Protected Areas in the Middle Styrian Enns Valley – From the past to the future

Abstract

Rare habitats and animal and plant species in the Middle Styrian Enns Valley are protected in sites belonging to the EU-wide Natura 2000 network. The area at the foot of Mount Grimming has changed considerably over the centuries. For a favourable conservation status of the protected habitats and species to be achieved, consistent measures are required. The Rekult Iris project shows how agriculture and nature conservation can work together to create multifunctional areas, for agriculture, local recreation, education and research, through collaboration between regional services, practitioners, and educational and other bodies