In the heart of Lower Austria, the Wagram region is known for its vineyards, farmland, and rolling hills along the river Danube. Here, the ARCADIA Lab 1 explores how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can help local communities adapt to the growing challenges of drought, heavy rain, and soil erosion.
Adapting to extreme water events
Under the theme “Too much and too little water”, the lab tests practical NbS that protect soil and strengthen local resilience. Measures include multi-purpose hedges and buffer strips that prevent erosion, store water, and enhance biodiversity. The aim is to create landscapes that support both nature and people.
Working together for climate resilience
Lab 1 is a joint effort between several Austrian partners:
- Lower Austrian Agricultural District Authority (ABB) implements hedgerows and land-use planning;
- GeoSphere Austria (GSA) leads the climate risk assessments;
- Natur im Garten (Ecological Gardening, NiG) develops greening solutions for settlements;
- associated partner KLAR! Wagram connects municipalities, farmers, and local stakeholders;
- support also comes from Energy and Environment Agency of Lower Austria (eNu).
Our courses of action
In the Municipality of Absdorf, a land-use planning process is underway that creates biotope networks by implementing NbS on public and private land, including church-owned farmland. Farmers and municipalities, supported by ABB, plant hedgerows and exchange knowledge through workshops, field trips, and training sessions. These activities link research with real-world action, improving soil, water, and biodiversity.
To further strengthen this work, interviews were conducted to assess the current situation and gather ideas for improving multifunctional hedgerows and land-use planning. Over the coming years, these insights will guide the further development and optimisation of our Nature-based Solutions.
An international study visit with colleagues from the Swedish ARCADIA partner region of Skåne also took place, giving all partners the chance to see these nature-based measures first-hand in the Wagram region and exchange experiences on climate adaptation in agriculture.
Looking ahead
The lab continues until early 2026. Upcoming activities will include more hedge planting, finalising potential yield loss maps due to soil erosion and drought for Lower Austria, and embedding results into the KLAR! Wagram strategy.
A model for Europe
Lab Wagram demonstrates how climate adaptation, agriculture, and community well-being can go hand in hand. Its nature-based and cooperative approach offers a blueprint for resilient rural development – in Lower Austria and beyond.