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Hydraulic engineering measures
As part of the LIFE Pannonic Salt project, a total of at least 8 weirs in the Seewinkel main canal system will be constructed or renewed. This will reduce the outflow of water from the region.
At the same time, extreme heavy rainfall events, which will potentially increase due to climate change, can lead to sudden peaks in groundwater levels with the possible consequence of flooding. For this reason, the project also includes measures to improve flood protection for low-lying settlement areas.
On the one hand, these hydraulic engineering measures are intended to enable high groundwater levels in order to ensure the functionality of the soda pans. On the other hand, existing cellars are to be protected from flooding.
Restorationmeasures
Non-native, invasive species such as, in particular, the willow (Eleagnus angustifolia) are spreading rapidly in the project area. In order to restore the original wood-free banks of the soda pans and to prevent damage to the pan soil by the roots of these woody plants, they are removed mechanically.
As a result of degradation, reduced salinity and lack of grazing, dense stands of reeds have developed in some basins of the soda pans. The removal of reeds is an essential step in the restoration of salt marshes and soda pans.
Further restoration measures include the restoration of the relief of particularly severely degraded soda pans, the removal of an already formed humus layer (if necessary) and the renaturation of salt steppes through adapted mowing.
Future prospects
Scenarios for future, sustainable water management and future, water-friendly agriculture in the region are being developed as part of a separate work package.
Restoring a water balance that is as close to natural as possible is a major challenge that goes beyond the objectives of the LIFE Pannonic Salt project and the boundaries of the Lake Neusiedl - North-Eastern Leitha Mountains European Protected Area. However, in order to preserve the salt habitats, future water management in the region must be considered on a larger scale.
In cooperation with stakeholders and experts from the agricultural sector, scenarios for water-conserving forms of agricultural management are being developed. This includes questions about drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems. The effects of climate change and economic aspects must also be taken into account.
Accompanying monitoring
Monitoring in the form of "before and after studies" is carried out to check the success of the measures implemented.
Limnological studies provide information on the development of small crustaceans during the project period.
Another part of the monitoring is concerned with the ecological condition of the edges of the soda pans and their surroundings, with the focus on salt-tolerant (halophilic) vegetation. The surveys also serve to document and evaluate those areas where remediation measures are being carried out on particularly degraded sites.
Soil investigations provide information on changes in salinity in the various soil layers
As part of socio-economic monitoring, various aspects of the perception of the project in the region and economic relationships are being investigated.
Public relations work
The awareness of the value of the unique salt habitats, which is already strong in the region in some cases, is strengthened by a variety of public relations measures. However, the aim is not only to reach residents of the region, but also the many visitors who come to the Seewinkel every year, not least because of its natural beauty.
The involvement of various stakeholder groups is an important task here. A large number of people are reached through excursions, information events and specialist conferences.
Public relations work using modern technical means is essential. Not only the project website, but also social media channels on Facebook and Instagram are relevant. Podcasts and YouTube videos will be also produced.
