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Lobau under pressure: Experts reveal secrets of the floodplain forest!
On September 24, 2025, a lecture on the biodiversity of the Lobau took place in the Essling parish hall, presented by experts.
Lobau under pressure: Experts reveal secrets of the floodplain forest!
On September 24, 2025, the fifth lecture and information evening of the “Esslinger for the Lobau” initiative took place in the parish hall of the Essling Church in Vienna Donaustadt. The event attracted around 110 interested visitors who wanted to find out more about the hidden diversity of the floodplain forest in the Lobau. My district reports that the evening began with a lecture by Professor Christian Griebler, a groundwater ecologist at the University of Vienna, and Helmut Sattmann, a zoologist at the Natural History Museum.
Griebler spoke about the formation and dynamics of groundwater as well as its essential role for drinking and industrial water. A central focus was on the subterranean fauna of the Lobau, which is made up of species-rich microorganisms, worms and small crustaceans. These animals are not only harmless, but also actively contribute to ecological balance. The biodiversity in the Lobau is particularly impressive, which is home to around 800 plant and 11,000 animal species, many of which are endangered and dependent on specific habitats. Sattmann complemented the explanations with his idea of dragonflies, snails and mussels, including endangered species. The focus was on the interrelationships between living creatures in the riparian forest.
Role of Lobau in the ecosystem
Floodplain forests like the Lobau play a crucial role in flood protection and water retention. Unfortunately, the extensive area suffers from water shortages, which are exacerbated by climate change and human interventions such as river regulation and power plant expansion. The Nature Conservation Association highlights, that the first regulation of the Danube in the 1870s led to significant changes in water conditions, which seriously endangers biodiversity in the Lobau. Without sufficient water, the Lobau has no future as a natural floodplain area.
The increasing drying out and siltation, especially in the Lower Lobau, are alarming. The decline in water levels is clearly visible and highlights the need for action. The Nature Conservation Association calls for holistic floodplain management, urgently needed renaturation measures and a future-oriented solution to the sediment balance of the Danube.
Biodiversity and its importance
The biodiversity in Austria, including the Lobau, is of great European importance. Loud WWF The country is home to around 46,000 animal species and 21,000 plant species, but the local biodiversity is threatened. Habitat destruction, pollution and climate change are the main causes of the declining trend. Wetlands and the species that rely on them are particularly affected.
The organizers of the event hope that the valuable information will maintain and increase awareness of biodiversity. The evening was rounded off with an intensive discussion about the construction of the Lobau motorway, in which the participants almost unanimously spoke out against the project. A hypothetical vote would have resulted in a clear NO. The next event dealing with the controversial motorway will take place on November 10th with a lecture by UVP expert Wolfgang Rehm.