Ramsar Sites in Austria

Austria’s magnificent natural and cultural landscape bears a rich potential for biodiversity and recreation as well as economic power. To preserve this potential for future generations, it is our responsibility to manage this landscape in an environmentally friendly and resource-conserving way and, as a result, protect certain areas. Wetlands, such as streams, creeks, riparian forests, lakes, mires and wet meadows are important in this regard as it is the availability of water that often makes a habitat attractive for countless animal and plant species – as well as humans.

Until only a few centuries ago, wetlands had been considered undesirable landscapes useful only if drained. Consequently, drainage, stream regulation and peat excavation have changed this country dramatically. Today, we know that wetlands not only enrich biodiversity but also play important roles in our daily lives, such as flood protection, securing potable water reserves and storing CO2 which is important for the climate.

As part of the Ramsar Convention, signed by 173 states around the world, contracting parties designate certain wetlands as “Ramsar Sites” and agree to maintain and preserve the ecological properties of these sites through “wise use”.

This brochure provides an overview of all 26 Ramsar Sites that have been designated since Austria joined the Convention. These, and all other important Austrian wetland sites, represent a vital contribution to conserving the biodiversity of our country.

Herausgeber:

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management

Abteilung:

Division IV/6 - Flood Control Management

Ausgabejahr:

2026

Ausgabeort:

Wien

Format:

Download

Kategorie:

Wasser allgemein

Seitenanzahl:

48