The Austrian Research Centre for Forests’ (BFW) mission is to improve knowledge on forest ecosystems, enhance communication on the importance of sustainable forest management, and to raise awareness about protection against natural hazards, and nature conservation. Forest Management | BFW aims to support forest owners and foresters in every day decision making by providing science-based information and training opportunities. Forest
health, soil sciences, forest genetics, and implementation of silvicultural methods are some areas of BFWs’ expertise.
Forest and Climate | Climate change poses new challenges for Austrian forests. Future changes to forest sites and habitats need to be taken into account in the selection of future tree species.
Forest and Water | Forests and water are inextricably linked, primarily through the filtering effect that forests provide. The effects of climate change means that this aspect is growing in importance, especially in regard to drinking water supply and the prevention of natural hazards.
Forest and Biodiversity | BFW has long-standing experience in the field of biodiversity research, for example the Austrian Natural Forest Reserves Programme. The Austrian National Forest Inventory is also an important instrument in the monitoring and maintenance of diversity.
Forest and Natural Hazards | The protective function of forests against natural hazards such as avalanches, flooding,
erosion, or landslides is of increasing importance due to climate change and population growth. Did you know that the region of Lilienfeld in Lower Austria is the district with the highest tree density in Austria, or that the Nothburga-spruce in Tyrol has a height of 58 meters and is therefore the highest tree of the country?
Almost half of Austria is covered with forests and the forest area is still increasing – owned by private owners (82 per cent)and the public (18 per cent).
The Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW) offers consulting, applied research, monitoring and educational services. BFW carries out the national forest inventory and manages the comprehensive data on forests in Austria. Our vision is to make the outcomes of our research available to everyone. We aim to share knowledge on the manifold benefits of forests and their ecosystems.
The national forest inventory provides up to date data – we therefore know for sure: 3.4 billion trees are growing in Austria and 65 tree species can be found in the forests.
Forests have multifunctional roles: 145 000 forest owners make their living by managing their forests. Forests are important natural measurers to prevent and control natural hazards as avalanches and flooding. They are high in biodiversity and are often visited for recreational uses. True nature experience is often just to be found in forests. Our forests are doing well! Austrian Research Centre for Forests; We know all about forests! Forest area in Austria; National Forest Inventory - You see the wood for the trees ; The historical context; Forest and climate – The green lungs of Austria; Natural Hazards – Forests and their guardian spirits; Natural forests and their biodiversity;
Presumed dead but living longer – Deadwood and biodiversity ; Sustainably managed timber stock: Finding a balance between growth and utilization ; Who owns Austrian forests? Forest for recreation; Glossary
