbally and in writing in a variety of forms, has partly been processed scientifically, and is currently being passed on in a fascinating and diversified manner by some 500 institutions (museums, associations, enterprises, private initiatives). The important thing is to be open, to see the connections with agricultural, social and economic history, environmental history, trade, industry and services, and to aim for meaningful synergies. These institutions are currently providing the most important - and the most cost-effective - basis for the dissemination of forest culture concepts. However, their effect is based to a high degree on the tireless and often voluntary dedication of individuals. In order to enhance the desired public effectiveness and to achieve or maintain high technical standards, these institutions must be supported specifically with consideration for the regional and technical conditions in forestry.
Analysis of the development potential has started!
Many forest enterprises are located in the most attractive landscapes and at the same time in the historically most important regions of Austria. Many objects (palaces, monasteries, castles, agricultural estates, etc.) can be referred to as top-ranking cultural objects! They lend themselves to specific utilisation in connection with passing on forest cultural knowledge, and as economically sustainable enterprises with a forest tradition they are proof positive of the meaningfulness of intensive forest management. Some enterprises have already realised the tourism potential that is undoubtedly present, and have therefore developed the “enjoyment of culture and nature” as a second line of business in addition to the on-going sustainable forest management. A systematic analysis of this potential taking the specific tourism situation of the relevant region and any inhibiting factors into consideration would appear necessary, however, in order to weigh the strengths and weaknesses, and to be able to assess the development potential and any risks. A significant number of sites that are important in terms of forest history are located on historical lands in the rural regions of Austria. Their development is regarded as a priority both by Austria and by the European Union. The relevant support programmes are aimed at a systematic strengthening of authentic cultural initiatives (Leader +, etc.), which must be utilised meaningfully. The associated income opportunities are a contribution towards covering the often considerable costs of preserving the cultural heritage.
More information about FOREST CULTURE in Austria
10.09.2010,