Lower Austria is one of the nine states of Austria, located in the northeastern corner of the country, country, covering approximately 20,000 km2 (the largest one by area), with a population of about 1.7 million people. In recent history, Lower Austria has experienced steady economic development, partly due to its proximity to Vienna and its role in agriculture and industry. The province has invested in infrastructure and tourism, promoting its historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. The integration of modern industries and preservation of traditional agriculture and viticulture have been key focuses.
Lower Austria committed to the “Climate Action Program” (CAP) already in 2004 and the Regional Government included the topic of climate change mitigation in the state constitution (Landesverfassung) in 2007. In 2021, the Program was revised and adaptation was elevated as a key for the regional roadmap. The regional Nature-based Solutions (NBS) projects include topics such as flood management, urban restoration, agriculture biodiversity, water and soil protection. Roughly half of the 573 municipalities in Lower Austria are part of the KLAR!-programme on climate adaptation, building a community of knowledge exchange and, thus, increasing the expertise and the impact in this field.
As a key partner in the ARCADIA project, Lower Austria plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable climate change adaptation. Through the organization of Co-Innovation Labs in three regions, Lower Austria fosters collaboration among local stakeholders, researchers, and industry experts. Lower Austria is working to integrate Nature-based Solutions into regional and, eventually, national climate adaptation strategies. This effort aims to mainstream NBS, ensuring they become a core component of both policy frameworks and practical adaptation tools across the region.
Ph. Absdorf Hecke