This project is basically concerned with the ecological and socio-economical problems
linked to the dramatic changes of the structure, management and utilisation of
anthropogenous grassland during the last decades. These problems are not limited to
Austria but common to many mountainous areas of Europe and beyond.
The mentioned project consisted of five subprojects dealing with floristic diversity,
nutrient cycles and forage quality on farms, capturing the cultural value of the grassland
landscape, productivity and functionality of Alpine pastures and with the entire socioeconomic
sphere including both the farm sector and non-agricultural claims.
The results of this interdisciplinary project will help to maintain the essential features of
the beautiful mountain landscape in the Austrian Alps and will support the survival of the
local mountain farmer communities.
Project leader: Buchgraber, K., HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein