Based on the collected data, changes in soils, vegetation, and species composition can be identified, allowing for potential conclusions to be drawn about the impact of climate change. An assessment of development trends regarding land management and their consequences can be derived.

From a natural geological perspective, the study area is characterized by the occurrence of different geological conditions (silicate to limestone). The long-term monitoring plots comprise extensively to intensively used pastures and meadows, as well as abandoned alpine pasture sites on different soil types and at various altitudes.

Goals and activities:

• Survey of phytodiversity and soil conditions at selected alpine pasture sites in the Gesäuse National Park
• Comparison with existing data to determine vegetation and soil development and changes in species composition
• Assessment of alpine ecosystems from a nature conservation perspective and comparison of differently used alpine pasture sites; highlighting of natural features
• Evaluation of the alpine pasture management plan for the Gesäuse National Park