Case Study
Visitor Management Lobau 2023+ Customised solution for periurban challenges in the Viennese share of Donau-Auen National Park
Contact name
DI Susanne Leputsch
Institution name
Vienna, Municipal Department 49, Forestry Office and Urban Agriculture
Region & country
Austria, Vienna, Viennese share of the Donau-Auen National Park "Lobau"
Summary
Intensive recreational use leads to enormous challenges meeting the National Park Goals and high risk reaching the rangers‘ psychological carrying capacity. Effective communication and steering measures are needed to ensure objectives remain achievable. An integrated participatory process combined existing data, local empiric knowledge and consulting of experts took place. First step were as-is analysis, collection of strategic and operative data and a definition of goals, then an assessment to estimate effectiveness of existing and new measures. An executive summary and new strategy helped to get political support. „Lobau Together Weeks“ started in 2024 with support of the police, experts and local stakeholders. The results are positive.
We conduct Lobau Together Weeks 2024
(C) Stadt Wien
Overview of the process
(C) Stadt Wien
Analysis current situation
(C) Stadt Wien
Example of solutions
(C) Stadt Wien
Reaching many visitors in the Lobau Together Weeks 2024
(C) Stadt Wien
Background of the project
Before the actions were implemented, there were several issues: littering (e.g., dog waste bags), off-path activities, illegal path cutting with chainsaws, dogs attacking wildlife, habitat damage from tires, camping, aggressive behavior towards foresters, user conflicts, and increasing frustration. The growing number of visitors reduced the “recovery phases” for nature and park rangers, pushing them close to their psychological capacity, risking both their performance and well-being due to the heavy workload.
Effective measures must be expanded to promote respectful behavior, reduce illegal activities, and strengthen team resilience. Experts recommend implementing new measures that have proven to be particularly effective. Online tools like visitor monitoring data, such as Strava heatmaps, can provide valuable insights. All information should be clear, easy to understand, and include explanations.
It is crucial to sustainably strengthen the workforce by adding more personnel, providing resources for conflict management, securing political support, and ensuring adequate funding.
Solution and actions taken
Responsible for operational maintenance and involved in strategic development, the integration of Viennese forestry staff and rangers into the participatory process helped fill in data gaps. To explain the needs and gain political support, a strategy was developed in collaboration with local stakeholders and experts. This strategy is based on the staff’s practical knowledge, as well as insights from experts and the local community. It includes an analysis of the current situation, an evaluation of the effectiveness of existing measures, and the introduction of appropriate new actions.
Cooperation with police, stakeholders, responsible persons of administration and experts were enhanced by asking for help to protect the Lobau and for volunteer contributions to conduct the Lobau Together Weeks 2024. Two activity weeks offered a diverse program to experience nature, information and supervision, reaching 10.845 visitors. A communication agency was hired to proof successful implementation. Coaching and further education for rangers took place, the work on new entrances started.
Other institutions or parties involved
To conduct the pilot “Lobau Together Weeks” from 29.04.-05.05. & 10.-16.06. 2024 many organisations helped together: 51 nature educators of 16 partner organisations, the police with 104 hours support for 444 hours on site supervision, students with 340 hours of manning the “Welcome in the National Park” information stand.
Results
After the pilot implementation in 2024 the positive effects can be seen: Reduction of illegal use, enhanced resilience of the team.
Challenges
Continuing this over the years will be crucial for the successful conservation of the National Park within the City of Vienna.
Lessons learned
Involvement of staff at all levels supports effective protection. Collaboration leads to a more sustainable use of Periurban Parks. Tasks for the sustainability of the process are to ensure
• political support
• collaborations with local stakeholders, especially cycling community
• counting & monitoring of visitors
• clear information facilities at strategic points
• online information at relevant platforms
• personnel & financial ressources
Contact name
DI Susanne Leputsch
Institution name
Vienna, Municipal Department 49, Forestry Office and Urban Agriculture