The Alps characterise the landscape in Austria, covering over two thirds of the federal territory. As a result, the permanent settlement area in many regions is limited and located in the immediate vicinity of alpine hazards. Avalanches, torrents and rockfall areas cross important transport routes and border on historically developed living and economic areas. The “multi-talented” forest offers a wide range of ecosystem services, which underline its special role in these mountainous parts of Austria. By providing the climate-friendly raw material wood, it not only secures jobs and serves as an economic basis for many forest owners, but is also an important factor in climate protection through carbon storage, purifies air and water, contributes significantly to the energy transition through energy utilisation, and of course is a hotspot of biodiversity and protects against natural hazards!
