More Room for the Austrian Rivers

Landesrat DI Dr. Josef Schwaiger

„After the severe floods of 2002 and 2005, it became evident to Salzburg that flood protection only makes sense when coupled with aquatic ecological measures; anything else would be ‘against nature.’ The flood protection projects implemented in recent years with this principle in mind bring added value to both people and nature and speak for themselves. The further development of the planning tool ‘Water Development and Risk Management Concept’ in a nationwide process with support from EU funds is of great benefit. Salzburg is pleased to be part of it and has made it a priority.“

Landeshauptmann-Stellvertreter Josef Geisler

„Whereas in the past, rivers and streams were often extensively engineered to mitigate flood risks, today we are charting new paths. Flood protection and ecological water management now go hand in hand and often come with added value for recreation enthusiasts. Through Tirol’s participation in this LIFE project, we can, with the support of EU funding, lay the foundation for flood protection in harmony with water conservation and aquatic development along the Drau and Isel rivers.“

Landesrat. Ök.-Rat Johann Seitinger

„The LIFE IRIS project Enns combines the ecological requirements of the river Enns’ environment and improves the safety of the population. This project is a good example for the fact that common strategies are necessary to achieve a sustainable improvement for the Enns Valley.”

Sektionschef DI Günter Liebel

“Flood protection and water conservation do not have to be contradictory! With the planning tool ‘Water Development and Risk Management Concept,’ interdisciplinary planning processes can yield the best solutions for our water bodies. The IRIS project provides the opportunity for the federal government and federal states to jointly test, evaluate, and enhance this instrument in collaboration with viadonau. Thus, the IRIS project lays an important foundation for successful integrated river basin management in Austria.”

Landesrat Mag. Heinrich Dorner

“The implementation of preventive flood protection measures is a central concern of the Province of Burgenland. In the recent past, flood protection projects have already been accompanied by river ecology initiatives. The aim is on the one hand to protect the local population and their possessions from natural hazards and on the other hand to restore natural habitats in the rivers.”