Leopoldschlag (Austria) - Awarded in 2017

In cooperation with the Upper Austrian League for Nature Conservation (Naturschutzbund Oberösterreich), Leopoldschlag has been committed to the protection and development of the border river Maltsch/Malše and its floodplains for many years. The Natura 2000 area 'Maltsch', which was designated in 1998, covers the Austrian section of the river and its pastures. This area is home to several endangered species, including the corncrake, black grouse, kingfisher, black stork, grey woodpecker, lynx, river otter, pearl mussel and dusky large blue butterfly. The common snipe regularly breeds in the flood-influenced areas. In 2005, the 'NATURA 2000 European Green Belt Information Centre Leopoldschlag' was established as the first European Green Belt information centre. Through exhibitions and regular cross-border events such as excursions and hikes, the centre raises awareness of the Green Belt and the Natura 2000 area. Since then, the "Green Belt Camps Maltsch" have also been held every year. As part of these international youth camps, valuable areas are maintained. In close cooperation with the Freiwald-Maltsch landscape management association, a grazing project involving water buffalo was initiated in 2014 to preserve valuable wetlands and their unique flora and fauna. The buffalo project has also been established as a tourist attraction, with regular "water buffalo tours" offered. 
 

For more information, please contact: 

National BUND Competence Centre Green Belt: Melanie Kreutz; melanie.kreutz(at)bund-naturschutz.de, Phone: +49 911 5752940