The collaboration between pro.earth and the KlimafitWald project
The cooperation between pro.earth and KlimafitWald focuses on the protection of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable forestry. Together we are working on projects that are committed to the preservation and restoration of natural habitats. On the one hand, this includes the conversion of spruce forests into healthy mixed forests. On the other hand, we support biodiversity projects that focus on the protection of existing and the expansion of important habitats.
Forest conversion measures
One important project is the establishment of "climate-resilient forests", in which monocultures, especially spruce stands, are converted into climate-resilient mixed forests. Increasingly hot, dry summers and winters with little snow are putting a massive strain on the spruce crops planted over the last 70 years. Storms are tearing down large areas of forest and the bark beetle has an easy time in the weakened forests with ever longer summers, leading to massive tree loss. Through targeted maintenance measures and the planting of native deciduous trees, the KlimafitWald is to be better adapted to the changing conditions caused by climate change and at the same time strengthen biodiversity.
Establishment of a trial area for climate-friendly tree species
Protecting biodiversity
Another aim of the KlimafitWald is to protect existing important habitats such as orchards and rough pastures and to spread them. In addition, the project also creates new habitats for species that have already disappeared, such as native crayfish.
Native crayfish
This species, which has almost completely disappeared, has found a new home in the KlimafitWald.
Lean meadows
Pro.earth and KlimafitWald are committed to the preservation and maintenance of rough pastures, which - although not very productive - have a high ecological value. These meadows provide an important habitat for various animal and plant species and also help to bind CO₂.
The conversion of a so-called fat meadow - i.e. a meadow that is used more intensively and fertilized several times a year - into a lean meadow also began in 2024. The meadow will now be "depleted" for several years, i.e. not fertilized, which will lead to a loss of yield in the hay harvest, but at the same time to the colonization of new plant species, which will greatly increase biodiversity.
Litter meadows
In the area of the KlimafitWald there is a meadow orchard with ancient pear and cherry trees, which are part of a 30-year research project.
In addition, part of an existing meadow was planted with fruit trees in the fall of 2023 to create a new orchard.
Orchard meadows are important treasure troves of biodiversity
Bees
Unfortunately, in addition to many insect species such as wild bees, honey bees have also become increasingly endangered in recent years. In the KlimafitWald, bees find multi-layered, pesticide-free habitats.
With these joint projects, pro.earth and KlimafitWald are creating a good long-term basis for future generations and promoting biodiversity through resilient and near-natural habitats.
More information on the KlimafitWald: www.klimafitwald.at
