Master Study Programme: [619198]

UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
Master Study Programme:
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Type of Studies: Full Time Learning

DISSERTATION

Scientific Coordinator
Lect. univ. Dr. Ciprian Beniamin BENEA

Graduate Student: [anonimizat]ŰS J -G. Karin Enikö

ORADEA
2019

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UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
Master Study Programme:
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Type of Studies: Full Time Learning

WATER, FORESTS AND
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
IN AUSTRIA

Scientific Coordinator
Lect. univ. Dr. Ciprian Beniamin BENEA

Graduate Student: [anonimizat]ŰS J -G. Karin Enikö

ORADEA
2019

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………….. 6
1.1. Problem definition ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……. 6
1.2. Goal of the dissertation ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. 7
1.3. Structure of the dis sertation ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………………. 7
2. Sustainable Development ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. . 9
2.1. Definition ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………… 9
2.2. The history of sustainable development ………………………….. ………………………….. …. 10
2.2.1. The Beginning ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …. 10
2.2.2. Club of Rome – The Limits of Growth (1972) ………………………….. ……………… 11
2.2.3. UN Conference on Human Environment – Stockholm Conference (1972) ……. 12
2.2.4. The Brundtland Report (1987) ………………………….. ………………………….. ……….. 12
2.2.5. The Rio Conference (1992) ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 13
2.2.6. Millennium Summit (2000) ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 13
2.2.7. Earth Summit (2002) ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………….. 13
2.2.8. Club of Rome (2012) ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………….. 14
2.2.9. 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN (2015) ………………………….. ……. 14
2.3. The 3 dimensions of su stainability ………………………….. ………………………….. ………… 16
2.3.1. Ecological dimension ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………………. 17
2.3.2. Economic dimension ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………….. 18
2.3.3. Social dimension ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. 18
3. Water and Forests ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……….. 19
3.1. Current water situation ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………… 19
3.1.1. Current water resources ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………. 19
3.1.2. Water usage ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …….. 20
3.1.3. Lack of clean water ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………. 21
3.2. Current situation of forest in today’s world ………………………….. …………………………. 22
3.2.1. Forest resources ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. .. 22
3.2.2. Forests in the European Union ………………………….. ………………………….. ……….. 23
3.2.3. Forests threats ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ….. 23
4. Austria ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………… 26
5. Austria and sustainable development ………………………….. ………………………….. ……….. 30
5.1. Austria and its Forests ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………………. 33
5.1.1. Austria’s sustainabl e forest philosophy ………………………….. ………………………… 34
5.1.2. Tree species in Austria ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………….. 35

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5.1.3. Forest usage ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …….. 36
5.1.4. Forests as a protection ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………… 37
5.1.5. Forest ownership ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. 37
5.1.6. PEFC in Austria ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. . 38
5.2. Input of the Austrian forest industry to the Sustainable Development Goals ……….. 39
5.2.1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well -being ………………………….. ………………………….. 39
5.2.2. SDG 5: Gender Equality ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………….. 40
5.2.3. SDG 13: Climate Action ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………….. 40
5.2.4. SDG 15: Life on Land ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………… 41
5.3. Austria and its Water ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. . 43
5.3.1. Austria’s water resour ces ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………. 43
5.3.2. Water usage ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …….. 45
5.3.3. Water Footprint ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. .. 47
5.3.4. Hydrodynamic power ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………………. 48
5.3.5. Current investments into the Austrian waters ………………………….. ……………….. 48
5.3.6. Joint Danube Survey 4 ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………….. 49
5.4. Input of Austria’s waters to the Sustainable Development Goals ……………………….. 50
5.4.1. SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation ………………………….. ………………………….. …. 50
6. Conclusion ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………….. 54
7. Bibliography ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………….. 57

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Abstract

In this dissertation the term "sustainable development" is analyzed with the help of relevant
literature research , showing where the term comes from, how it developed and how it is
discussed in a scientific context. Moreover, this master thesis creates a connection to water and
forests , explains various definitions and addresses the question of how water and the forest can
be sustainable, and what effects it has on our lives on e arth. The second part of t his dissertation
tries to show how the topics abo ut sustainability, water and forest are treated in Austria.

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1. Introduction
Recently, t he term sustainable development or sustainability have been discussed very often
most of all in politic s, business or society, it is used universally and its deeper meaning is largely
unknown. The concept of "sustainability" is based on an ecological, economic and social
foundation. The aim of this dissertation is to analyze the term "sustainability", its m eaning, its
use and its origin and to relate it to water and forestry . Furthermore , national sustainability
strategies will be discussed in this work and Austria’s best practice example s are presented at
the end of this work.

1.1. Problem definition
Since the actual meaning of the term "sustainable development" does not seem to be well known
in our society, there is a danger that th is term will lose its importance and its background may
be forgotten. Especially regarding water and forests, it is important that sustainable concepts
are developed to ensure the preservation of the environment for future generations. Therefore,
in this dissertation, the emergence of the theory of sustainability is discussed and analyzed
especially in connection with water and fores t. Furthermore, these topics are dealt with using
the example of Austria. Due to the complexity and extensiveness of the topic, this dissertation
represents only an excerpt about sustainable development .

From the above mentioned problems following researc h questions have been defined.

Main research question:
How does Austria handle the tasks related to sustainable development, water and forests?
For properly answering this main research question three further questions have been defined
as sub research q uestions.

Sub research question 1:
How and when did sustainable development emerge and what are the main ideas behind it?
By answerin g this sub research question a detailed analysis of the origin of the term sustainable
development should be given. Moreov er, the historical background should be outlined of the
different conferences which took place over the course of time in the field of sustainable
development . In addition, also the three dimensions of sustainability should be described in this
part.

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Sub research question 2:
How are the topics of water and forest dealt with from a global perspective ?
The answer of the sub resear ch question 2 should analyze the general situation of water and
forest around the world.

Sub research question 3:
How and what is Austria contributing to sustainable development and to the Sustainable
Development Goals from the United Nations in relation with water and forests ?
The answer of sub research question 3 should show how sustainable Austria is regarding its
water resour ces and forests.

1.2. Goal of the dissertation
The aim of this work is to analyze the term sustainable development in detail and to explain its
actual meaning. On the basis of a comprehensive literature research, the reader should be given
a broad overview of the topic sustainability. The term is analyzed with the help of relevant and
current literature . Furthermore, an overview of the water situation and forestry is created and
the relation to sustainable development is established . Finally, this dissertation has as a main
goal to outline how Austria is handling sustainable development, water and forestry.

1.3. Structure of the dissertation
In order to answer the defined research questions of this dissertation a detailed secondary
literature research has been co nducted by the author. Secondary literature is secondhand
information and helps the author to get a decent insight into a specific topic. This type of
literature was available in form of books, academic articles, websites and especially reports.
The author tried to review literature from recent years, in order to have a very contemporary
sight on the topic. Thus, mostly information from 2000 until 2019 has been reflected on with a
special focus on the last five years. The author only used sources older than 2000 when the
content of those is still significant and no younger literature was available.
Using appropriate sources, the term "sustainability" is analyzed, definitions are presented, its
origins are explained, milestones in the development of the term are explained, and its
dimensions are explained in the second chapter of the dissertation.
The third chapter deals with the current global water and forest situation.
The fourth chapter tries to outline the most important information about Austria.

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The fifth chapter establishes a link between sustainable development, water and forests in
Austria . Current situation of water and forests in general are presented and their effects on the
environment, society and economy are explained. To find out how dealin g with water and
forests can be sustainable , the implementation of different strategies in Austria are explained as
well as the progress in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals from the
United Nations are outlined.

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2. Sustainable Develop ment
The second chapter of this dissertation deals with the topic of sustainable development. Here a
definition of the term will be given. Afterwards, the history of sustainable development will be
explained, where the term has its roots, how it developed over time and what it means for
today’s society. The most important conferences concerning sustainable development will be
as well outlined in this part of the dissertation.

2.1. Definition
It is said that t he original definition of sustainable development c omes from the forestry, where
Hans Carl von Carlowitz spoke about the sustainable use of forests in 1713 in his publication .
“Therefore it will be the greatest art, science , diligence and establishment on this land, to
achieve such a conser vation and culti vation of wood, that there will be a continuously
resist ant and sustainable use of it, becau se it is an indispensable thing, without which the
country does not want to stay in its existence. ” 1
A well -known and classic definition of sustainable development has its origins in the
Brundtland Report of 1987:
"Sustainable development is the kind of development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
This definition is especially focus ed on t he aspect of global justice. A fairer distribution of
growth and prosperity between the North and South should be sought, as the gap between the
rich countries of the North and the poor developing countries of the South beco mes bigger and
bigger. 2
The German Coun cil for Sustainable Development summed up the basic ideas of the sustainable
development concept as it follows:
“Sustainable development entails treating environmental aspects on an equal footing with
social and economic aspects. Making this abundantly clear is one of the Council’s missions.
Future -oriented management means that we have to leave future generations a globally intact
ecological, social and economic system. The one cannot be achieved without the others.” 3

1 Hans Carl von Carlowitz, Sylvicultura Oeconomica: Haußwirtschaftliche Nachricht und Naturgemäße
Anweisung zur Wilden Baum -Zucht (1713) , trans. Reprint by: Klaus Irmer and Angela Kießling ( 2000)
2 Volker Hauff, Unsere gemeinsame Zukunft (Greven [Federal Republic of Germany]: Eggenkamp Verlag, 1987)
3 German Council for Sustai nable Development, “Sustainable Development,” last modified 2019, accessed
August 16, 2019, https:// www.nachhaltigkeitsrat.de /en/sustainable -development/

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The above mentioned three definitions of sustainable development have three different
approaches to the topic nevertheless their main ideas are the same. It emphasizes the
commitment of present generations to ensure a decent life for the coming generations by
harmonizing econ omic growth, environmental protection and social stability, while respecting
certain minimum standards.4

2.2. The history of sustainable development
The following subchapters will specifically deal with the history of sustainable development
and describe the most important conferences which took place over the course of time.

