2024-11-09 12:03:00
This Saturday, trees were planted again diligently: During the reforestation campaign “Forest of Young Viennese” families, together with foresters from the City of Vienna, planted around 10,000 trees and bushes – this time in the 22nd district on the site of the newly created biodiversity park.
“New forests and trees are an important basis for a good life in our city, which we also want to ensure for our children and grandchildren,” emphasizes Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky. “And the climate impact of forests is also central; we must preserve our forests as a climate factor and manage them sustainably!”
Vienna’s forests are growing
Over a million square meters of new forest since 1985 – that is the proud result of the “Young Forest” campaign Viennese.” In addition, an additional 5,000 to 20,000 square meters have been planted every year since the 1990s with school children, company groups and local residents.
Education and Youth City Councilor Christoph Wiederkehr: “With the campaign in the ‘Forest of Young Viennese Women’, we are not only creating a climate-friendly place, but are also planting knowledge and awareness in the minds and hearts of the next generation. It is important to us that children and young people understand that every tree they plant takes root for a sustainable future and transforms their city into a greener, more livable environment. This is how Vienna becomes the most child- and youth-friendly city in the world – shaped by the hands of our youngest citizens.”
Biodiversity Park
The new park east of the Hirschstetten bathing pond is being built on an area of 110,000 square meters and should be ready for use as early as next summer. With this district park, Vienna is getting a spacious new park that not only plays an important role as a recreational area, but is also the first biodiversity park that is consciously and centrally dedicated to the preservation and development of urban biodiversity. The biodiversity in the district park should be supported through sustainable, gentle care of the existing forest there, through the additional creation of 20,100 square meters of new forest, the creation of toad biotopes, lizard bars, natural meadows and flower-rich poor meadows. In addition to the development of new, large recreational areas, it is ensured that areas throughout the city that are important for recreation and nature conservation remain untouched.
The modeling of the area is currently progressing quickly: In addition to forests and meadows, there will be walking paths, rest and relaxation areas, a toboggan and viewing hill and play opportunities.
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### Interview on Vienna’s Reforestation Efforts
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today! We’re discussing the recent reforestation campaign in Vienna, where around 10,000 trees and bushes were planted. We have with us Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky. Jürgen, can you tell us what inspired the “Forest of Young Viennese” initiative?
**Jürgen Czernohorszky:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration comes from our commitment to creating a sustainable environment for future generations. Trees are essential for our climate, urban biodiversity, and overall quality of life in the city. Given the historical context of our Vienna Woods, we want to ensure that our urban landscapes are rich in greenery and that we’re actively managing them for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.
**Interviewer:** That’s a crucial point. The Vienna Woods were once threatened with urbanization. How does this initiative address that historical concern?
**Jürgen Czernohorszky:** Exactly. About 150 years ago, we were on the brink of losing significant forest areas. Today, initiatives like the “Forest of Young Viennese” not only counteract that past threat but actively expand our forested areas. Since 1985, we have planted over a million square meters of new forest, and we continue to engage the community in these efforts. It’s about creating a culture of environmental stewardship.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of community, how important is public participation in these campaigns?
**Jürgen Czernohorszky:** It’s vital! Engaging families, schools, and local residents fosters a sense of connection to the environment. When people participate in planting trees, they develop an understanding of climate issues and the importance of sustainable practices. This collective action helps build a community that values and protects its natural resources.
**Interviewer:** Education seems to play a big role in this initiative. Can you elaborate on how you plan to raise awareness through these programs?
**Jürgen Czernohorszky:** Absolutely. Education is as important as planting trees. We’re working with local schools to integrate environmental education into their curriculums while also involving students in planting activities. This hands-on experience not only teaches them about biodiversity and sustainability but also empowers them to make a difference in their own communities.
**Interviewer:** What can we expect from future reforestation efforts in Vienna?
**Jürgen Czernohorszky:** We will continue to expand our forestry efforts, aiming to plant between 5,000 to 20,000 square meters of trees annually. We are committed to creating more biodiversity parks and enhancing existing green spaces. Our goal is to ensure that Vienna remains a green city and that our efforts are sustainable and beneficial for generations to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jürgen, for sharing these insights. It’s wonderful to see Vienna taking such proactive steps in reforestation and community engagement.
**Jürgen Czernohorszky:** Thank you for having me! Let’s keep working towards a greener future together.
