KLAR! Pinkafeld-Riedlingsdorf

The Pannonian model region "Pinkafeld-Riedlingsdorf" is particularly affected by climate change due to drought and heat, which is why many integrative adaptation measures are necessary."
(Dipl. -Ing. Benjamin SCHAFFER, KLAR! contact person)

KLAR! Pinkafeld -Riedlingsdorf

The KLAR! model region will be particularly affected by drought as a result of climate change. This was the motivation for the stakeholders to participate in the KLAR! programme. The aim is to implement priority adaptation measures against drought in the future, while also addressing other adaptation potentials.

Pinkafeld-Riedlingsdorf is to be adapted by the underlying project so that the best possible protection against the predicted drought is in place by 2050 and no losses in quality of life or economic performance occur. The project therefore represents a unique opportunity for the region.

Current impact of climate change

As a Pannonian-influenced climate zone, the KLAR! region is already one of the driest and warmest areas in Austria; a significant increase in temperature is expected in the near and distant future (by approx. 2 degrees by 2050 and by approx. 3.8 degrees by 2100). Massive impacts on forest stands, vegetation in general, agriculture (especially wine), watercourses, ecosystems and the health of the population are to be expected.

Vision with regard to climate change adaptation

In 2050, Pinkafeld-Riedlingsdort will be as well adapted as possible to the predicted drought and will still have a high quality of life and economic performance. In concrete terms, Pinkafeld-Riedlingsdorf in 2050...

• The local water supply can be reliably guaranteed despite the drought.
• House builders and renovators have taken measures to store and utilise rainwater.
• The population has been sensitised to the careful and efficient use of water.
• Nature conservation areas have been created that serve as a refuge for the affected wildlife in times of extreme drought.
• The microclimate is actively improved through spatial planning and the creation of appropriate green open spaces.Soil sealing and heat-radiating objects are reduced.
• Agriculture has adapted its crops and water management to the drought in the best possible way. Winegrowers in particular have changed their choice of grape varieties and are implementing measures to reduce soil desiccation.Soil drying due to erosion is largely prevented by natural wind barriers.
• Forestry has adapted to the changing vegetation and favours mixed stands that are resistant to drought and pests (e.g. deep-rooted trees).
• The edges of watercourses have been planted to preserve the flora and fauna in this microclimate.

Measures for older people and young children or chronically ill people with cardiovascular problems have been created so that they can continue to feel comfortable in the region despite the increased threat of heat in the future.

Concrete goals of the region and expected results

• Comprehensive awareness-raising
• A head start through expertise
• Increased resistance to drought and heat
• No maladaptation
• Creation of a broad bottom-up movement
• Improved cooperation in the region between municipalities, businesses, local authorities and the population, resulting in even stronger identification with the region
• Regional added value
• Targeted development of the region with a focus on sustainability
• Improvement of the business location
• Creation of jobs
• Reduction of emigration
• Creation of a model region known beyond the region

Planned measures

As the KLAR! Region Pinkafeld-Riedlingsdorf is the only KLAR! region in Burgenland, the knowledge and expertise gained will be made available to the entire province. The planned implementation measures are tailored to the Pannonian climate of Burgenland.

• Promotion of humus build-up, a climate-appropriate crop rotation and site-appropriate plants in the Pannonian climate
• Avoiding the drying out of green and natural areas (incl. agriculture) - Promoting long soil cover
• Forestry in the Pannonian climate - adaptation of tree species
• More efficient use and optimisation of water resources to avoid drought in a Pannonian region
• Disaster prevention within the sphere of influence of the municipalities
• Promotion of natural protected areas to preserve natural processes (including expansion)
• Spatial planning adapted to climate change in a Pannonian region
• Health and climate change; dealing with heat and drought in the Pannonian climate