The Institute of Open-Space Design and Landscape Management at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna has recently completed a visitors analysis in the Lobau and has presented it at the Vienna City Hall in the presence of the Vienna Counsellor for the Environment Fritz Svihalek. The study comprises censuses, video observations (persons cannot be identified) and questionings between autumn 1998 and autumn 1999.
Statements do not correspond to observations
The Lobau is used by about 600,000 persons as a local recreation area. Favourite activities are hiking, jogging, cycling, bathing, fishing or participating in excursion programmes of the National Park – Forestry Administration Lobau (Municipal Department 49).
However, the results of the study show some interesting details. For example, dogs are not put on the lead as often as indicated by the persons questioned. Since hardly visible video cameras were installed at certain entrances to the National Park for the purpose of the study, the number of actually leashed dogs turned out to be unfortunately only 25 percent. When asking the dog owners, 80 percent of them said that they were leashing their dogs.
Visitors take a total of 50,000 dogs to the Lobau every year. In view of this high number, it is clear that unleashed animals can be very problematic for other visitors, both with regard to safety and for ecological reasons.
One of the most important results of the study was the proof that almost half of the visitors come from the directly adjacent 22nd district of Vienna. 80 percent of the total number of visitors come to the local recreation area Lobau from Vienna, 13 percent from Groß-Enzersdorf and 8 percent form other areas. The Lobau, especially the Upper Lobau can therefore be called the "green living room" of the Vienna population.
There are no signs of National Park tourism – something that was predicted and feared. Only 2 percent of the persons questioned said that the National Park – established in 1996 – was the reason for their visit. This does not mean that the Danube Floodplains National Park is considered less important. On the contrary, those seeking recreation take a particular interest in keeping the Lobau in its original state. However, it is of secondary importance to the visitors, whether the local recreation area is called a nature conservation area, a biosphere preserve or a national park.
Hiking maps are being updated
In the frame of the analysis a frequency map was drawn the trails in the Lobau. An important indicator for the maintenance of the National Park is the proportion between the trails actually used and the trails provided. Sometimes this difference is considerable, so that some trails will be abandoned in the future. Frequently used trails that are not being maintained will be included in the map of trails, if this is possible from an ecological perspective.
The results of the visitors analysis provided the National Park-Forestry Administration with valuable information. Park supervision, the map of trails, the installation and maintenance of educational trails or resting places, as well as public relations for the Danube Floodplains National Park will be organised along the results of the study.
The investigation was carried out mainly by National Park staff at the "Spitzhütten" located at the important entrances of the Lobau, which were built in 1998. These "Spitzhütten" will be reopened on April 15, 2000 and will be open on weekends and holidays from 10:00 to 18:00 to the Lobau visitors. A trained staff will offer information and folders, brochures, and maps of trails for free.
(Source: aqua press 02/2000)
Information & Contact:
Municipal Department 49 – Forestry Office and Urban Agriculture
Dipl. Ing. Günther Schmalzer
Volksgartenstraße 3
A-1016 Vienna
Tel. +43 1 4000-97 910
