Biosphere
June 2016
Austria

Preservation of biodiversity in the Nature Park Purkersdorf

The ongoing support for several of the Nature Park’s small projects intends to sustain the nature reserve and the and health resort nearby Vienna.

The protection of natural habitats as well as environmental education for students and residents of the surrounding region are at the forefront of our support of the Nature Park Purkersdorf.

A habitat for all animal and plant species.

Situated close to Vienna, the 77-hectare nature reserve Purkersdorf has been a health resort in the midst of nature since 1975 with a great biodiversity.

To maintain its balance, it is important to protect and sustain the diversity of species as well as the ecological relations and processes. The greater the biodiversity, the better the animals and plants can adapt to the ecological changes, such as climate change.

To protect and strengthen the biodiversity of the nature reserve Purkersdorf, the Greenfinity Foundation supports several projects relating to the park:

Forest biotope at the Nature Park Purkersdorf

Expansion of the forest biotope

One of these projects supported by the Greenfinity Foundation is the expansion of the forest biotope within the Nature Park. It is not only an area of recreation and rest for the visitors of the Nature Park but also an ideal habitat for protected animal and plant species, such as the yellow-bellied toad which lives in this area.

Greenfinity unterstützt Naturpark Purkersdorf Waldbiotop

Thanks to the Greenfinity Foundation, the biotope is cultivated with regional wood and a comfy seating area has also been created for the visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. In addition, information panels inform the visitors of the various plants and animal that call the biotope their home.

Insect hotel

In addition, with the help of pupils from the Nature Park School Purkersdorf the insect hotel was renewed and filled with the respective material, in order to provide a suitable home for even the forest’s smallest creatures.

Nützlingshotel der Greenfinity Foundation
Auffforstung im Generationenwald Naturpark Purkersdorf

"Generational forest"

Another highlight of the nature reserve Purkersdorf is the generational forest supported by the Greenfinity Foundation. This forest is around one hectare in size and contains a mixture of oaks, maples, ash trees, pine trees and larches, all of which were planted and cared for by the children from the surrounding schools and the nature reserve school Purkersdorf.

The aim is to ensure that the area can be used by generations to come. Each student even became a sponsor to one planted tree. Together with the nature reserve team, yearly checks and tending strategies are implemented to ensure the forest's continued existence. On 26 June 2013, the project was even honoured as a Decade Project by UNESCO.

Bienenstock der Greenfinity Foundation

Honey from the Greenfinity Foundation

By pollinating plants, bees make a considerable contribution towards biodiversity. Therefore, 10 beehives have already been set up in a forest clearing at the Nature Parks attempt to counteract any colony collapse disorder. The Greenfinity Foundation has assumed sponsorship for one of these beehives.

The plants in the beehive's direct vicinity are nurtured as they play an integral role in offering sustenance to the bees. To this end, a glade near the Schöffelstein monument has been re-cultivated. With the aid of the Greenfinity Foundation donations, a second location for beehives is being created on the glade.

This project enables visitors to learn more about bees in the course of training sessions and workshops. And moreover: from these beehives you can have a special Greenfinity Foundation honey.

Projekt Info
Project Goals
  • Protection of natural habitats for animals and plants
  • Provision of a habitat and recreational area
  • The forest as an important factor in stabilising the climate
  • Preservation of biodiversity
  • Establishing the forest as an important supplier of raw materials
  • Environmental education for students and residents of the surrounding region
Projekt Location

Purkersdorf, Lower Austria

Project period
June 2016 – June 2017 / June 2017 – December 2018 / June 2018 - July 2019
Financing

The Greenfinity Foundation supported the projects in 2016 and 2017 mainly through donations collected at the "Lyoness Open powered by Sporthilfe Cashback Card 2016" as well as the "Lyoness Open powered by Organic+ 2017" in Atzenbrugg.

Since 2018 they are supported by the Greenfinity Foundation.

Concrete Realisation

Image Source: Purkersdorf nature reserve. Greenfinity Foundation

Convenantee group

50 students from the nature reserve school Purkersdorf (centre for special education) aged between 7 and 15 years, as well as approx. 1,000 students from Vienna and Lower Austria within the framework of forest-educational adventure hikes and approx. 25,000 visitors of the nature reserve

Project partner

Nature Park Purkersdorf in cooperation with LACON (Landscape Planning and Consulting) as well as in collaboration with regional partners