2.2.1. The Beginning
As mentioned previously, s ustainability has its roots back in the 18th century when it was
formulated as a German Forestry principle. The first written thought about sustainability comes
from Hans Carl von Carlowitz from Freiberg (Germany). In his 1713 published work
„Sylvicultura Oeconomica, oder Haußwirtschaftliche Nachricht und Naturgemäße Anweisung
zur Wilden Baum -Zucht“, he asks for a form of timber industry, in whic h only as much trees
are felled, as can grow back through reforestation. In his published work Carlowitz, writes about
the sustainable use of forests and also suggests an exten sion of wood in order to make a forest
continuo us, consistent and sustainable.5, 6
The fact that this work from Hans Carl von Carlowitz , has an economic view on the whole topic
of sustainability, makes it even more remarkable. Apparently, Carlowitz already recognized
back then, that our forests cannot be saved by only focusing on the problems of the forest
industry, but we need to have a look at the economy as a whole. 7
Another pioneer of sustainability connected with forestry was Georg Ludwig Hartig, who was
of the opinion that there is no long -lasting and durable forestry without l ooking at it from the
sustainable point of view. He wrote in his work in 1804 that the state should tax the
deforestation, in order that the following generation s have at least as much benefits from the
forests, as the recent generation is enjoying. 8

4 Michael Kopatz, Ökoroutine: Damit wir tun, was wir für richtig halten (München: oekom verlag, 2016),
http://ebooks.ciando.com/book/index.cfm/bok_id/2178036
5 Alexandro Kleine and Michael v. Hauff, Nachhaltige Entwicklung: Grundlagen und Umsetzung (München: De
Gruyter, 2009)
6 Karen Pittel, “Nachhaltige Entwicklung und Wirtschaftswachstum,” WiSt – Wirtschaftswissenschaftliches
Studium 33, no. 9 (2004)
7 John Blewitt, Underst anding Sustainable Development (London u. a.: Routledge, 2015)
8 Fernow Bernhar d Eduard, A brief historz of forestry (Toronto: University Press, Cambridge, 1911)

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Consequently, sustainable forest cultivation should not be seen as an independent goal. It should
be seen more as an economic forestry operation which is based on the following components:
 Long -term orientation
The output and benefits of the forest should c ontinuously be secured.
 Social responsibility
The interest of the society on the forest can lead to restrictions on the user rights.
 Economy
There is the need for economic usage of the forest with resource protection in order to
reach an optimal total usage.
 Responsibility
Sense of responsibility for the importance of the forest for the future generations.

From a forestry perspective, these principles of sustainable development have been applied to
many other global environmental issues and have bec ome a fundamental guiding principle in
all sectors of the economy and society. Basically, sustainable development was in the beginning
about the preservation of our natural capital. Today, the term has long developed beyond the
forestry and bio -ecological context , as the following examples will show. 9, 10

2.2.2. Club of Rome – The Limits of Growth ( 1972 )
In the year 1972 the Club of Rome was found with 70 members from 25 countries. Their aim
was to deal with the problems concerning the development of the world a nd published a study
called “The limits of growth”. This study showed the finiteness of resources and the absolute
limits of growth were presented. The study also explained that e xceeding these limits would be
equivalent to an ecological self -destruction. Scenarios were developed to illustrate the
interactions between population d ensity, food resources, energy, capital, environm ental
degradation, and land use.11, 12

9 Kleine and Hauff, Nachhaltige Entwicklung
10 Blewitt, Understanding Sustainable Development
11 Jürgen Kopfmüller, Nachhaltige Entwicklung integrativ betrachtet: Konstitutive Elemente, Regeln,
Indikatoren , Global zukunftsfähige Entwicklung – Perspektiven für Deutschland 1 (Berlin: Ed. Sigma, 2001)
12 K. Martini, “Nachhaltigkeit – Was ist das?” (Speyer, 2000), accessed August 12, 2019

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2.2.3. UN Conference on Human Environment – Stockholm Conference ( 1972 )
In the same year, the Unit ed Nations Conference on Human Environment took place in
Stockholm. This was the first world conference ever on the topic of environment. It was
attended by 1 200 representatives from 112 countries. The participating developed and
developing states, prepar ed a declaration that determined 26 principles for environment and
development. As well as, a part with 109 recommendations for implementing these principles
and a corresponding action plan where provided. In the Stockholm Declaration, the world
community admits itself to a cross -border cooperation in environmental protection for the first
time ever in history . The right of states to exploit their own resources is offset , by the obligation
to do no damage to other states by the activities within their own t erritory . The lack of
confidence of the developing countries led to arguments with the representatives of the
industrialized countries during the conference. They suspected that the industrialized countries
wanted to strengthen their own economic and polit ical supremacy with the instrument of
environmental protection in order to prevent the development of the Third World. Over the
following twenty years, this conflict dominated the North -South debate, delaying the
convergence of development and environmenta l aspects. 13, 14

2.2.4. The Brundtland Report (1987)
In order to put the topics of poverty -related population development, environmental destruction
and increasing resource consumption in the industrialized countries back into the international
focus, the Scandin avian states encouraged the formation of an environmental commission. The
developing countries agreed under two conditions. The Commission is to be composed of a
three -quarters majority of representatives of the developing countries and the name of the
Com mission to be changed to "World Commission on Environment and Development". Under
the leadership of the Norwegian Prime Minister Harlem Brundtland and the Sudanese Mansour
Khalid, the 22 commission members had the goal to develop a global program of change . It
should propose long -term environmental and development strategies that can achieve and
ensure sustainable development by the year 2000 and beyond. The Commission succeeded in
combining the ecological and social issues (North -South conflict) and united them under the
term "Sustainable Development". They published their future report, "Our Common Future"

13 Markus Vogt, Prinzip Nachhaltigkeit: Ein Entwurf aus theologisch -ethischer Perspektive , 3rd ed.,
Hochschulschriften zur Nachhaltigkeit 39 (München: Oekom, 2013)
14 Kopfmüller, Nachhaltige Entwicklung integrativ betrachtet

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also known as the Brundtland Report, which significantly influenced the international debate
on development and environmental policy.15

2.2.5. The Rio Conferen ce (1992)
Triggered by the report of the Brundtland Commission, the UNCED Conference on
Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro was convened. It declared the guiding
principle of sustainable development to be a global guideline. The Rio Declaration affirms that
all people live a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature and the right to development
that will meet the needs of present and future generations. The related action program "Agenda
21" covers several aspects concerning the protecti on of the environment and human
development. In more detail , the Rio Declaration demands an effective environmental
protection legislation, the integration of environmental protection into politics , the conduct of
environmental impact assessments and the participation of the public and judicial control.16

2.2.6. Millennium Summit (2000)
At the turn of the millennium, the United Nations formulated eight development goals, the so –
called Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the year 2015. For example, until then
poverty should be halved compared to 1990. 17

2.2.7. Earth Summit (2002 )
Ten years after the Rio Conference, the Earth Summit took place in Johannesburg. The key
element of this summit was about the questions of how to put the concept of sustainable
developmen t in times of globalization and rapid technological progress , into practice . The
Summit continued to push ahead with the implementation of existing international agreements
and representatives from more than 190 countries adopted a 70 -page action plan to a ddress the
pressing global issues.18

15 WCED, “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future,” accessed
August 14, 2019, https:// sustainabledevelopment.un.org /content/ documents/ 5987our -common -future.pdf
16 United Nations, “UNCED Conference on Environment and Development (1992): Earth Summit,” accessed
August 14, 2019, https:// www.un.org /geninfo/ bp/enviro.html
17 United Nations, “Millennium Summit ,” accessed August 14, 2019, https:// www.un.org /en/events/
pastevents/ millennium_ summit.shtml
18 UN Johannesburg Summit Secretaria t, “Earth Summit 2002,” accessed August 14, 2019, https://
earthsummit2002.org /Es2002.pdf

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2.2.8. Club of Rome (2012)
In 2012 the Club of Rome published its reworked report at the World Wide Fund for Nature’s
annual conference in Rotterdam, called “ 2052 – A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years ”.
The Club of Rome member Jorgen Randers discusses with other authors a bout the bad condition
in which our world will be in 2052 if people do not make huge changes in the way they live.
The report criticizes th e current orientation of political systems for short legislative periods.
The authors of the report suggest that a l ong-term government al planning is necessary to counter
future problem s. Humans cannot continue to live their previous way of life . People in many
regions already live above their available natural capacities. This report forecasts that i n some
cases, a local resource collapse will occur even before 2052. 19, 20

2.2.9. 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN (2015)
Despite some progress, the 2015 t argets were not met. In 2015, the 2030 Agenda was adopted
at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York after two years of
preparat ory work. It contains the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 sub -goals and is
intended to form a glo bal and universally applicable target system for development and
sustainability aspects applicable to all 193 member states . The 2030 Agenda is a combination
of the well -founded Rio Conference and the Millennium Development Goals of 2000. This
agenda is de dicated to 5 key issues : people, planet, prosperity, peace and p artnership. It aims to
end poverty and hunger around the world, to combat inequalities in and between countries, to
realize human rights for all and to achieve gender equality and self -determi nation for all women
and girls. 21

19 Frank Biermann, “Curtain down and Nothing Settled: Global Sustainability Governance after the ‘Rio+20’
Earth Summ it,” Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 31, no. 6 (2013)
20 Industrie – und Handelskammer Nürnberg für Mittelfranken, “Nachhaltige Entwicklug: Lex ikon der
Nachhaltigkeit,” last modified October 14, 2015, accessed August 12, 2019
21 United Nat ions, “Sustainable Development Goals,” accessed August 1, 2019, https://
sustainabledevelopment.un.org /sdgs

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Figure 1: 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 22
(Source : United Nations )

22 ibid.

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2.3. The 3 dimensions of sustainability
The model of the three dimensions of sustainability is based on the hypothesis that sustainable
development can only be achieved through the simultaneous implementation of environmental,
economic and social goals. Thus, the ecological, economic and social performance of a society
can be ensured and improved. The three aspects are mu tually exclusive insofar as one cannot
be maintained without the other in the medium term.
Sustainable development describes a way to keep the world in balance. It's not about living at
the expense of people in other parts of the world and at the expense of future generations. The
three dimensions of sustainability environment, society and the economy must be balanced. It
should be developed and managed within the ecological limits to enable a good life for present
and future generations worldwide. A boomi ng economy is not of much use without an intact
environment. Nor can an intact environment and just society be realized if people have to fear
for their economic existence. 23

Figure 2: 3 dimensions of sustainable development 24
(Source: OECD)

23 Industrie – und Handelskammer Nürnberg für Mittelfranken, “Nachhaltige Entwicklug.”
24 OECD: Critical Issues, “Sustainable Development,” (2001)

17
This illustration of sustainable development shows the needs which should be satisfied.
Sustainable development is placed in the intersection of environment, economy and society.
The model assumes that these three areas are equivalent and i nteract at the same level.
Economic growth, social security and ecological availability are considered equal important
objectives that try to balance each other. The dimensions are interconnected. It is possible that
relationships exist only between two ma in dimensions, but sustainable development can only
be expressed through the relationships between all three dimensions. Sustainable development
has greater importance than environmental protection. In order to satisfy our material and
immaterial needs, we need a prosperous economy and a solidary society. The center of the
model must gradually grow through the convergence of each dimensions of sustainable
development. 25, 26
Sustainable development requires a long -term structural change in our economic and so cial
system, with the aim of reducing environmental and resource consumption to a sustainable level
while preserving economic performance and social cohesion. Global interdependencies should
be considered. Today's lifestyle in the industrialized countries, but increasingly also in the
emerging countries, is not ecologically globalizable. Sustainable development aims to improve
the quality of life in the long term, especially for the majority of humanity living in abject
poverty and in inhuman conditions.

