At the recent kick-off event for the LIFE AMooRe project, Monika Mörth, Head of the Water Division at the BML, welcomed the interested guests and emphasized the importance of Austria’s largest peatland project. Building on the Peatland Strategy Austria 2030+, LIFE AMooRe represents a new milestone in Austria’s long success story of LIFE projects.
“An investment in protecting peatlands is an investment in our future!” stated Water Minister Norbert Totschnig in his opening video message. For the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions, and Water Management, project partner in LIFE AMooRe, it was a particular pleasure to celebrate this special day at the BML in Vienna. Peatlands serve numerous functions for both nature and humans. Reflecting on the severe floodings of September this year, the minister underlined the importance of peatlands’ water storage capacity.
National Collaboration for Peatland Protection
The BML and the Federal Ministry for Climate Action (BMK), all nine Austrian provinces, and two universities are pooling their expertise to advance the implementation of the Peatland Strategy Austria 2030+. Federal Minister Gewessler (BMK) emphasized that this broad collaboration highlights the importance of this topic. “The project will positively transform and promote Austria’s peatland landscapes,” the minister said.
Since 2021, Tyrol has placed a particular focus on protecting and restoring peatlands. Regional Councillor Zumtobel highlighted in his message that successful projects have already been implemented in cooperation with landowners, and many more will follow through good collaboration. “A key focus of the project is enhanced exchange,” Zumtobel emphasized, “as only through collaboration can long-term and sustainable solutions for peatland protection be developed.”
Christian Berger, Head of Department in Vorarlberg, described the lengthy and sometimes challenging journey of the LIFE project—from the application process to the kick-off event nearly a year after the project’s start. Following the opening remarks, project leader Christiane Machold (Land Vorarlberg) introduced attendees to the project’s unique aspects. Peatland expert Christian Schröck then provided insights into the technical direction of Austria’s peatland conservation efforts during the project and beyond.
AMooRe for our Mires
The second session in the afternoon explored two distinct aspects. Sylvia Barova from CINEA and Jan Sliva from ELMEN EEIG highlighted the LIFE program and its significance for Europe’s peatlands. On the other hand, Carola Bauer from the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, Felix Lassacher from Tyrol, and Martin Klipp from Styria took the attendees on a journey through existing and future peatland conservation measures in Austria. This allowed everyone to gain a clearer picture of the initiatives being implemented through AMooRe.
Finally, Margit Gross from the Austrian League for Nature Conservation / Lower Austria, on behalf of project leader Christina Hummel (AGES), presented the ongoing MOIST project, which involves surveying degraded peatland areas in Austria and assessing their suitability for regeneration.
The recorded event can be watched here: Watch event
