Austria
Danube-Bohemian Forest
General description
Located in the triangle of Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic the region of the Danube-Bohemian Forest (LEADER region) accommodates 30 municipalities with approximately 43,000 inhabitants. From 2015 on, a further eleven municipalities will join, adding up to 58,000 inhabitants. With an average age of 41 years, brain drain proves to be a challenge. Overall, 73% of the working population is commuting out of the region for work, though at the same time a considerable number is commuting to the region.
Characterized by a small structured rural landscape and a high share of forest areas, the region is considered the heart of organic farming in Austria and is well known as the largest “Bioregion” (organic region) in Austria.
Sustainability initiatives in the Danube-Bohemian Forest
The range of sustainability initiatives in areas such as organic agriculture, energy use, but also sustainable construction and housing is distinctive for this area and there is a high awareness for sustainable lifestyles – as you can see in this video.
Two specific initiatives in the field of organic agriculture and food production and in the field of energy use and mobility will be more closely investigated:
“Bioregion Mühlviertel”
The region is well known for the quality of regional and organic products as well as for the quality of cooperation between regional producers, processors and trade. More than 25% of farmers are growing their products organically, which makes organic agriculture an established contributor to the regional food production.
“Klima- und Energiemodellregion”
The region is one of 106 Austrian “Climate and Energy model regions” aiming at energy self-sufficiency. Through decentralised energy production and smart grids, car-sharing initiatives, energy cooperatives and use of renewable raw materials for construction and local heating the dependence on fossil fuels could already be reduced.
This video gives you a glimpse!
Case Study project contact:
Mirijam Mock ()