2.3.1. Ecological dimension
In the 1960s, the effects of environmental pollution and the limitation of natural resources
became clearer . The society realized that unlimited economic growth would not be possible
without irreversible damage to our nature. Humans, as member s of the ecological system,
endanger their own existence by destroying nature . This led to the realization that humans can
only survive if they do not deal with nature as its ruler, but as its partner. The perception of
environmental issues has chan ged over the decades. In the 70s, the focus was still on the
scarcity of resources, today, the problem is more and more seen in the recepti veness of the
environment. The protection of human’s wellbeing, the avoidance of environmental pollution
as well as t he carefu l use of natural resources have become the central aspect of today's
environmental policy.

25 Holger Rogall, Ökologische Ökonomie (Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien, 2008),
http://g bv.eblib.com/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=751001
26 OECD: Critical Issues, “Sustainable Development.”

18
Ecological sustainability is strongly based on the original idea of not exploiting nature.
Ecologically sustainable would be a way of life that uses natura l resources only to the extent
to which they also regenerate themselves . 27

2.3.2. Economic dimension
The economic goal of each state is to increase its economic performance with the highest
possible level of employment and a stable price level. Through t he conti nuous increase of the
gross domestic product the prosperity of a country increases as well . The private person, the
enterprise, but also the state, try to produce a maximum output from the given input factors
(natural resources, real capital, and human capital). It is an efficient and effective way of doing
business, but not a sustainable way.
Economic sustainability is where a society should not live economically beyond its means, as
this would inevitably lead to losses for future generations. In general, an economic mode is
considered sustainable if it can be operated permanently. 28, 29

2.3.3. Social dimension
The social dimension is all about the rules of coexistence of a society, which must be
considered at local, national and also global level. The aim is to compensate for social
injustices. Furthermore, a harmonious interaction of the individual members of society is
sought. It is about the definition of minimal requirements of a universally valid world order
in which the dignity of humans is inviolable. The right to freedom, equality and independence
of each individual is in the foreground. These are the conditions for a global economy to work.
Justice and solidarity are the foundation on which it should be build.
Social sustainability is where a state or so ciety should be organized so that social tensions are
contained and conflicts cannot escalate, but can be carried out in a peaceful and civilized
way.30

27 Rogall, Ökologische Ökonomie
28 Carlo Burschel, Dirk Losen, and Andreas Wiendl, Betriebswirtschaftslehre der Na chhaltigen Unternehmung ,
Lehr – und Handbücher zur ökologischen Unternehmensführung und Umweltökonomie (München: Oldenbourg,
2004), http://dx.doi.org/10.1524/9783486700435
29 Armin Grunwald and Jürgen Kopfmüller, Nachhaltigkeit: 2., aktualisierte Auflage , 2nd ed., Campus
»Studium« (Frankfurt, New York: Campus, 2012), http://www.content –
select.com/index.php?id=bib_view&ean=9783593412795
30 Wir leben nachhaltig, “Soziale Nachhaltigkeit,” accessed August 17, 2019, https:// www.wir -leben –
nachhaltig.at /aktuell/ detailansicht/ soziale -nachhaltigkeit

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3. Water and Forests
In the following chapter, the occurrence, availability and consumption of water will be briefly
explained to illustrate the current situation worldwide . Afterwards, some general facts about
forests will be demonstrated in order to get an image of the ongoing situation in today’s world.

3.1. Current w ater situation
Water is often a key facto r in coping with threats like hunger, migration, epidemics, inequalities
and political instability. Without an adequate and sustainable management there will be an
increase in the competition for water. Therefore, the lack of water is on e of the e nvironmen tal
problems affecting humanity in the 21st century .

3.1.1. Current water resources
It is not surprising that our earth is often also referred to as the “ blue planet ” because two-thirds
of its surface is actually covered with water. This fact could lead to the assumption that water
is available to the world population in excess. But only about 2.5% of the world's 1,400 million
cubic kilometers of water re present s drinking water . The majority of the water on our planet
circulates as salt water in our oceans. Moreover, the vast amount of drinking water is not usable
for humans , as it is stored in permafrost soils and glaciers or is stored in low – lying reservoirs
which are inaccessible . Only 0.3 % of the drinking water (a little less than 100,000 cubic
kilometers) are available as an actually usable resource which represent only 0,008 % of the
total water on our planet . 31, 32 In addition there are another 8,000 km³, which are dammed up
by dams. There are more than 50,000 large dams worldwide (with a height of more tha n 15
meters or a capacity of at least 3 million m³), around 100,000 medium -sized dams (capacity:
0.1 to 3 million m³) and one million smaller dams (capacity: <0.1 million m³). The dams have
become an indispensable but ecologically problematic part of the w ater supply. 33, 34

31 Peter H. Gleick, “Basic Water Requirements for Human Activities: Meeting Basic Needs,” Water International
21, no. 2 (2009), https://doi.org/10.1080/ 02508069608686494
32 Ian Moffatt, “Water Management in the 21 st Century: The Allocation Imperative TERENCE R. LEE xii + 206
pp., 24 × 16 × 2 cm, ISBN 1 84064 080 4 hardback, GB £ 49.95, Cheltenham, UK: Edward El gar Publishing Ltd,
1999,” Environmental Conservation 27, no. 4 (2000), https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892900300467
33 OECD, “OECD Reports on water: The water chanllenge,” last modified 2019, accessed August 17, 2019,
http s://www.oecd.org /water/ reports -full-list.htm
34 Food and Agricultural Organization, “AQUASTAT,” last modified 2019, accessed August 5, 2019, http://
www.fao.org /land -water/ databases -and-software/ aquastat/ en/

20
Some groundwater reservoirs, also called aquifers , spread over a very large area. The
groundwater reservoirs in the world are about 60 times as large as the water resources in the
rivers and lakes. Each year, much of the renewable freshwa ter supplies evaporates into the
atmosphere. This water partly rains on oceans and partly on forests, fields and meadows. The
rest of the fresh water flows into the sea via rivers . 35

3.1.2. Water usage
So fresh water is only a small part of the total amount o f water on this planet and yet it has been
used over years and years like an unlimited resource. Since 1950, the water consumption
worldwide tripled and consumption per inhabitant has gone up by 50 %. In a United Nations
report from 1993, it was found that for every liter of water that is used by humans, about 10
liters of water are polluted. Although most of the earth is covered in water, only a small
proportion is suitable for human consumption. However, the importance of the resource is not
properly appr eciated because it is still relatively cheap. The market price reflects neither the
economic nor the ecological value. Water is a special commodity for which there is no
alternative. Experts are already assuming that we will have a worldwide water crisis a t the latest
in 2025, if nothing changes in the protection of this resource. Around 4,000 km³ of fresh water
are extracted annually all over the world. Worldwide water consumption increased sixfold
between 1930 and 2000. This was due to the tripling of the world population and the doubling
of average water consumption pe r capita. At present, India (19 %), China (15%) and the USA
(12%) account for almost half of the world's water abstraction.
About 70% of fresh water consumption is attributable to agricultur e. Another 25% is needed
by the industry and the rest is accounted for private and public consumption. 36

3.1.2.1. Agricultural usage
The steadily growing world population and the simultaneously expanding economy requir e
large amounts of water. The efforts to harn ess water and the simultaneous use of artificial
fertilizers and pesticides have led to an intensification of agriculture and an increase in
production rates. Today, around two -fifths of the world's food is produced on man -made
irrigated land. For example, countries such as China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Israel or Japan
depend on artificial irrigation for more than hal f of their food production. The rivers and rainfall

35 Peter H. Gleick, The World’s Water, 2000 -2001: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources (Washington,
D.C: Island Press, 2000)
36 OECD, “OECD Reports on water.”

21
would no longer be enough to produce enough food for the world's population. As a res ult,
about 70% of global water consumption is now accounted for by agriculture.

3.1.2.2. Industrial usage
Industrialization in the middle of the 19th century covered large parts of Europe. It would have
been unthinkable without Europe's water wealth and technica l innovations. To drive the
machines and the various industrial manufacturing processes requir ed billions of liters of
water.37 In 1900, around 38 cubic kilometers of water were used for the entire industrial
production, in 1995, it was already 732 cubic ki lometers. Today, the industry is responsible for
a good 20% of global water consumption. Nuclear power plants and fossil fuel power plants
are the largest single industrial consumers. Other industrial forms of production also consume
vast amounts of water. It takes about 400,000 liters of water to produce a car. 38, 39

3.1.3. Lack of clean water
While most people have access to clean water, about one -third of humanity lives in countries
where moderate to severe bottlenecks exist. Thus, it is that the lack of clean water is important
for the health crises in the world, after all, 80% of all illnesses are due to polluted water. 1m of
wastewater contains the entire spectrum of known pathogens – viruses, bacteria, parasites and
fungi. In a special way, this concerns the rapidly growing mega -cities in the developing
countries, at whose city -border poverty areas develop without adequate infrastructure. 40
In addition, many developing countries whose consumption per inhabitant is more than 90%
below that of industrialized countries will significantly increase their fresh water consumption
in the near future. Specifically, for industrial and commercial needs, at least a doubling is
expected over the next 25 years. An important aspect in the field of water protection are the
outflows from agriculture and industry, which primarily reach the oceans through the rivers and
can cause severe damage, especially in relatively closed seas such as the North Sea or the
Mediterranean, and sometimes destroy the maritime life irreversibly. In the industrialized
countries, in particular, closed water circuits have already led to a decline in industry's own
water consumption and wastewater inputs. Since most of the water in the industry is not needed

37 Lisa Stadler and Uwe Hoering, Das Wasser -Monopoly: Von einem Allgemeingut und sei ner Privatisierung ,
1st ed. (Zürich: Rotpunktverlag, 2003)
38 Riccardo Petrella, ed., Wasser für alle: Ein globales Manifest , 1st ed. (Zürich: Rotpunktverl., 2000)
39 Stadler and Hoering, Das Wass er-Monopoly
40 Wasser Kooperation, “Water: The key to a sustainable global future: Wasser und Nachhaltigkeit,” accessed
August 3, 2019, https:// www.wasser -kooperation.de /water -and-sustainability/ wasser -und-nachhaltigkeit/

22
for consumption, but for cooling and cleani ng purposes, the savings potential is still very high.
Similar reduction possibilities exist in agriculture.
In addition, maritime water pollution from tanker fouling, leakage or targeted dumping poses
another problem. According to estimates, between thr ee and four million tons of oil flow into
the oceans each year. The publicity -related accidents are only responsible for one -eighth of the
pollution; more serious are the quantities released on the "normal" tours.41 42

3.2.Current situation of f orest in today’s world
By definition, a forest is a piece of land which surface i s covered by more than 10% tree tops.
Forests have been of particular importance to humanity since the dawn of civilization. They
have always served as raw material suppliers. However, the b enefits of forests are much more
diverse. They also give humans and the environment added immaterial benefits. Forests protect
the soil from erosion, keep the groundwater clean, absorb CO2, an d provide O2 and thereby
slow s down the process of global warmin g. Last but not least, they provide the habitat for a rich
flora and fauna. In addition to that , the ecosystem forest is particularly suitable for people as a
leisure and recreational area. 43

