From train station to paradise: Vienna's plan for biodiversity delights children!

From train station to paradise: Vienna's plan for biodiversity delights children!

What is happening in the secret natural capital of Europe? In Vienna, exciting developments are very popular with biodiversity. With the new project "Paradies Um of the Eck", the city, together with the children's office at the University of Vienna, would like to give children from the 2nd to the 4th school level insight into the fascinating world of biodiversity. As reports Econews, the focus is particularly on the nature conservation area Breitenlee, the development of which serves as a long-range lead project for Vienna's vision of the green capital.

The area of around 90 hectares, which formerly served as a shift station and has suffered greatly from the influence of neophytes in recent years, was bought by the city of Vienna. This area is now to be developed into a Natura 2000 area, which will benefit not only nature conservation, but also to the image of the urban habitat in Vienna. The climate city council Jürgen Czernohorszky emphasizes the urgency of the renaturation measures and speaks of the need for decisions that will shape our future.

children's university and sensitization for biodiversity

A highlight of the project was a lecture that recently took place on the campus of the University of Vienna and was visited by around 100 committed children. These lectures are part of a comprehensive educational offer that includes lectures, school workshops and excursions on habitats as well as threatened animal and plant species in the Breitenlee area. The children's university runs until July 18, whereby the registrations are possible online.

The meaning of Breitenlee

According to information from Biodiversity Fund, Breitenlee is an important biotope for numerous protected species, including the cradling lizard, the fence lizard and around 160 different game bee species. In order to secure these habitats sustainably, the City of Vienna plans extensive renaturation measures, such as the removal of invasive plant species and the distortion of areas.

The intention to promote development as a Natura 2000 area shows the city's commitment in dealing with its natural biodiversity. This also represents a regional contribution to climate and nature conservation and should serve as a nationally significant corridor.

Vienna's sustainable urban development

The city's approach to integrate biodiversity and nature conservation in all areas of urban development is not new. Vienna's forest and meadow belt as well as the Danube Island are just a few examples of Vienna's long-term efforts for sustainable ecological identity. [The City of Vienna] (https://www.wien.gv.at/spezial/Mandungsgieba2025/wiens-zukunft- sustainable- Design/wir-schutzen-und-se-die-tart-in-wien/) has been committed to actively promoting the biological diversity and also taking into account the EU Redaturation Ordinance.

With the development of Breitenlee, another step towards less area consumption and minimal sealing is undertaken. This also includes the creation of biodiversity and species protection corridors that are supposed to link the area Nordwestbahnhof, Nordbahnhof and Augarten.