Der Winzer Billa Blühendes Österreich

Supermarket Billa Private Foundation Supports Biodiversity in Austrian Vineyards

The Billa Private Foundation is making a significant contribution to environmental conservation in Austria’s wine regions by funding five model nature conservation projects under the initiative #wine.landscape.

With a total investment of EUR 250,000, these projects—led by the Donnerskirchen winegrowers' association, the Krems winegrowers' cooperative, and private conservation associations—aim to enhance biodiversity and integrate sustainable practices into vineyard management.

Preserving Austria’s Wine Landscape

Austria’s vineyards are not just centers of winemaking but also key components of the nation’s cultural and ecological heritage. The interwoven landscape structures offer crucial habitats for diverse plant and animal species. By financing renaturation projects, the Billa Foundation seeks to promote responsible agricultural practices while preserving the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

The selected projects, chosen by an expert jury, were unveiled in January, with implementation scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Each initiative focuses on integrating sustainability into vineyard management while fostering biodiversity.

Biodiversity in Leithaberg, Burgenland

The Donnerskirchen winegrowers’ association, comprising eleven wineries and 30 members, is leading a conservation project across 400 hectares in the Leithaberg wine region. The initiative includes:

  • Construction of dry stone walls and stone piles to serve as habitats for insects, reptiles, and small mammals.
  • Greening vineyards with native plant seeds to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity.
  • Planting fruit trees to preserve traditional landscape elements.
  • Creating amphibian-friendly habitats, including new spawning waters and protective fences along the B50.
  • Organizing courses on maintaining old trees to raise awareness of their ecological value.

The project is receiving EUR 40,000 in funding. Project manager Anna Reichhardt emphasizes: “Our vision is to make our beautiful wine-growing area even more livable in the future, working in harmony with nature.”

Living Vineyards in Krems, Lower Austria

The Krems winegrowers' cooperative is spearheading the Living Vineyards project, aimed at enhancing biodiversity across 150 hectares of vineyards. Key measures include:

  • Cultivating herb and plant mixtures to protect the soil from erosion and strengthen its ecosystem.
  • Installing 500 nesting boxes to support bird populations.
  • Planting approximately 1,000 trees and shrubs to create habitats for diverse wildlife.
  • Constructing edge strips, embankments, and stone piles to support endangered species.

With EUR 40,000 in funding, this initiative engages 700 winegrowing families. Project manager Wolfgang Hamm states: “True to our motto ‘Diverse Together,’ we aim to make Krems Valley’s wine landscape a sanctuary for protected species while ensuring ecological sustainability for future generations.”

Stepping Stone Biotopes in Southern Krems Valley, Lower Austria

The ORTOLANdschaftspflege conservation association, in collaboration with young winemaker Lisa Flecher and the market town of Furth near Göttweig, is developing Stepping Stone Biotopes to revitalize 0.6 hectares of meadows and vineyard edges. Efforts include:

  • Enhancing vineyard slopes with flower borders, woody islands, and trees such as field elm and service tree.
  • Constructing structural elements like deadwood piles and stone walls.
  • Installing nesting boxes for rare bird species, including the little owl.

The project has received EUR 13,713 in funding and a media package worth an additional EUR 10,000. Founder Michael Binder highlights the project’s significance: “Through discussions in the region, we became aware of the decline in biodiversity. We hope this initiative inspires others to create a network of biotopes in the wine-growing landscape.”

Habitat Networking in Döbling, Vienna

In Vienna’s 19th district, two biodiversity hotspots—Burgstall and Caritas am Himmel—serve as focal points for habitat-enhancing measures. The project, supported by EUR 32,000 in funding, includes:

  • Restoration and construction of dry stone walls to provide refuge for reptiles and insects.
  • Renovation of 20 meters of walls within Caritas areas.
  • Selective mowing to encourage rare butterfly species.
  • Organizing biodiversity workshops to engage local winegrowers and promote long-term habitat networking.

Project manager Heimo Schedl remarks: “Vienna’s Döbling vineyards harbor rare and heat-loving species. Our goal is to preserve and enhance these natural treasures while educating the community.” Gerhard Kohlmeyer, agricultural director at Caritas, adds: “We are delighted to contribute to ecological enhancements through traditional care measures alongside clients, interns, and volunteers.”

Nature Corridor in Großweikersdorf, Lower Austria

In Weinviertel’s Großweikersdorf municipality, an isolated 0.3-hectare natural monument is at risk due to surrounding agricultural land. To counter habitat fragmentation, the Natur@Großweikersdorf association is establishing an ecological corridor with EUR 6,500 in support. The project aims to:

  • Connect species populations by creating a network of high-quality habitats.
  • Raise awareness of biodiversity conservation among local property owners.
  • Reintroduce and sustain populations of rare insect species and host plants such as gentian and Easter lily.

Christian Rosker, chairman of Natur@Großweikersdorf, underscores the project’s importance: “Many once-common plants and animals are now rare or extinct in our region. By creating ecological bridges, we aim to reverse this trend and restore habitat connectivity.”

A Future for Sustainable Wine Landscapes

The #wine.landscape initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to vineyard management, integrating biodiversity preservation with sustainable winemaking. These projects demonstrate the commitment of Austrian winegrowers to harmonizing agriculture with nature. With implementation underway, the Billa Private Foundation’s investment is set to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that Austria’s wine landscapes remain thriving ecosystems for generations to come.

Source: Der-Winzer

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