3.2.1. Forest resources
About one -third of the land area of the earth is covered with forest, of which about half are in
the tropics. This correspond s to approximately 3.9 billion hectares . Every year between 14 and
16 million hectares of forests are lost . The original forest area of 10,000 years ago has been
halved to this day. Around 31 % of the world's land s urface is covered with forests, more than
half of which are in only five countries (Russia, Brazil, Canada, USA and China).
Worldwide forest losses have been advancing for decades. However, the pace has slowed down .
The tropics are hardest hit, especially in South America and Africa. Since 1990, an area the size
of Mexico has been lost here (195 million hectares). The main cause of global forest losses is
the conversion of forest to arable land.
On the other hand, the re are forest gai ns, plus 4.3 million hectares per year, through
afforestation, reforestation and the natural expansion of the forest. At the top was China, with

41 Gleick Peter and Iceland Charles, “Water, Security and Conflict,” accessed August 17, 2019, https://
pacinst.org /wp-content/ uploads/ 2018/ 08/Water -Security -and-Conflict.pdf
42 Food and Agricultural Organization, “AQUASTAT.”
43 OECD, “Forests and Forests and Sustainable Forest Management,” last modified 2016, accessed August 9,
2019, https:// www.o ecd.org /dac/ evaluation/ Evaluation -Insights -Forests -Final.pdf

23
an increase of 1.5 million hectares, followed by Australia, Chile, the USA and the Philippines .
Much of the world's forest growth is due to the increase in forest plantations. The net forest
losses are therefore currently at 3.3 million hectares per year, which is about the size of
Belgium . 44, 45
About 33 % of the world's forests are primeval forest s (half of them in the tropics), about 60 %
are natural forests that are significantly influenced by human activity, 7 % are forest plantations.
The primeval forests are unique as ecosystems, they are of particular importance for
biodiversity and are indis pensable for many natural cycles. In addition, large amounts of carbon
are stored in the soils and forests, which are released into the atmosphere during deforestation
as greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide). Through deforestation, the old tree populations, whi ch are
particularly important for the accumulation of carbon, are also destined for the future. It is all
the more dramatic that tropical rainforest has been reduced by 10% since 1990 .

3.2.2. Forests in the European Union
42% of the European Union are covered w ith forest. That is 4% of the world's forests. Only 4%
of EU forests are untouched by humans. 60% of EU forests are private property, 40% are public
forests. Only two -thirds (64%) of the annual wood growth is used for the following
applications: energy pro duction (42% of volume), sawmills (24%), paper industry (17%), wood
panel industry (12%). The forestry sector (forestry, wood and paper industry) accounts for
around 1% of EU GDP. Around 2.6 million people work in the forestry sector. 37.5 million
hectares of forest belong to Natura 2000, the European network of protected areas.

3.2.3. Forests threats
An important point of sustainability is that no more trees should be cut down than can regrow.
So that enough of the raw material wood is secured for the next gener ation. The forests of the
earth are exposed to various threats. The biggest threat is the inconsiderate exploitation of
unsustainable forestry and the transformation of forests into land such as land for building or
agricultural land. Furthermore, the expa nsion of transport infrastructure and the resulting
fragmentation, as well as air pollution, pose enormous dangers. Forest populations within

44 Food and Agricultural Organization, “Natural Forest Management: Sustainable Forest Management,”
accessed August 4, 2019, http:// www.fao.org /forestry/ sfm/ en/
45 Food and Agricultural Orga nization, “Global Forest Resources Assessment 2015,” accessed August 5, 2019,
http:// www.fao.org /forest -resources -assessment/ background/ process/ fra-2015/ en/

24
OECD countries remain relatively stable and have even increased in some countries, while the
total amount of globa l forests is still decreasing rapidly due to deforestation of tropical forests.46,
The dangers can only be countered by sustainable, respectful forest management. The difficulty
of optimal forest use is due to the slow growth of this ecosystem. It is not e nough to maximize
earnings, but a balance must be found between all interests. Forestry deals with the planned
action of humans in the forest. Sustainable forestry, in harmony with economy and ecology,
means finding a long -term optimal forest use. It must be borne in mind that biodiversity,
productivity, vivacity, vitality and the ability of forests, the relevant ecological, economic and
social functions currently and in the future at local, national and global levels, is guaranteed
without harming other ec osystems. The task consists of goal -oriented planning, decision –
making and implementation in the area of renewal, maintenance and renovation of forest
ecosystems . 47
Over the course of this century, fisheries, forestry and agriculture have developed from lo cal
activities to partially efficient, global industries. A tragedy in this context can certainly be called
the worldwide decline of the tropical forests with all its possible consequences. Still the forests
cover about a third of the land surface on earth. Their contribution to the water cycle has a
profound effect on the local c limate and stabilization of the earth's surface. In addition, they
play an important role in the context of earth climatic processes by binding carbon dioxide and
thus withdrawing it from the atmosphere.
However, the extensive use of tropical wood, local population growth and agricultural
expansion results in the continued reduction of the ancient tropical forests. The rate of
deforestation in developing countries is accelerating a larmingly. Currently, 55,000 hectares of
tropical rainforest are cut down. Neither the "Tropical Forestry Action Plan" nor the
"International Tropical Timber Agreement", the organization of the same name or the
"Intergovernmental Panel on Forests" have bee n able to stop this development, not to mention
slow it down.
The decrease of the tropical rainforests can be observed in the most recent case occurring in the
Amazon rainforest. T ens of thousands of fires are currently burning down big parts of the
Amazo n rainforests which is a disaster with incalculable consequences for the c limate and
nature of our planet. According to the Brazilian Institute for Space Research (INPE), on the
24th of August 2019 , 41,000 fires burned alone in the Brazilian Amazon and thousands more

46 Hans Carl von Carlowitz, Sylvicultura Oeconomica
47 Tom Tietenberg, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics , 7th ed. (Boston, San Francisco, …: Pearson
/ Addison Wesley, 2006)

25
flames were blazing in rainforest areas in neighboring countries. Since the beginning of the
year, the INPE registered more than 72,000 fires. This corresponds to an in crease of 84% over
the previous year, as the research institute announces. S ince the dry El Nino year 2 010, it has
not burned so much in the rainforest. While Brazilian President Jair B olsonaro denies these
figures, NASA and INPE are coming to the same conclusion and confirm the magnitude of the
current fire disaster. But what sta nds out about the fires is not just their sheer numbers, but also
their distribution , as the fires pile up along the main roads through the rainforest. For example,
the fires along the highways BR -163 and BR -230 line up like a straight line. The location o f
the fires and their timing, clearly indicate that much of this f ire has been intentionally made by
humans. 48, 49

48 BBC, “Amazon fires increase by 84% in one year – space agency,” last modified August 21, 2019, accessed 30.
08 2019, https:// www.bbc.com /news/ world -latin -america -49415973
49 Passant Rabie, “NASA Satellites Confirm Amazon Rainforest Is Burning at a Record Rate,” accessed August 30,
2019, https:// www.space.com /amazon -rainforest -fires -2019 -nasa -satellite -views.html

26
4. Austria
The democratic republic of Austria is a landlocked country which borders Germany and the
Czech Republic to the n orth, the Slovak Republic and Hungary to the e ast, Slovenia and Italy
to the s outh and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the w est. Austria is divided into nine federal
states (from west to east): Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia Styria, Upper Austria, Lower
Austria, V ienna and Burgenland.
There are over 8,800,000 inhabitants in Austria, as at 1.1.2019. The territory of Austria covers
a total of 83,850 square kilometers and extends between Lake Constance in the w est and
Neusiedler in the east, which makes up over 573 k m in length. 50

4.1.Short history
Austria was first mentioned as "Ostarrichi" in 996. From 1273, the country was under the rule
of the Habsburgs, who expanded by marriage and inheritance, the boundaries and the sphere of
influence of the ir empire.
In 1804, Emp eror Franz I established the Austrian empire, and two years later, after the
occupation of Austria by Napoleon, he had to lay down the German imperial crown and cede
territories.
In 1867, the twin monarchy of Austria -Hungary emerged as a union of two indep endent states
under one common ruler (Franz Joseph I).
After the end of the First World War and the monarchy 1918 the first republic was proclaimed.
In 1938, Austria was incorporated as Ostmark into the National Socialist German Reich and
lost its state in dependence.
After the Second World War, Austria was initially occupied by the Allies, but in 1955 was
given back its sovereignty by the State Treaty.
Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1.1.1995. 51

50 Wikipedia, “Österreich,” last modified July 29, 2019, accessed August 15, 2019, ht tps:// de.wikipedia.org /
wiki/ %C3%96sterreich
51 Karl Vocelka, Geschichte Österreichs: Kultur – Gesellschaft – Politik ; [mit Zeittafeln, Biographien und
Hinweisen auf Museen und Sammlungen] , 3rd ed., Heyne 19, Heyne -Sachbuch Nr. 827 (München: Heyne, 2004)

27
4.2.Administrative structure
Austria consi sts of nine federal states with quite different sizes. The federal states are divided
into political districts, a total of 95 throughout the state. However, district headquarters have
only administrative and no legislative competences. The smallest politic al units represent the
2,102 local communities, which are guaranteed a high degree of autonomy in the
constitution.52

4.3.Flora and Fauna
47.6 % of Austrian territory is covered by forests . Fore sts with oaks and beech trees are
predominant tree species which cover large areas of the northern Alpine foothills. In the
Waldviertel and Hausruck, as well as in the lower elevations of the Northern and Southern
Limestone Alps and the eastern part of the Central Alps, deciduous forests with beech, o ak,
maple and spru ce are common . With increasing altitude (between 1 500 and 2 200 meters
altitude) , the propo rtions of larch and Swiss pine , increase in smaller groups of trees. Above
the tree line shrubs, alpine lawns and upholstery plants are common. In the small Hungari an
lowlands there is steppe vegetation. 53
Acid rain is the most serious environmental problem in Austria. It is caused by industrial
emissions, tourism -induced heavy traffic and considerable air pollution from other countries,
especially Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
A quarter of the forests are affected by this, and in some areas, the stock of trees is expected to
decline noticeably. Land -intensive agriculture, the construction of dams to generate
hydroelectric power, and the erosion caused by the decline in forest areas are further threats to
the environment.
Austria is a country with one of the richest species in Europe with more than 60,000 species.
About 166 plants and 575 animal species are found only within Austria, such as the Carinthian
national plant Wulfenia, the Innsbruck Pasque or the St. Stefans -Kugelspringer in the
catacombs of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. The animal kingdom of Austria includes
mainly Central European species. Characteristic mammals of the higher mountain regi ons are
chamois, ibexes and marmots, in the forests deer, red deer and wild boar s are very common .
The 6 national parks of Austria represent the most important landscape types within the country .
These include steppe lakes, river valleys, mountain forest a nd glacial regions. In these regions

