BM für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Klima- und Umweltschutz, Regionen und Wasserwirtschaft, Sektion VI Abteilung 7(Klima)

The Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Regions and Water Management is the highest Austrian federal authority for agricultural policy, rural development, spatial planning, and water resources. Within its remit, it manages and finances funding programs and investments in municipal water management, aquatic ecology, and flood protection. This includes the allocation of funds under the Environmental Support Act (UFG) and the Water Construction Support Act (WBFG) for projects aimed at securing drinking water supply, wastewater disposal, ecological improvement of flowing waters, as well as climate adaptation measures such as local stormwater management and the use of renewable energy sources. In 2022, the Ministry disbursed approximately EUR 688 million in these areas, with EUR 200 million specifically allocated for aquatic ecological measures through 2027.

The mission of the Federal Ministry is the sustainable safeguarding and improvement of water quality and availability in Austria, as well as the protection of ecosystems in alignment with climate protection goals. Through targeted funding instruments and investments, it promotes a future-oriented water infrastructure, strengthens regional value creation, creates jobs, and makes a significant contribution to climate change adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction.

The target group of the funding programs primarily includes municipal authorities, water management companies, planning and construction firms, as well as other project sponsors throughout Austria. Measures are funded in the areas of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, aquatic ecology, flood protection, climate adaptation, and the use of renewable energies in urban water management facilities. Research institutions and stakeholders in water and climate protection can also be supported within the framework of project-related calls for proposals.