Nature Conservation Safeguarding of Small-Scale Rock and Stone Habitats

With the conservation-oriented safeguarding of small-scale rock and stone biotopes in Upper Austria, the preservation and maintenance of solitary rocks, rock castles, and dry stone walls are promoted. The open-ended program, effective from January 15, 2024, aims to protect rare lichens, vascular plants, and animal species – such as Veronica dillenii, Asplenium septentrionale, or Vipera berus. Eligible for funding are natural and legal persons, foundations, companies, cooperatives, public and non-profit organizations, as well as interest groups or other associations. Within a project duration of up to 60 months, all maintenance and preservation measures on defined biotope structures can be subsidized to secure particularly conservation-valuable sites of the Bohemian Massif in the long term.

Applications can be submitted at any time through a certified nature area manager or an expert in nature and landscape conservation, whereby proof of certain target species is a prerequisite for funding. The support amounts to a flat rate of €360 per year and defined biotope element, thus providing a clear basis for calculation. The legal basis is found in the Upper Austrian Nature and Landscape Conservation Act 2001 as well as the General Funding Guidelines of the state. Through the combination of professional supervision and state subsidy, a practice-oriented concept is established that promotes active nature conservation on site and sustainably ensures the preservation of valuable biotopes.