52 Wikipedia, “Österreich.”
53 lebensministerium.at, “Der österreichische Wald,” accessed July 1, 2019, http:// waldspiele -stmk.at /wp-
content/ uploads/ 2014/ 04/der-oesterreichische -wald_ infobroschuere_ deutsch -englisch_ lebensministerium.pdf

28
there is a reintroduction of extinct species of flora and fauna. Because only an intact biodiversity
makes it possible to preserve the e cological treasures of nature. C lean water and clean air are
precious resources tha t Austria owes to the careful protection of the country’s environment. For
the protection of nature in Austria mainly the nine federal states are responsible. In total, about
24 % of the country is under nature protection, there are three national parks an d hundreds of
nature reserves, nature parks and conservation areas. Within the protected areas, hunting and
fishing with local restrictions is usually allowed. Austria has 18 reserves recognized by the
Council of Europe and six biosphere reserves under UNE SCO's control. 54

4.4.Geography
Austria has a maximum length from east to west of about 570km, from north to south about
300 kilometers and at the narrowest point in Vorarlberg it is only about 35 kilometers wide.
More than 60 % of the country is part of the E astern Alps, which are divided by longitudinal
valleys in three large areas: The Northern Limestone Alps, the Vienna Woods and the Bregenz
Forest form a large natural space; they belong to the Northern Alps and include numerous alpine
border lakes. Austria is a mountainous country, about 60% of the country is covered by
mountains. The Alps occupy almost two -thirds of the country's territory and cover the entire
west of the country. There they also reac h higher altitudes than in the e ast. The highest mountai n
of Austria is the Großglockner with 3798 m in the Hohe Tauern, in the border triangle be tween
Carinthia, Salzburg and (e ast) Tyrol. The second highest peak of this mountain group, the
Großvenediger reaches 3674 m.
The longest river in Austria is the Danu be, which enters the country near Passau and flows
through Austria over a distance of about 350 kilometers from west to east. It flows through Linz
and Vienna and leaves Austria near Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic. The Danube
is the most im portant river in Austria, which crosses almost the entire country and flows finally
into the Black Sea in Rumania. The longest right -hand tributaries of the Danube are the Lech
and Inn with Salzach, Traun, Enns and Ybbs, which flow into German territory or as border
rivers. In the south of the country, the Drau (with Mur and Mürz), which flows into the Danube
on the eastern border of Croatia, is an important tributary. From the left flow smaller rivers such
as Krems and March.

54 Austria – arrive ad revive, “Nature and Climate: Find out about Austria’s weather and climate, wildlife and
plants.,” accessed August 18, 2019, https:// www.au stria.info /uk/service -facts/ nature -and-climate

29
There are countless lakes in Austria, the largest are Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland and Lake
Constance in Vorarlberg. The most popular holiday lakes include the Wörthersee, the
Weissensee and the Millstätter See in Carinthia or the lakes of the Salzkammergut such as the
Wolfgangsee, th e Attersee or the Mondsee.
Austria i s located in the temperate zone in the northern hemisphere. Basically, there is a warm
to cool temperate climate in the country . Since Austria is centrally located in Europe, it falls
into the transition zone from the oc eanic (Atlantic) to the continental climate. The Atlantic
climate stands for relatively high rainfall and moderate temperature patterns (cool summers and
relatively mild winters). Contrary to that, the continental climate stands for strong temperature
differences during the year (hot summers and cold winters). In addition, the south of Austria is
influenced by Mediterranean currents from the south.55

55 Wikipedia, “Österreich.”

30
5. Austria and sustainable development
The 5th chapter of this dissertation is dedicated to the topic of sust ainable development in
Austria. At the beginning of the chapter some examples are given of what and how Austria
contributes to sustainable development in general. Afterwards, t his chapter will have two main
parts, one which is about the Austrian forests and the other which will give an insight into the
waters of Austria. Both parts will be strongly connected to the Sustainable Development Goals
from the United Nations and show how Austria is trying to meet the requirements of this
agreement.

An Austria -wide coordination of the Local Agenda 21 exists in the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. Furthermore, there is a "Working
Group Decentralized Sustainability Strategy" composed of federal and state representatives. On
the basis of two strategies, the Federal Countries Strategy ( ÖSTRAT ) and the Strategy of the
Federal Government (NSTRAT) , sustainable development in Austria should be further
promoted. In addition, there is also an Austrian Council for Sustainable Deve lopm ent (ÖRNE) ,
which acts as a platform for dialogue on international aspects of sustainable development.
Furthermore, there are individual municipalities that have been active with their Local Agenda
21 activities for a long time, such as the Local Agenda 21 pilot project Vienna -Alsergrund , Eco
City Graz Local Agenda 21 or community support in the context of Local Agenda 21 in
Styria .56, 57, 58

“Action Days Sustainability”
The “Action Days Sustainability” show the enormous range of activities, projects and even ts in
the field of sustainable development at regional, state and federal level in Austria . The initiative
offers a platform to those people who are already implementing concrete sustainable projects
or who are interested in becoming active themselves. With more than 2,100 campaigns so far,
the Action Days are making an important contribution to the achievement of the Global

56 BMNT.gv.at, “ÖSTRA T: Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Federal Government and Federal
Provinces,” last modified 2019, accessed August 30, 2019, https:// www.bmnt.gv.at /english/ environment/
Sustainabledeve/ -STRAT –Strategy -for-Sustainable -Development -of-the-Federal -Government -and-Federal –
Provinces.html
57 BMNT.gv.at, “NSTRAT: Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie des Bundes,” last modified 2019, accessed August 30, 2019,
https:// www.bmnt.gv.at /umwelt/ nachhaltigkeit/ nachh_ strategien_ programme/ nstrat.html
58 BMNT.gv.at, “Lokale Agenda 21,” last modi fied 2019, accessed August 30, 2019, https:// www.bmnt.gv.at /
umwelt/ nachhaltigkeit/ lokale_ agenda_ 21.html

31
Sustainable Development Goals . Since 2015, the days of action have also been part of the
Europe -wide initiative "European Sustainable Development Week". 59 Since 2013, the initiative
"Action Days Sustainability" has been presenting the commitment of a large number of actors
to a future worth living in, and providing orientation for a more sustainable life. The guiding
principle of this in itiative sums up in a compact manner the most important points of sustainable
development:

“The preservation of ecological foundations in combination with social balance and
economic prosperity as a basis for quality of life and prosperity: Sustainable d evelopment
begins with the action of us all in the private and professional field, but is also a political
task, for current generation s as well as for future generations , to create and maintain a good
livelihood.”60

nachhaltigkeit.at
This is a website by the Austrian Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism , which is dedicated to
sustainable development. The word “nachhaltigkeit” itself means sustainability. This website
should help Austrians to follow a sustainable lifestyle. People have the opportunity to sign up
to a newsletter on this website, where the subscribers receive emails on a regular basis with
helpful hints how and what they should change in their lives in order to live in a more
sustainable way. Current topics which are highlighted on the webs ite are about electric cars,
waste of food , avoiding plastic and climate change. All these topics are connected with different
small surveys and short questions which are again followed by an email . Here are some
examples of questions which are now on the website:
“Can you imagine switching to an electric vehicle? ”
“What do you prefer to grill, meat or vegetables?”
“From the 1st of January 2020 plastic bags will be banned in Austria. What do you think about
the ban?”

59 European Sustainable Develop ment Week, “ESDW,” last modified 2019, accessed August 30, 2019, https://
www.esdw.eu /
60 Nachhaltiges Österreich, “Aktionstage Nachhaltigkeit: Menschen Machen Morgen,” last modified 2019,
accessed August 30, 2019, https:// www.nachhaltigesoesterreich.at /

32
To the last question 96% of the peopl e answered that they think it is a great idea. The rest, only
4%, voted that they are not totally convinced yet. After answering the questions the people
receive an email with some information and suggests related to the topic. 61

61 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wer bewusst lebt, lebt besser.: Nachhaltig
besser.,” last modified 2019, accesse d August 31, 2019, https:// www.nachhaltigkeit.at /?

33
5.1. Austria and its Forests
The forest area is decreasing worldwide, mainly due to extensive clearing of tropical forests. In
Central Europe, on the other hand, and especially in the Alpine region, the forest is spreading
continuously. Since the existence of the Austrian Forest Inven tory (ÖWI) in 1961, the forest
has gained an area of 300,000 hectares in Austria . 62
According to the Austrian Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism, Austria’s forest policy
follows the guiding principles of sustainable forest management. Sustainable fores t
management can be described in the following way:

“The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains
their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality, and their potential to fulfill
their ecolo gical, economic, and social functions at all levels, such that it does not cause
damage to other ecosystems for both current and future generations.” 63

This definition comes from the Conference on the Protection of the Forests in Europe which
was held in 1993 in Helsinki.
Today the forest density is particularly high in Austria, with 47.9 % almost half of the federal
territory is covered by forest, which is 4 million hectares out of 8.4 million hectares. In the
4 million hectares of forest around 3.4 bill ion trees can be found. There is an annual increase
of the Austrian forests by 4000 hectares. The increase in wooded areas results from the fact that
formerly agricultural areas such as pastures and meadows are again planted with trees.
However, the spread of the forest also happens on embankments, landslides, bog sites, rubble
and gravel area, and rock sites. Austria even reforested former landfills. 25 % of Austrian forests
are part of nature and landscape protection. 64
Austria’s excellent forest data is based on sustainable forest management that has been
consistently pursued for generations. Austria's forests belong to 82 % private forest owners,
only 18 % are public forests. The forests are cultivated forests, which means that they have been
cared for a nd used by humans for centuries. Austria has one of the strictest forestry laws in the
world , for over 160 years . This makes all forest owners mandatory to follow a sustainable forest

62 ÖWI, “Ö sterreichische Waldinventur,” accessed August 20, 2019, https:// bfw.ac.at /rz/wi.home
63 Austria’s Federal Ministry for S ustainablility and Tourism, “Facts and Figures,” accessed August 19, 2019,
https:// www.bmnt.gv.at /forst.html
64 ProHolz, “Wald in der EU,” last modified 2019, accessed July 21, 2019, http:// www.proholz.at /zuschnitt/ 51/
wald -in-der-eu/

34
management. The main idea of this management is that there must not be h arvested more trees
than can grow back. The right protection and use of forests must ensure that biodiversity,
productivity and regeneration are maintained now and in the future. The forest law was issued
on the 1st of January 1853 and is valid with additi ons and extensions until today. 65, 66, 67

5.1.1. Austria’s sustainable forest philosophy
A lot is expected from the Austrian forest. It is designed to provide enough wood as a renewable
resource and source of energy for expanding markets while protecting the Austr ian valleys from
avalanches, rock falls, mudflows and other natural hazards. At the same time, it is a refuge of
biodiversity, which should remain as undisturbed as possible, and it should contribute to climate
protection by storing large amounts of carbon . Furthermore, i t is a popular recreational area and
the core element of the landscape whose beauty attracts millions of tourists to Austria every
year. All these tasks are supposed to be fulfilled in a sustainable manner. For this to be
accomplished, a so phisticated concept is needed . Six components play together to reach
sustainable forest management in Austria:

1. A broad commitment to comprehensive sustainability in the forest.
2. A solid legal framework.
3. An efficient institutional architecture.
4. A well -balanced financial system.
5. Systematic citizen participation in policy development and implementation.
6. A smart monitoring and information system.

