Country Reports for the COST Action E4: Forest Reserves Research Network: Austria

1999

S. 35-53

5 Abb., 2 Tab., 29 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200091091

Austria can look back on a long tradition with respect to the establishment and maintenance of natural forest reserves. Currently, a national reserves network is being established and research priorities are being re-formulated. The network now comprises 159 natural forest reserves and natural forest stands, with a total area of 6,072 ha. The established reserves include 80 of the 125 natural forest communities in Austria. The objective of the Natural Forest Reserves Programme is to provide at least one natural forest reserve for each and every potential natural forest community in the forest ecoregions. The present report describes the relevant legal situation in Austria, the specific role natural forest reserves play in the Alpine region, and the "Natural Forest Reserves" project, as well as some relevant research results.