Moor protection and agriculture - the Rohrer Moor as a showcase project

2023-05-03 17:29:10

TV magazine “Land und Leute” on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. on ORF 2

St. Polten (OTS) – The moor in Rohr in Burgenland shows how a particularly sensitive ecosystem can be preserved and even used for agriculture. Peatlands are important water reservoirs, habitats for endangered animals and plants, and store more carbon dioxide than any other ecosystem in the world. Peatland protection is therefore also climate protection, because if these powerful carbon reservoirs dry up, CO2 is released.
The project in Burgenland shows how this can be successfully prevented. At 42 hectares, the Rohrer Moor is the largest fen in the Pannonian region. As early as 2003, 42 farmers in the Zickental switched from arable farming to grazing to prevent the moor landscape from drying out in the long term. The Zickental bog ox has become the figurehead of the region and grazes on the wet meadows around the moor. In addition, the “Rund ums Moor” association makes it possible to experience this special habitat with all your senses – for example, your feet can dip into the moor mud.

Other topics from “Land und Leute” on May 13:

*Butterflies, bees and herbs in the vineyard
Vineyard cultivation that is close to nature helps insects and birds, protects the soil and influences the quality of the wines. Using the example of the Kamptal wine-growing region in Lower Austria, the “Land and People” team shows how biodiversity is strengthened in the vineyards.

*Ponyhof goes to school
A pony farm in Carinthian Ledenitzen makes working with animals an experience for kindergartens and schools. “Country and People” is there when the little ones learn to help out on the farm. Mini pigs, chickens and the like also need to be taken care of.

* Solidarity farming
Shared income – shared risks: this is the principle of the solidarity agricultural cooperative SoLaKo in Styria. The consumers cover the budget of the farms with a financial contribution, for which they receive fresh food every week.

*Friesach builds a castle
The Middle Ages are within reach in Friesach in Carinthia: a hilltop castle has been built here since 2009. Only through historical knowledge and tools can a castle be built where visitors can experience the authentic everyday work of a medieval construction site.

Editor: Mag. Sabine Daxberger-Edenhofer