Austria is very much in favor of, and has even legally anchored, the sustainability concept for
the forest developed within the framework of the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial
Conference . 68
Austria therefore has a clear claim to develop all aspects of the forest industry sustainably. The
concept is not static but is constantly developed further. The "Al l-European Criteria and

65 stopwarsaveearth, “The Revolt and The Revolting,” accessed August 19, 2019, http://
stopwarsaveearth.blogspot.com /2018_ 01_28_archive.html
66 Austri a’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Facts and Figures.”
67 Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Wald: Biotop und Mythos , Grüne Reihe des Lebensministeriums Band 23
(Wien: Böhlau, 2011)
68 Ministerial Conference on the Protection of the Forests in Europe, “Fores t Europe,” last modified 2019,
accessed August 25, 2019, https:// foresteurope.org /

35
Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management" adopted by the FOREST EUROPE states
provide guidance for the shaping of the forest policy in Austria and provide the content for
surveys and reporting. They are a reference point for the Austrian Forest Dialogue and a
thematic framework for the Austrian Forest Report . 69, 70
The Austrian Forest Program is subdivided into 7 forest policy fields, which are derived from
the 6 "All -European Criteria for Sustainable Forest Management" of the FOR EST EUROPE
Ministerial Conference , The seventh field of action "Austria's international responsibility for
sustainable forest management" was additionally included because it is important for a forest
and woodland country to play an active role in shaping the international environment for the
forest. 71

5.1.2. Tree species in Austria
In the Austrian forests there are around 65 different tree species. Currently there is a trend
towards more deciduous and mixed forest s in Austria as they are more stable and resistan t, both
against pest infestation and against climatic changes. Spruce remains the main tree species,
accounting for 57.4%, but has lost surface area in recent years, from 1.709 million hectares in
2008 to 1.646 million hectares in 2018. In contrast, the be ech is growing (from 336,000 hectares
to 342,000 hectares) and has a share of around 12%. In hardwood, in addition to beech, the
distribution of maple has also increased. Biodiversity also benefits from this development. 72

69 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Waldbericht,” accessed August 20, 2019, https://
www.bmnt.gv.at /forst/ oesterreich -wald/ waldzustand/ waldbericht2015.html
70 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Walddialog,” accessed August 22, 2019, https://
www.bmnt.gv.at /forst/ walddialog.html
71 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustai nablility and Tourism, “Österreichische Waldprogramm,” accessed August
25, 2019, https:// www.bmnt.gv.at /publikationen/ forst/ archiv/ oesterreichisches_ waldprogramm.html
72 ibid.

36

Figure 3: The appearance of common tree species in Austria indicated in percentage 73
(Source: pro:Holz)

5.1.3. Forest usage
Compared to the last forest inventory, an increase in forest use has been noted: Currently, about
88% of the renewable wood is used, which lea ds to a reduction of dependence on fossil
resources. This aspect is especially important for the objectives in the field of bio -economy of
the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism , as they want to become a petroleum -free
society.
The use and ma nagement by large farms are approximately constant in the reference period.
The federal forests have reduced the use to 76% of the renewable wood. For small forests (less
than 200 ha), an overall increase in forest use has been noted, which underlines a po sitive trend.
Mainly managed and cultivated forests contribute significantly to climate protection, serving as
a protective forest and recreational area.

73 pro:Holz, “Der österreichische Wald,” accessed August 11, 2019, http:// www.proholz.at /zuschnitt/ 51/der-
oesterreichische -wald/
Spruce
57%
Others
16%Oake
2%Beeche
12%White Pine
5%Larche
5%Fir
3%TREE SPECIES IN AUSTRIA

37
5.1.4. Forests as a protection
The indigenous forests play an important role in the protection of natural h azards, especially in
alpine areas. 800,000 hectares of forest cover are considered protection forests and thus
contribute to the protection of residential areas. In the context of torrent and avalanche control,
the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism provides funds to ensure the vital
functions of the forest that are important for life and limb. 74

5.1.5. Forest ownership
More than 82 % of the Austrian forests belong to 145,000 private owners, which have an area
of nearly three million hectares. In order for the forest to be accessible to everyone, a forest law
was passed in 1975, which permitted the general freedom of movement within forests for
recovering purposes, with certain restrictions as for example, prohibition of hunting and
harvesting of t imber, prohibition of access to rejuvenation areas. This was an important law due
to the fact that it was basically not allowed to enter a foreign forest before. 75, 76
In Austria, private forest ownership is divided as follows: 53 % of the forest areas ar e smaller
than 200 hectares , which are the so -called small forest s, 22 % have a forest area of more than
200 hectares and tho se are the large forest s. Another 10 % are community forests, such as those
used by agricultural communities. The sum of public for ests is 18 %. In total, about 15 % is
managed by the Austrian Federal Forestry Corporation. Structural change in recent decades has
reduced the number of full -time farmers and the share of non -farmers in forest ownership.
Austria is on the second place wi th this ownership structure in Europe. Only in Portugal the
proportion of private forest is higher with 93 %. Behind Austria there is Sweden with 80 %,
France with 74 % and Spain with 70 %. 16 million private forest owners, possess 60 % of the
European for ests. As the graph below illustrates the average percentage of private forest
ownership is at 60 % within the European Union. 77

74 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Facts and Figures.”
75 Österreich Lexikon, “Forstwirtschaft,” accessed August 15, 2019, http:// www.aeiou.at /aeiou.encyclop.f/
f610878.htm
76 lebensministerium.at, “Der österreichische Wald.”
77 ibid.

38

Figure 4: Comparison of forest ownership between Austria and the European Union 78
(Source: P roHolz)

5.1.6. PEFC in Austria
The PEFC seal gives the assurance that the product has been produced ecologically,
economically and socially in a sustainable way. PEFC is a transparent and independent system
for ensuring sustainable forest m anagement and thus a w orldwide forest certificate . PEFC
stands for the term "Programs for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes" . PEFC is
the largest institution for ensuring and marketing sustainable forest management through an
independent certification system. Over 70% of the Austrian forest area is already PEFC
certified. PEFC was established to strengthen sustainable forest management in Austria . A key
goal was to enable the small family owned forestry , which characterizes Austrian forestry, to
gain access to high -quality certification. PEFC stands for high credibility and independence. In
August 2016, PEFC Austria registered more than 550 certified companies . This makes Austria
one of the countries with the highest number of certificates and can further expand its product
range. The raw material supply is based on more than 45,000 forest owners, who are
administered by PEFC Austria. 79

78 ProHolz, “Wald in der EU.”
79 Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes, “PEFC Zertifikat,” accessed August 25,
2019, https:// www.pefc.at / Public
Proterty
40% Private
Property
60%European Union
Public Property
18%
Private Property
82%Austria

39
5.2.Input of the Austrian forest industry to the Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the Uni ted Nations demand from all its
member states a sustainable forest management. Austria is treating its forests since a very long
time in a sustainable and protective way , but especially since the forest law of 1853. The
following subchapter describes to wh ich extent the Austrian forest industry follows and fulfills
the Agenda 2030 . From the 17 SDGs the author has chosen four and described them in more
detail. The following part will describe four goals and show what their targets are and it will be
assessed what Austria has reached from the year 2015 until 2018 in the implementation of these
targets. 80, 81

5.2.1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well -being
The 3rd goal of the SDGs demands a healthy life for all human beings regardless of their age
and human wel fare should be enhanced. Here one target is described:
 By 2030, there should be a considerable reduction in the number of cases of death and
illnesses due to dangerous chemicals, the pollution of air, water and soil.
Contribution of forests to these targets:
There shou ld be a contribution of the forests to cleaner air and water. Furthermore, forests
should be used for recreational purposes and tourism. People should take advantage out of the
medicines from the forests. Lastly, people should benefit from the scientifical ly proven benefits
from the time spend in nature on human health.
Facts and figures concerning the contribution of the Austrian forests:
As mentioned in chapter 5.1.4. Forest ownership, according to the Austrian Forest Law it is
allowed for people to ente r and use the forests in Austria for recreational purposes. As stated in
a survey by the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism from 2017, 27% of the people
answered that they like to spend between 1 and 2 hours in the forests.
As stated in the Forest Development Plan of Austria, w elfare function and recreational function
have been defined as two out of the four main functions of a forest. 82, 83

80 Austria´s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Beitrag des österreichis chen Beitrag des
österreichischen Forst – und Holzsektors zu den globalen Nachhaltigkeitszielen: Österreichische Waldstrategie
2020+, Handlungsfeld 7,” accessed August 15, 2019, https:// www.bmnt.gv.at /forst/ oesterreich -wald/
waldstrategie -2020.html
81 Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Wald
82 Österreich Lexikon, “Forstwirtschaft.”
83 Austria´s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Beitrag des österreichischen Beitrag des
österreichischen Forst – und Holzsektors zu den globalen Nachhaltigkeitszielen.”

40
5.2.2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
Goal number 5 is about the achievement of gender equality and to support women and girls in
being self -determined. At this goal two targets are mentioned:
 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership
at all levels of deci sion-making in political, economic and public life.
Contribution of forests to these targets:
There should be an increase in the number of women working in the forest and wood sector.
There is a need for rural development programs in order to empower and support women.
Facts and figures concerning the contribution of the Austrian forests:
According to the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism there has been an increase
in the number of women employed in the forest sector from 2% in the year 200 9, to 4% in 2015.
58% of the department for General Forestry in the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and
Tourism are women. Around 30% of the Austrian forests are owned by women. There is a very
well-known and award -winning Austrian network which is ca lled “Forest Women”. 84

5.2.3. SDG 13: Climate Action
The goal number 13 requests to take immediate steps to fight climate change and its impacts on
our world. Here two targets have been referred to :
 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate -related hazards and natural
disasters in all countries.
 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
Contribution of forests to these targets:
Forest have a positive impact on the carbon storage and the reduction of it. There needs to be
an adjustment of the forests ecosystems to the climate changes in order to maintain the
important function the forest have for us humans. As for example the security forests provide
us with, against erosions or natural hazards, or the protecti on of our fresh water or the recovery
and recreation function it has for us. Furthermore, working with wood and using it like a carbon
neutral energy supplier should be another contribution of the forests in order to achieve the
targets of the SDGs.

84 ibid.

