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What is it all about?
The last 150 years have been dramatic for the soda pans of the Seewinkel region. As can be seen on the map above, of the more than 140 soda pans that existed in the mid-19th century, around 30 still exist today (red shows the vanished pans).
The main reason for the decline of the soda pans is the lowering of the groundwater level and the associated loss of salt transport to the ground surface. The lowering of the groundwater level was caused by a dense and efficient network of historic drainage ditches and canals that drain water from the region. In addition, the situation is exacerbated by groundwater extraction for agricultural purposes and by municipal groundwater extraction wells, which push the groundwater to an extremely low level for the sewer system and in favor of the expansion of the settlement area.
The LIFE project "Pannonic Salt" was initiated as even the last remaining functioning soda pans are endangered by persistently low groundwater levels.
The soda pans of the Seewinkel play also an important economic role for nature tourism in the region. From the bird migration at the soda pans in March/April to the breeding season in summer and the autumn/winter aspect of the soda pans, numerous visitors are attracted to the region throughout the year. The soda pans also have an impact on agriculture. Their microclimatic effect, especially in viticulture, is increasingly recognized by local winegrowers.
The aim of the project is to improve the condition of the remaining soda pans and thereby preserve these unique habitats and the species that live in them for future generations.
What do we want to achieve?
- Improved water retention in the project area
- Restoration of the groundwater level required for the functionality of the soda pans
- Improved flood protection
- Scenarios for water-conserving agriculture in the region
- Improvement of the conservation status of around 1,200 ha of salt habitats
- Raising awareness of the value of salt habitats in the region and among visitors to the national park
- Strengthening cooperation with the tourism industry
- Increased cooperation with protected areas with similar habitats and challenges in the Pannonian region and beyond
Backroundinformation of the project
Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
