Sustainable landscape managemenet - the example of Regional park Murauen

Abstract

Austria is a rich country in natural heritage. Its natural landscapes are distinguished by an extraordinary biodiversity, hydrographic, geomorphologic and geologic objects, phenomena and processes, so they are under special regime of planning, managing and protection. Preserved nature, natural resources and regional specifics are one of the most important factors for prosperity of Austrian province of Styria. High quality and authentic landscapes contribute not only to development of tourism and agriculture, but also to education about environment protection, energy production from renewable sources of energy, and regional development in total. The focus of this research is Regional park Murauen – the biggest recreational zone in the immediate vicinity of the City of Graz. and one of the most famous landscapes of the whole region. The biggest hydrographic object and dominative element of the landscape is river Murauen with its coastal area rich in quality forest complexes, rare species (the most important are reptiles and bats), and their habitats.