41
Facts and figures concerning the contribution of the Austrian forests:
Wood in general consists of 50% carbon and 1 cubic meter of wood is able to save 1 ton of
CO2. This leads to the fact that Austria's forests are able to store 985 million tons of carbon,
which is more than 47 times the yearly greenhouse gas emission .
Moreover, there are several strategies and measures also made by the Austrian government
concerning the protection of the country’s forests. The Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and
Touri sm set up a strategy with eight action recommendations for the forest industry to adapt the
forest to the climate change. The Austrian Forest Strategy 2020+ is another example of the
country's actions concerning the protection of their forests. This Strate gy takes into account
political requirements of current national and international forest -related strategies, as for
instance the SDGs, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or the
Convention on Biodiversity.
Another initiative was mad e by the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism in 2016
with the goal to increase the use of durable harvested wood products and to enlarge the Austrian
timber harvest to 25 million solid cubic meters over bark .
In addition, the Austrian Ministr y for Sustainability and Tourism also supports international
climate protection projects to reduce the greenhouse gases caused by deforestation or damages
made to forests. To illustrate, Laos reduced within a period of 3 years 145.000 tons of CO2 with
this help of the Austrian government.
The Austrian biomass association made it possible to prevent about 10 million CO2 emission
in the year 2015 with the use of wood as an energy source. 85

5.2.4. SDG 15: Life on Land
The 15th goal on the agenda of the SDGs is abou t the support of the sustainable use of the
ecosystems, the sustainable forest management, the battle against desertification and the stop
of the loss of biodiversity. Some targets under the SDG 15 are as follows:
 Mobilize significant resources from all so urces and at all levels to finance sustainable
forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance
such management, including for conservation and reforestation.
 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and
inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands,
mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

85 ibid.

42
 By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including t heir biodiversity,
in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable
development
Contribution of forests to these targets:
Forests have a positive impact on sustainable development when they are managed and
coordinat ed in a sustainable way.
Facts and figures concerning the contribution of the Austrian forests:
As already discussed in the previous chapter (5.1. Austria and its Forests) the country follows
the principle of Sustainable Forest Management which have been a lso integrated in the Austrian
Forest Act. 86
There are several national legal forest related frameworks like the Austrian Forest Act, the
Timber Trading Surveillance Act, the Austrian Plant Protection Act or the provincial Acts on
National Parks, just to m ention some of them.
Almost half of the country are covered by forests. And the forest areas are still increasing every
year by about 4300 hectares. 22% of the Austrian forests are within special protected areas.
More than half of the forests are under a protective long -term orientated forest plan. 87

86 ÖWI, “Österreichische Waldinventur.”
87 Austria´s Feder al Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Beitrag des österreichischen Beitrag des
österreichischen Forst – und Holzsektors zu den globalen Nachhaltigkeitszielen.”

43
5.3. Austria and its Water
In this day and age, the water supply represents an increasing issue in many regions in the
world. According to the United Nations, m ore than 40 % of the world population will live i n
areas with water stress by 2050. Worldwide water consumption has been increasing between
1930 and 2000 about six times. The reason for that include the tripling of the world population
and the doubling of the a verage water consumption per capita . This is accompanied by a higher
living expectation, technical progress and a booming industry. All this requires water.
However Austria is still in a very lucky situation , as it is one of the water richest countries in
the world. In Austria many concerns in the relation to w ater are handled by Austria’s Federal
Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism. Here framework s like for instance the protection of
the Austrian waters or the resource -saving use of water by the industry are established. 88

5.3.1. Austria’s water reso urces
The water reserves of Austria which can be found subsurface in the ground water, in lakes, in
glacier ice and in reservoirs sum up to 122.5 km3. As the graphic below indicates, the biggest
share of water can be found in pore groundwater in quarterly sediments with about 40 km3.
Further 20 km3 of water can be found in pore ground water in tertiary and similar sediments
according to the data from the Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism .
Followed by 18 km3 in natural lakes and 15 km3 in karst ground water. 89

88 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wasser in Österreich, ” last modified 2019,
accessed August 18, 2019, https:// www.bmnt.gv.at /wasser/ wasser -oesterreich.html
89 Österreichischer Wasser – und Abfallwirtschaftsverband, “ÖWAV.”

44

Figure 5: Austria's different water reserves 90
(Source: ÖWAV )

Despite the fact that Austria is a rather small country, it possesses a large number of different
kind of waters. The total length of Aus trian rivers and streams sums up to more than
100.000 km. Austria has more than 25.000 standing waters which are larger than 250 m2, from
which 62 are bigger than 0,5% km2. This huge variety in the sizes of the water, requires also
different techniques to check the ecological condition of the waters.
In Austria the yearly amount of precipitation adds up to 1.190 mm, from which the main rainfall
occurs around the Alpine region. There is a rather big difference between the rainfall in the
western and easter n region of Austria. In the western parts of the country about 2.500 mm of
precipitation are normal, whereas in the eastern parts only 600 mm are usual. 91

The illustration from Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, which can be
found below, indicates the water balance of Austria. The medium values are taken starting from
the year 1986 until 2015 in km3 per year. It shows how much water comes through precipitation,
how much evaporates, how much flows in from abroad, as well as, how much water leaves the
country. 92

90 Österreichischer Wasser – und Abfallwi rtschaftsverband, “ÖWAV,” a ccessed August 22, 2019, https://
www.oewav.at /Page.aspx?target=196960
91 Österreichischer Wasser – und Abfallwirtschaftsverband, “ÖWAV.”
92 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wasser in Österreich.”
Pore ground water
in quartary
sediments
40km3
Pore ground water
in tertiary
sediments
20km3Natural lakes
18km3Karst groundwater
15km3Glacial ice
13km3Bottom water
10km3Crevice groundwater
5km3Reservoirs
1.5 km3AUSTRIA'S WATER RESERVES

45

Figure 6: Medium values of Austria's water balance between 1986 until 2015 in km3 per year 93
(Source: Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism)

5.3.2. Water usage
According to the Austr ian water balance the country has 86 km3 water available annually. From
the overall available water Austria only uses 3%, those are around 2.5 km3. By the industry
two- third of the water are used, the households use about one -third and the agriculture is using
5% of the Austrian water. 94

Household
The average Austrian citizen uses around 130 liter of water per day. Most of the water is used
for personal hygiene. 35 liters are used for taps in the kitchen, bathroom, WC and so on. From
the 130 liter, 32 lit ers are used only for flushing the toilet which makes up 25% of the daily
water usage of a person. 95

93 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wa sser in Österreich.”
94 ibid.
95 ibid.

46

Figure 7: The daily water usage in an Austrian household per person 96
(Source: Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability a nd Tourism)

Even though Austria is rich in its water resources, concerning the daily water usage, Austrians
still manage to be among the more economic consumers of water on an international level.
Drinking water is a costly resource in Austria, as one lit er costs on average between 0.15 – 0.30
Cent, directly out of the water pipeline. This has the huge advantage that drinking water in
Austria must not be fulfilled in plastic bottles and transported over large distances, but can be
enjoyed directly from the tap. Aforementioned, represents not only an enormous privilege, but
it is also a very resource -saving and sustainable way of supplying the population with water. 97

Agriculture
On an international level the agricultural sector in Austria has good conditio ns, as the soils are
pretty fertile and also the climate is favorable. Irrigation is very rare in Austria and only used
for very special plants but this also happens mostly through the ground water. Nevertheless, the
agricultural land has strongly decrease d in the past years in Austria. From 49% in 1961 to only
38% nowadays. Enough water resources are especially important in the agricultural sector, for
plant growth, watering animals and the hygiene on the agricultural farms. Due to climate

96 Ibid.
97 ibid.
Taps in kitchen,
bathroom, Wc
35liters
WC
32litersShower
25litersWashing machine
13litersOutdoor area (plants)
12litersOutdoor area (pool)
6litersBathtub
4litersDishwasher
3litersW ATER USAGE IN AUSTRIAN HOUS EHOLDS

47
changes the agri cultural sector is one which will face big challenges in the near future. Dry
periods will last longer and be more common therefore water management must work together
with the agricultural sector in order to avoid crop shortfalls and also not to endanger the regional
water balance. 98

Industry
Water is needed in every industry sector, not only for production but also for cooling. The food
industry, textile industry, paper industry, metal industry, glass industry or the chemical industry
are some of the bra nches which require the largest amounts of water. However, the treatment
of the used water is strictly regulated by law. The water footprint can be calculated for a country
as well . According to the Ö WAV, in Austria 4.377 liter of water are needed per pers on in one
day. In order to assess the indirect and direct water usage one must look at its local water
resources. A high water footprint in water rich regions is not as problematic as a smaller
footprint in very dry regions. Therefore, as stated by the Austria’s Federal Ministry for
Sustainability and Tourism , customers should always keep in mind when they buy a product
form abroad that they could cause water stress with their purchases in other regions of the world.
Some suggestions by Austria’s Federal Mi nistry for Sustainability and Tourism are to buy
regional and seasonal, less is more and to try to repair things before throwing them away. 99, 100

5.3.3. Water Footprint
The production of different products need water within a country but often also water outside
of a country in u se for the production of a specific good. The term “water footprint” expresses
the direct and indirect water usage of a certain product. This means that also the water amounts
are connected to a product which are needed or polluted during the production. Consequently,
for a cup of coffee 130 liters, for a cotton t -shirt 2.500 liter and for a car even 400.000 liter of
water are needed. Those covered water amounts which are actually needed for the production
of a good are also called virtual water. 101, 102

98 ibid.
99 Österreichischer Wasser – und Abfallwirtschaftsverband, “ÖWAV.”
100 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wasser in Österreich.”
101 Marta Antonelli and Francesca Greco, eds., The Water We Eat: Combining Virtual Water and Water
Footprints , Springer Water (Cham, s.l.: Springer International Publishing, 2015), https://doi.org/10.1007/978 -3-
319-16393 -2http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978 -3-319-16393 -2
102 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wasser in Österreich.”

