Eco Audit

performed by AGL, working team of Landnutzungsplanung (planned land use), Institut für ökologische Forschung (Institute of Ecological Research)
Dr. habil. Dr. Ulrike Pröbstl

Winter sports play an important role in the alpine region in terms of attracting tourists and the regional economy. The current development of skiing has also been tied up with the expansion of skiing areas and their constant growth.

Various studies on skiing areas have shown the following environmental burdens:
– Qualitative and quantitative changes of the skiing area by expansion and changing of pistes through grading and clearing
– Skiing (mechanical damage, disturbance of natural habitats of wild animals)
– The double or multiple use of alpine habitats through winter sports, alpine pastures and forestry, which is so typical of many skiing areas, and, in summer, for tourists, are often not tuned to their mutual needs.
There are, however, many ways of upgrading the skiing regions (e.g. through redevelopment of damaged areas, long-term eco-friendly planning, public relations and guidance, etc.) and of improving their stability and suitability as habitats for the local fauna and flora.

Against the backdrop of these changes, the question arises: Which tools will assist in developing and upgrading the areas used for skiing? The basis should be established autonomously with rather few stipulations and little control by the authorities. A contingent tool is represented by the eco-audit.
For its implementation, the foundation „pro natura – pro ski“ was established in December 1999. This institution was a client of the project called „Öko-Audit von skisportlich genutzten Flächen“ (eco-audit of areas used for skiing). In this context, various suitable skiing regions were chosen. Planai-Hochwurzen, however, was the only skiing region in Austria that participated.
The project report includes the following information:
In the problem-oriented, thorough analysis, the historical development of the skiing region, its current uses, current vegetation and most important animals active in winter were described in detail, as well as the current environmental burdens. On the basis of the environmentally relevant data collected, the analysis and evaluation of the initial data were carried out in order to find weak points. In tandem with experienced employees and external experts, the strong and weak points of the individual topics were established and discussed in this analysis. The results of the environmental audit were the basis for the environmental programme. In this programme, all relevant goals and measures suitable for removing the weak points were formulated and put in concrete terms as regards their priority and time frame.

Quotation of the report:
“Overall, the general picture of the Planaibahn as a very advanced and committed cable railway working in the “green“ region could be reaffirmed. This can be demonstrated by establishing the locally restricted damage, which is minimal. The great efforts made in order to create a low-erosion vegetation cover, even after the pistes were altered, can clearly be seen. A positive result is also the collaboration with the local farmers in the area of piste grooming.”