Biodiversity and Restoration Research Group - Preserving Diversity, Shaping the Future

Coordination: Wilhelm Graiss

This important research group at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is dedicated to the protection and restoration of biodiversity in the cultural landscape and on agricultural holdings.

Our goal is to create a sustainable balance between agricultural use and ecological responsibility – by combining scientific expertise with practical solutions. We are particularly distinguished by our excellent collaboration with farmers, conservation organizations, and associations.

Our work covers a wide range of topics:

• Restoration of bogs and alpine pastures: Implementation of management measures to restore valuable habitats.
• Genebank-grassland: Collection, preservation and reproduction of the genetic resources of different grassland habitats.
• Breeds of farm animals worthy of conservation: Management of the Austrian Gene Bank for farm animals and coordination of conservation measures and genetic monitoring for rare farm animal breeds. Representation of the interests of animal genetic resources at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
• Greening and recultivation: Development of innovative approaches for sustainable biodiversity promotion in our cultural landscape.
• Biodiversity analyses: Recording and assessment of biodiversity on farms and raising awareness locally.
• Strategies against invasive neophytes: measures to control and contain non-native plant species.

Furthermore, we are involved in environmental projects with a particular focus on agricultural aspects and actively participate in national and international research initiatives. As a central interface in biodiversity and environmental networks, we promote collaboration and exchange between science, practice, and policy.

We communicate our findings through specialist publications, lectures, and podcasts to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity. With modern infrastructure, an interdisciplinary team, and collaboration with governmental, non-governmental, and agricultural organizations, we offer a unique platform that links research, education, consulting, and practical application.

Our vision is to develop practical solutions that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and preserve biodiversity in the long term – for a future worth living and for future generations.