2023-08-03 08:34:41
In view of the climate crisis, green Vienna want to wake the Wien river from its slumber – great potential as a natural living and recreational area with extended cycle paths and footpaths
Vienna (OTS) – “Vienna has an ecological gift with the Wien River, which flows through the middle of the city. With a view to the climate crisis, the city government must understand it as such and act quickly. Anything else would be oblivious to the future,” said Peter Kraus, Green Vienna party leader, in the vision presented today for a renatured Vienna river as a green oasis.
Already 30 years ago there were plans in Vienna for the renaturation of the Wien river from the Danube Canal to the Vienna Woods. Only a small part of this has been implemented so far. Since then, the Wien river has eked out a desolate existence as a gray trickle over long stretches. “What we need in times of climate crisis with the associated extinction of species is a green Wien river oasis as a natural and recreational area for people, plants and animals,” says Kraus.
Forward-looking planning is now necessary
The expansion of the Wiental canal by 2028 is an important prerequisite for a natural redesign of the Wien river: in the event of flooding, no sewage can then get into the river. That’s why the Greens are now pushing for forward-looking planning – so that the Wien river can regain as many functions as possible for people and nature. A renatured Wien river also strengthens the cold air corridor from the Vienna Woods to the first district and thus cools down hundreds of thousands of Viennese.
Traffic turnaround and improved urban climate
There is also an attractive cycle route along the river – from Auhof to the Naschmarkt. “The climate crisis requires more courage for a green turnaround in transport. Let’s use the Wien river for a continuous footpath and cycle path from the center to the Vienna Woods. More than ten kilometers of crossing-free, safe cycling would soon be possible and would make commuting by bike more attractive,” says Kilian Stark, planning and mobility spokesman for the Greens in Vienna.
The demands of the Greens in Vienna
Planning and design of the Wien river under the following specifications:
1. For the urban climate – comprehensive renaturation from Auhof to the Danube Canal: Restoration of nature by structuring the course of the stream and planting shrub willows and reeds. The cold air corridor is supported up to the first district by the greening and cooling through stronger evaporation.
2. Creation of the local recreation area for the Viennese, especially the districts 1, 3-6, 12-15. The Wien river can be experienced once more as a near-natural stream. Walking or staying by the water has a high recreational effect. Attractive seating and relaxation areas, riverside terraces and sunbathing areas. A recreation area especially for people who cannot afford a vacation in the countryside, because you can dangle your feet in the clean water.
3. Nature and species protection in the city: Due to the structuring of the watercourse with different water depths and flow velocities, habitats for different creatures are formed. The original function of the Wien river as a connection between the Danube and the Vienna Woods is restored, and animals such as e.g. B. crayfish, brown trout or dragonflies get a habitat once more.
4. Footpath and Bike path from Auhof to Naschmarkt (possibly on the retaining walls if there is a lack of space) with regular ramps according to the feasibility study. Over ten kilometers of crossing-free, safe cycling make commuting by bike and walking more attractive.
Questions & contact:
Communication Green Vienna
(+43-1) 4000 – 81814
presse.wien@gruene.at
1691052020
#Green #ViennaKraus #Stark #Renaturing #Vienna #River #time #green #oasis
