Implementation of the Convention
Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target
The network of protected areas, with all its different categories and the Natura 2000 sites, ensures that relevant ecological regions are protected. National targets for specific programs of work concerning agriculture, inland waters, forest and mountains have been established and incorporated into relevant plans, including the Austrian National Biodiversity Strategy. Targets have been established in the Strategy for the preservation of agricultural and mountain genetic resources which is closely connected with its economic use.
In 2004 the first National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) was adopted. It includes objectives and measures for priority areas (education and awareness-raising, capacity building, research and monitoring, legal and organisational implementation), identifies the main actors and time lines for implementation as well as lists of invasive, potentially invasive, economically problematic and health-affecting neobiota. A national focal point on IAS has been established to serve as "coordinator" in the implementation of this Action Plan as well as for information exchange on IAS related issues, in particular with neighbouring countries. For certain invasive alien species management plans are established, for example the Asian Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), Ambrosia artemisiifolia or Robinia pseudoacacia.
Within the Austrian MOBI-e project a concept for a national biodiversity monitoring system has been developed. The 47 indicators chosen cover a wide range of issues, such as forests, cultural landscape, alps, settlements, waters and the cross section matters species and habitats, nature protection, soil, genetics, fragmentation and awareness. At present there are efforts under way to implement the indicators. Due to the wide range it is necessary to coordinate a great number of units in public administration (federation and provinces) who need to commission various groups carrying out the monitoring. For more information, see: http://www.umweltnet.at/article/articleview/48562/1/6914/ (German only)
The Austrian Sustainable Development Strategy includes targets regarding the areas of particular importance to biodiversity, the conservation of species diversity, the promotion of sustainable use and consumption, and biodiversity challenge due to climate change and pollution.
In autumn 2006 the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management together with Naturschutzbund and Oesterreichische Bundesforste AG (Austrian Federal Forests) launched an awareness raising campaign to protect the 111 most important Austrian animals as key species of the relatively high biodiversity in Austria. See: http://www.naturschutzbund.at "ueberleben" (survival). Moreover, the Austrian Federal Forests, as the largest natural landscape managers of the country (they manage 10% of the surface: forests, meadows, wetlands and their fauna), have a great responsibility for preserving biological diversity. In order to work towards the objectives of the Convention on Biodiversity and the “2010 target”, they have developed a 5-year Biodiversity Programme in addition to the nature conservation programmes that they have been implementing for many years. Thereby, the focus of the Austrian Federal Forests is on supporting a wide variety of projects on their forest surfaces, awareness-building measures for employees and for the public, sustainable utilisation of the potentials offered by biological diversity, implementation of special nature conservation projects for threatened species and types of landscape, collaboration with stakeholder groups, especially environmental NGOs, and measurability of the projects. As a tool for measurement, the Austrian Federal Forests have developed the Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC - management instrument to illustrate and control the area’s economy, man/society, and nature) with special biodiversity indicators. Until the year 2010, the status of biological diversity is to be maintained or improved. The current status is measured by the indicators in the SBSC. In the SBSC, the indicators are broken down into these areas: nature conservation, forestry, hunting, fishery, and natural space management. Examples of the indicators are the share of dead wood in the forest, afforestation in terms of numbers per species of tree and shrub planted, the presentation of game ecology concepts taking corridors and networking possibilities into account, and the kilometre/hectare count. http://www.bundesforste.at/
National Biodiversity Commission: In June 1996 the National Biodiversity Commission was entrusted by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Youth and Family to coordinate and harmonize the numerous activities and programs as well as to promote the flow and exchange of information. This Commission is composed of representatives from administrative departments (Federal Ministries and Provincial authorities), unions and management, science and NGOs. In addition to publishing the First Austrian National Report in 1997, this Commission is also responsible for the Strategy and its evaluation/updating.
For more information, visit the CHM at: http://www.biodiv.at
Initiatives in Protected Areas
Same as for 8j. The Austrian Development Cooperation supports indigenous and local community-based organizations in developing countries (Nicaragua, Brazil, Colombia, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nepal and others) by assessing local knowledge and integrated rural development programs as well as supporting local planning activities. Participation, capacity building and empowerment are the underlying principles of the Austrian Development Cooperation Act. Universities are active on these issues too, for example in Costa Rica and Uganda.
Initiatives for Article 8(j)
The Austrian Development Cooperation supports indigenous and local community-based organizations in developing countries (Nicaragua, Brazil, Colombia, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nepal and others) by assessing local knowledge and integrated rural development programs as well as supporting local planning activities. Participation, capacity building and empowerment are the underlying principles of the Austrian Development Cooperation Act. Universities are active on these issues too, for example in Costa Rica and Uganda.