Climate Change Adaptation Model Region Lainsitztal - Stage 1

Klima- und Energiefonds

Verein Lainsitztalgemeinden für nachhaltige Entwicklung

Gemeinde Bad Großpertholz

Gemeinde Großschönau

Gemeinde Moorbad Harbach

Gemeinde St. Martin

Gemeinde Unserfrau-Altweitra

Gemeinde Weitra

The climate change adaptation model region (KLAR!) Lainsitztal is one of 93 regions in Austria that have set themselves the goal of actively adapting to the consequences of climate change, identifying regional risks and opportunities, implementing concrete measures and raising awareness of climate issues among the population. In the Lainsitztal region, the municipalities of Bad Großpertholz, Großschönau, Moorbad Harbach, St. Martin, Unserfrau-Altweitra and Weitra are working on this. The following measures were implemented in the KLAR! region Lainsitztal in the period from February 2022 to January 2024:

1. Forest management in the face of climate change: Awareness of the challenges in the forest was raised in a series of events and through targeted contribution formats. In addition, existing advisory services were advertised in order to offer forest owners concrete support for climate-friendly forest management.
2. Forest and game in harmony: Particularly endangered areas were analyzed and control areas established. Comparative pairs of plots and regular surveys were used to investigate the relationship between game density and vegetation.
3. Climate-smart agriculture: The climatic situation in the region was analyzed and prepared, presented and published, including adaptation options. Excursions to best-practice examples and exchange formats with the Chamber of Agriculture supported the implementation of adaptation measures in practice. 
4. Humus build-up in the Lainsitz Valley: Field workshops were offered and group consultations arranged to promote soil health. In addition, individual advisory campaigns were advertised to directly support farmers.
5. Biodiversity in public areas: Natural areas were surveyed and made visible, communities were motivated to participate in “Nature in the Garden”. The ecological quality of public spaces was improved through design consultations, the creation of new biodiversity areas and targeted training for municipal employees.
6. Biodiversity in private areas: events on biodiversity sensitized the population. The Hedge Day in Bad Großpertholz and a broad-based awareness campaign showed how private gardens can also contribute to biodiversity.
7. Moor in the Lainsitz valley: A specialist lecture and an excursion drew attention to the value of the moor, especially in the Lainsitz valley. In addition, a restoration and renaturation concept was developed for a sample area in the Pertholzer Moor in order to preserve and improve the ecosystem in the long term.
8. Water retention at municipal level: Following research and the presentation of best practice examples, the planning and implementation of specific water retention measures were supported. This was accompanied by measures to raise awareness. 
9. Disaster prevention in the Lainsitz Valley: municipalities assessed the current status of their disaster prevention measures. Workshops and information events helped with the development of municipal protection plans and strengthened the population's own preparedness.
10. Reduction of soil sealing: the planning of low-sealing areas was supported and their implementation monitored and evaluated. A workshop for Waldviertel municipalities and targeted educational work rounded off the project.
11. Making KLAR! visible: The visibility of KLAR! was strengthened with a new homepage, topic-specific photos, an easy-to-understand overview of climate scenarios, a newsletter and a uniform corporate identity.

https://www.kem-lainsitztal.at/klar-lainsitztal/ (in German)