Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve – Detailed Planning

Associated persons Hanns Kirchmeir, Michael Jungmeier, Martin Kühmaier, Christina Pichler-Koban
Clients Biosphärenpark Wienerwald Management
Regions Austria
Year 2003

The planning area for the Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve extended across 1,000 sq km and took in 51 municipalities in Lower Austria and seven municipal districts in Vienna. E.C.O. carried out the detailed planning for the biosphere reserve in the Wienerwald. The first stage was to establish the core zone areas. A total of 49 core zone areas were designated and evaluated. This took place on the basis of GIS modelling and selective inspections of the area. The entire process was accompanied by intensive negotiations with the individual landowners. We developed goals and measures in close coordination with those involved. The planning was concluded successfully, and was followed in 2005 by the biosphere reserve being set up. The high point of this project to date has been the international recognition of the Wienerwald biosphere reserve by UNESCO.