Erla in St. Valentin: Natural project improves habitat for animals!

Erla in St. Valentin: Natural project improves habitat for animals!

St. Valentin, Österreich - In St. Valentin, the renaturation of the Erlabach has opened a new chapter. This measure not only represents an ecological profit, but is also part of a comprehensive flood protection project. The city councilor Karl Bunzenberger (ÖVP), who is responsible for this area, is happy about progress. The first part of the project has already been successfully completed. This means that the habitat for water -bound animals has now been significantly improved. The new stream gives fishing and other water residents better hiding and reproductive options.

with an enormous invested amount of around 1,500,000 euros and a funding rate of 98 percent from the federal government and the state, the municipality of St. Valentin was able to get this ambitious measure rolling. The city's own costs of around 30,000 euros are also remarkable. The basic prerequisite for the funding was the ecological improvement of the Erlabach, which is now officially implemented.

a comprehensive project

The flood protection project also provides for a sophisticated strategy for the second part. A small wiping pool and a large retention basin with a storage volume of 666,000 cubic meters are to be implemented in the upcoming phase. These measures are particularly important in view of the extreme weather events caused by climate change. Heavy rain often brings great challenges, which is why such renaturation projects are becoming increasingly important in order to ensure flood protection and improve water quality. Responsibility for this lies not only by the municipalities, but also at the national level, where there are numerous funding opportunities, such as Federal Environment Agency.

The creative use of the trees and rootstocks, which were cleared during renaturation, is particularly exciting. These were sensibly reused in the new stream bed so that the water flora and fauna can quickly adjust. In parallel to the ecological advantages, however, one must also be aware that in the event of flood events, flooding along the Erlabach must continue to be expected. Overall, however, the transformation leads to a variety of positive effects on biodiversity in the region.

outlook and importance of renaturation projects

The entire area that was redesigned in the course of the renaturation extends over 140,000 m² and is native to numerous ecosystems: from natural stream curves to outer forests to dry biotopes and flower meadows. Such projects are necessary to meet the requirements of climate change and to strengthen the resilience of the waters. Correctly implemented, also make a valuable contribution to flood protection, as described by the [Oekom] (https://www.oekom.de/biebtrag/gewaesser-im-klimawandel-lesipps-zenaturierung-Hochwasserchutz-und- Mehr-249).

The combination of nature conservation, coping with flood and the creation of new habitats started here successfully, and the next part of the project is eagerly awaited. But one thing is certain: the renaturation of the Erlabach is a prime example of how important such ecological measures are for the environment and society.