Austria: The Austrian Stepping-Stone Program—A Bottom-Up Approach

439-449

Artikel aus einem Buch

200212650

Ecological Connectivity of Forest Ecosystems (2025) , 439-449

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, with forests spanning diverse elevations and climates. It currently harbors around 68,000 species, but climate change and fragmentation pose threats to this rich biodiversity. Improving habitat connectivity and consequently allowing species to migrate to new suitable habitats is essential for combating both of these issues. Therefore, a national stepping-stone program with the aim of enhancing forest connectivity and conserving forest biodiversity was initiated. Around 750 stepping stones ranging from 0.5 to 25 hectares in size are to be excluded from regular forest management. Areas of priority include those with a presence of large amounts of deadwood, habitat trees, rare species, and special sites. Identification of these priority areas requires close collaboration with forest owners and employs a GIS-based approach featuring four indicators: Protect Value, Connect Value, Species Value, and Habitat Value. Funding schemes support the program with up to €5040 per hectare over a period of 20 years. The evaluation follows a systematic method, gathering insights and identifying strengths and weaknesses. A steering group oversees the program, and a scientific board advises on research design, data collection, and analysis. Data collection includes both habitat and biodiversity surveys. Stakeholders from the fields of forestry, nature conservation, research, and government are actively involved, supporting the program’s implementation and ensuring transparency. Through collaboration, systematic evaluation, and stakeholder involvement, the program aims to safeguard biodiversity-rich forest ecosystems and ensure long-term success.