Nature conservation and urban ecology - key tasks of the Vienna Ombuds Office for Environmental Protection

The main tasks of the Ombuds Office in the field of nature conservation and urban ecology are

• informing the population on nature conservation issues, and
• taking action (i.e. locus standi) in legal proceedings under the following laws:
  • Vienna Nature Conservation Act, (German)
  • Hunting Act, (German)
  • Fisheries Act, (German)
  • National Parks Act, (German)
  • as well under the Vienna Building Code (German)
  • and the Act on Environmental Impact Assessment. (German)

Many power plants, roads, residential houses, tool sheds and other buildings are examined for their possible negative impact on the local environment, the landscape and its recreational value. The key aim of the Ombuds Office consists in demonstrating the value of nature and its importance for human life, especially in densely built-up areas.

Handbooks for all ages

The Ombuds Office has published a Handbook on Urban Nature (Handbuch Stadtnatur) and an Urban Wilderness Guide to help locals explore and appreciate the pockets of urban wilderness in their city. Unused yards, plots or meadows that have been reclaimed by nature - typically called "Gstettn" by the Viennese - can be particularly attractive for children. The Handbook contains a variety of examples for places that reconcile effective use of urban space with nature conservation. The third very well accepted publication is "Natur ist genau meins. Tipps für meine persönliche Grünoase", which offers solutions to include Nature awareness in everyday life. All publications are available in German only.

• Stadtwildnis ("Gstettnführer"): 4 MB PDF - German
• Handbook on Urban Nature - German
• Natur ist genau 'meins'. Tipps für meine persönliche Grünoase: 6 MB PDF - German

Scientific studies and measures to overcome prejudices

The Ombuds Office commissions scientific studies on current topics that require investigation, such as birds crashing into windows and other glass surfaces.

As an independent environmental protection institution recognised by political decision-makers, public administrators and the local population alike, it also arbitrates between parties in mediation processes and moderated discussions. Overcoming mutual prejudices between conservationists and those"using" natural spaces is therefore a central objective of its work.