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

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

What is happening in the secret nature capital of Europe? Exciting developments in the area of ​​biodiversity are very popular in Vienna. With the new project “Paradise around the corner”, the city, together with the children's office of the University of Vienna, would like to give children from grades 2 to 4 insights into the fascinating world of biodiversity. As ökoNews reports, the commitment is particularly focused on the Breitenlee nature conservation area, the development of which serves as a far-reaching lead project for Vienna's vision of the green capital.

The area of ​​around 90 hectares, which formerly served as a marshalling yard and has suffered greatly from the influence of neophytes in recent years, was purchased by the city of Vienna. This area is now to be developed into a Natura 2000 area, which will not only benefit nature conservation, but also the image of the urban living space in Vienna. Climate City Councilor 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 raising awareness of biodiversity

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

To deepen knowledge, a biodiversity conference will take place in autumn, which is intended to promote exchange between young interested parties, scientists and representatives of the city government. Another goal is to create a lively dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in nature and environmental protection in Vienna.

The meaning of Breitenlee

According to information from Biodiversity Fund, Breitenlee is an important biotope for numerous protected species, including the hoopoe, the sand lizard and around 160 different species of wild bees. In order to sustainably secure these habitats, the City of Vienna is planning extensive renaturation measures, such as the removal of invasive plant species and the unsealing of areas.

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

Vienna's sustainable urban development

The city's approach to integrating biodiversity and nature conservation into all areas of urban development is not new. Vienna's forest and meadow belt and the Danube Island are just a few examples of Vienna's long-standing efforts to create a sustainable ecological identity. The City of Vienna has made it its mission to actively promote biological diversity and also take the EU Renaturation Regulation into account.

With the development of Breitenlee, a further step is taken towards less space consumption and minimal sealing. This also includes the creation of biodiversity and species protection corridors that will link the Nordwestbahnhof, Nordbahnhof and Augarten areas.

In summary, it can be said that with the “Paradise around the corner” project, Vienna is taking an innovative path to draw attention to biodiversity and at the same time make an important contribution to climate protection. The anticipation of the coming developments in the Breitenlee natural paradise is increasing and the city can look proud of its initiatives to promote a lively and diverse city life.