WWF Calls for Supplementary Reporting on the Renaturation Gap in the Lower Lobau

The WWF argues that Vienna, as the capital, should assume a pioneering role in implementing the EU Renaturation Law. The organization points to the ecological significance of the Lower Lobau, which, due to its location on the Danube and its direct connection to the Donau-Auen National Park, plays a key role in the preservation and restoration of alluvial forests, wet meadows, and dynamic aquatic landscapes.

Background: EU Renaturation Law

According to WWF expert Michael Stelzhammer, a revived Lower Lobau would be a strong signal for the implementation of the EU Renaturation Law in the middle of the Donau-Auen National Park. He was quoted as saying: „Eine wiederbelebte Untere Lobau wäre ein starkes Signal für die Umsetzung des EU-Renaturierungsgesetzes mitten im Nationalpark Donau-Auen". The WWF sees the supplementary report as an opportunity to bring previously overlooked areas into the reporting process and thereby increase the share of areas in need of renaturation in the region.

As the landowner in the Lower Lobau, the City of Vienna is centrally affected, which is why, according to the WWF, a supplementary report only makes sense in close coordination with the state of Lower Austria. The two regional authorities share parts of the national park area, and a coordinated report is considered a prerequisite for ensuring that the designated areas can later actually be used for renaturation measures. An isolated supplementary report by Vienna alone would, in the WWF's assessment, be politically and administratively insufficient.

The demand is set against the backdrop of the EU Renaturation Law, which obliges member states to identify and report a certain proportion of areas for ecosystem restoration. The federal states and regions must demonstrate to the European Commission which areas are to be renaturated in order to achieve the Union's biodiversity goals. Delays or gaps in reporting can result in funding not being drawn down and overall target achievement being jeopardized.

Significance for the Donau-Auen National Park

The WWF emphasizes that the Lower Lobau, due to its historical dynamics and the existing protected area structure, is particularly well suited to meeting the requirements of the EU Renaturation Law. Renaturation could include, among other things, the restoration of softwood floodplains, the reactivation of old river arms, and the improvement of flood dynamics. Such measures would also serve flood protection and climate change adaptation.

From the WWF's perspective, it is strategically important for Vienna to participate visibly and at an early stage in the implementation of the EU Renaturation Law. A supplementary report would demonstrate that the city takes its European legal obligations seriously and regards the Donau-Auen National Park as a central building block of urban nature development. In addition, Vienna could thus assume a pioneering role in comparison with the rest of Austria.

Pending Responses from City and State

A response from Councillor Sima's office and from the state of Lower Austria was not available by the editorial deadline. The environmental spokespersons of the parties represented in the Vienna City Council have likewise not yet publicly commented on the WWF's demand. The WWF announced its intention to continue the dialogue with the city and the state in the coming weeks.

WWF expert Stelzhammer also pointed out that a successful supplementary report on the renaturation gap could have a signal effect beyond Vienna's borders. Other European capitals with comparable floodplain and river landscapes face similar challenges in implementing the EU Renaturation Law. With a complete report, Vienna could demonstrate that urban nature conservation and European biodiversity policy are compatible with one another.

In an accompanying statement, the WWF stressed that the renaturation of the Lower Lobau need not be in contradiction to existing uses within the national park. On the contrary, near-natural management practices, education, and gentle tourism could benefit from ecological enhancement. This is intended to secure political and societal support for the demand for a supplementary report among the Viennese population.