48
5.3.4. Hydrodynamic power
Hydrodynamic power plants use the energy from the water to produce electric energy. On a
global scale hydro power is one of the most important renewable energy sources. Of the global
energy power supply, 16% are provided b y hydro power plants. Also , in Austria it is a popular
energy source. Austria even has some very knowledgeable companies which are in a great
demand also internationally. Thanks to Austria’s mountainous landscape it provides the perfect
conditions for hydr odynamic power plants. The country produces two -third of its energy
through hydro energy. Austria is able to store 14% of the European pumped hydro energy and
produces this way about 40.000 GWh energy.
On the one hand hydrodynamic power has several advant ages, like that it provides mostly CO2
free energy. On the other hand, hydro power plants have strong impacts on the ecosystem of
the rivers and therefore need to be handled in a very thoughtful and careful way. At the moment
more than 5.000 hydro power pl ants exist in Austria. For each existing but also new plant there
are strict regulations which need to be followed so that the negative ecological consequences
are as few as possible. The regulations apply especially to the residual water, movement of the
fish and improvement or preservation of water structure.
The climate agreement from 2015 in Paris set as an objective to decarbonize the society.
Therefore, also Austria aims to increase the share of renewable energy until 2030 to 45 -50% of
their gross en ergy consumption. In comparison, today the share is at around 33%. They want to
reach this goal by continuously expanding their hydro power plants but only under
considerations of the regulations in order to maintain the ecosystems of the waters. 103

5.3.5. Curren t investments into the Austrian waters
The Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism is investing € 75.9 million in
more than 800 projects for drinking water, wastewater, flood protection and aquatic ecology in
Austria. Around a third of the water pipes and 13% of the sewers are older than 50 year s which
need to be constantly monitored and rehabilitated. Therefore, the Austrian government is
investing in this area as well as in the further expansion for which they have recently approved
subsidies amounting to € 38.4 million. This allows the implementation of 644 projects .
One of the challe nges in Austria is the fight against water masses. Heavy rainfall events cause
devastating floods. This is a disaster for the affected population. Austria has been investing
consistently in flood protection for many decades, so that the risk of flooding is not further

103 Umwelt Dachverband, “Aktuelle Wasserkraftwerksplanungen in Österreich,” accessed August 20, 2019,
https:// www.umweltdachverband.at /themen/ wasser/ wasserkraft/ wk-planungen/

49
aggravated . 157 projects with a funding volume of € 36.1 million were also approved in flood
protection.
The restoration of intact waters is also of great importance, as it gives fauna and flora as well
as the population back a piece of natural habitat. With the funding of 7 projects in aquatic
ecology, the Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism is providing targeted
support for such measures with € 1.4 million.

5.3.6. Joint Danube Survey 4
As mentioned in chapter 4, the Danube is the longest river of Austria and crosses the country
over 350 km, therefore it is no surprise that Austria takes great initiatives like this “Joint Danube
Survey 4”. The Joint Danube Survey 4 is the world's largest survey of a large river and its
tributaries. After the official start on June 27, 2019 in Budapest, the sampling took place in the
second week of July 2019 at the five Austrian measuring points. The aim was to record the
biology, chemistry and water structure. Danube crayfish were examined, new research methods
were used and micro plastics were recorded for the first time across the Danube. The value of
this world's largest river survey lies in the high data quality and the comparability of the results
for the Danube from source to the water mouth of the Black Sea. The aim is to comply with the
strict requir ements of the EU Water Framework Directive for the achievement of good results
in all waters. It is expected that the results of the JDS4 will reaffirm the positive trends through
the joint efforts of the Danube countries. The last JDS showed a consistentl y good water quality
of the Danube for Austria. The findings of the JDS4 will provide an important basis for
decision -making for any further measures necessary along the Danube. 104, 105

104 Wikipedia, “Österreich.”
105 International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, “Joint Danube Survey 4: Discover
Danube,” last modified 2019, accessed August 30, 2019, http:// www.danubesurvey.org /jds4/

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5.4. Input of Austria’s waters to the Sustainable Development Goals
Concern ing the goal number 6 , from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals , Austria already is
among one of the countries with the best sustainable water performance on an international
level. In Austria, access to safe and affordable drinking water for all is fulfi lled to 100%, and
the sub -goal of adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene is as well covered by 100%. A
comprehensive collection, cleaning and treatment of municipal wastewater is established. The
water resources of Austria are managed in a long trad ition in an integrated way and in
cross – border cooperation on the basis of river basin areas. 106, 107
Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to fully ensure that all the targets of goal number 6 are
met also in the long-term perspective, including all sub -objectives and sub -aspects. An
important challenge is to preserve the infrastructure created for both water supply and
sanitation. Also , in a water -rich country like Austria, the careful use of water as a resource and
increasing the efficiency of existing uses are also becoming more and more important, due to
the impacts it can have on climate change.
The protection of the Austrian waters against pollution of all kinds is stated in the Austrian
Water Law, whereby the National Water Management Plan with its comprehensive program of
measures represents the main water management instrument for further improvement steps. By
promoting environmentally friendly agricultural use, coupled with a reduced use of resources
and the targeted greening of arable areas that are prone to leaching, the local
agro- environmental program makes an important contribution to the reduction of substances
getting into the Austrian waters. 108

5.4.1. SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
The target of this goal is to ensure the availability and su stainable management of water and
sanitation for all. 109

106 Sustainable Development Goals, “Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all: 6: Clean water and
sanitatioin,” accessed August 20, 2019, https:// www.un.org /sustainabledevelopment/ water -and-sanitation/
107 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wasser in Österre ich.”
108 ibid.
109 Sustainable Development Goals, “Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all.”

51
Water management planning
Protection and sustainable use of healthy waters are the basis of life and living environment for
humans and nature. Sustainable management and protection of water resource s is indispensable
for the supply of sufficient and high -quality water for all kind of utilizations. In Austria there
exists a National Water Management Plan in order to ensure the necessary measures for the
conservation and continuous improvement of Austr ian waters. This water plan has been
established by Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism together with the
federal states and a broad participation of the Austrian population. 110

Water supply and Wastewater disposal
Targeted funding fr om the Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism in the
urban water management infrastructure ensures comprehensive supply of the population with
sufficient and high -quality drinking water as well as safe and environmental friendly collecti on
and disposal of the wastewater. Around 92% of the population is supplied with drinking water
centrally, and only around 8 % of Austrian households have direct access to drinking water via
a fountain. 95.2% of the population are connected to a public sew erage water system and
wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater of the rest of the population is also treated
adequately. In Austria, around 78,000 kilometers of water pipes and around 91,600 kilometers
of sewers (flood water channels, mixed water channe ls and rainwater channels) were
constructed by the end of 2015. 111

EU Water Framework Directive: support for implementation
The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to ensure the good status of all European
waters. The implementation of the directive i s linked to a deadline concept until 2021 and 2027.
Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism supports other states in the national
implementation of the directive. In addition, as part of the EUWI + East project, the
non- EU states Armeni a, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine
also benefit from Austrian water know -how. 112

110 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Was ser in Österreich.”
111 ibid.
112 European Commission, “The EU Water Framework Directive,” accessed August 22, 2019, https://
ec.europa.eu /environment/ water/ water -framework/ index_ en.html

52
International Water Management: Cross -border cooperation
Water does not stop at borders of states. In Austria, cross -border cooperation in t he water sector
under the auspices of Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism has a long
tradition. Stable cooperation mechanisms exist through agreements with all neighboring
countries and within the framework of large international wate r protection commissions at river
basin level. This ensures international coordination in all water management issues. Austria has
a share in the three large river basin districts Danube, Rhine and Elbe and is represented in the
associated River Basin Comm issions. 113

Rural Development Program: Protecting and sustaining water
Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism contributes to sustainable water
management through targeted support under the Rural Development Program. Of special
significan ce are the measures by the ÖPUL aimed at reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, as
well as erosion protection. Terms are for instance, restricting the fertilizer application periods,
reducing fertilization, taking soil samples or obligations to participate in further training s. The
Rural Development Program also supports a large number of educational and advisory services
on water conservation. 114

Plastics in the Danube: Greater knowledge about pollution
Plastic pollution in marine ecosystems has become an environmental issue that has attracted
much public attention. Large amounts of pollution from plastic parts come through rivers into
marine waters. However, details of sources, routes and environmental impacts have not yet been
sufficiently researched. Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism therefore
supports the EU project "Plastic Free Danube" (project leader: University of Natural Resources
and Life Sciences). Macro plastic contaminations (> 5 mm) in and along the Danube are being
researched. In addition to a well -founded knowledge of plastic pollution, the research project
should also define standardized methods for assessing sources, quantities, transport behavior
and environmental hazards. 115, 116

113 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wasser in Österreich.”
114 ibid.
115 viadonau, “PlasticFreeDanube – Macro plastic waste in and along the Danube,” accessed August 20, 2019,
http:// www.viadonau.org /en/company/ project -database/ aktiv/ plasticfreedanube/
116 Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainablility and Tourism, “Wasser in Österreich.”

53
Tourism Eco Label: For businesses, g reen meetings and events
Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism promotes the eco -label for tourism
businesses, green meetings and green events. High water consumption is a challenge, especially
on holiday: Surveys show that the average w ater consumption per person per day with 290 liters
in hotels is more than twice as high as the average per capita consumption in a household.
Companies with the Austrian Ecolabel set concrete savings measures. At present, around 2 00
accommodation establis hments , 30 restaurants, 25 event catering and party service companies
as well as 102 catering establishments have been awarded the seal of quality. Licenses for Green
Meetings and Green Events are held by 77 tour operators and 21 conference and event locat ions.
The EU -ECO -Label operates 58 tourist accommodations in Austria. 117

117 ibid.

54
6. Conclusion
The concept of sustainable development is receiving increasing attention in all areas of society,
but especially in the depletion of resources, the ongoing destruction of our ecosystems, the rapid
economic growth in emerging economies, the clearing of the rainforests, the scarcity and
pollution of drinking water, and an increase in poverty and hunger in the world.
The concept of sustainable development connects economic, social and ecological processes.
The actions of both public and private actors must not be isolated and one -dimensional, but
must take account of the interactions between the three dimensions of environment, economy
and society. Sustainable development mea ns more than environmental protection. For the
satisfaction of our material and immaterial needs, we need economic well -being and a solidary
society. Sustainable development should meet the needs of the present generation without
jeopardizing the ability o f future generations to meet their own needs .
In 2015 all t he member state of the United Nations agreed to the Sustainable Development
Goals . These goals are designed to counter causes of global challenges such as climate and
environmental change, poverty and hunger. The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
comprises 17 global goals, which are implemented in 169 sub -goals.
In Austria, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals takes place in accordance
with the Council of Ministers' decision by all federal ministries in their respective areas of
responsibility.
Austria is also following several other sustainable development strategies. There are a lot of
different projects initiated by Austria’s Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, l ike
the website “nachhaltigkeit.at”. This website should help Austrians to follow a sustainable
lifestyle by signing up to a newsletter where the subscribers receive hints related to live a
sustainable life. Moreover, there are also programs at regional, s tate and federal level like the
“Action Days Sustainability”. The initiative offers a platform to those people who are already
implementing concrete sustainable projects or who are interested in becoming active
themselves.
The forest area is decreasing wor ldwide, mainly due to extensive clearing of tropical forests. In
Central Europe, on the other hand, and especially in the Alpine region, the forest is spreading
continuously. Since the existence of the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI) in 1961, the forest
has gained an area of 300,000 hectares in Austria. The forests are probably the most strikin g
landscape element in Austria as they cover almost 50 % of the state’s surface . Forests provide
animals and plants a unique living environment, for us humans forests give clean air as well as

55
a renewable resource. Furthermore, i t protects us from natural hazards, provides many jobs and
is an important place for recreation. The sustainability concept for Austria's forest is therefore
state of the art, constantly refine d and firmly anchored in the minds and processes that govern
the conservation and management of the forest. In Austria, sustainable forest management is
not only driven by the state. Above all, it is the many private forest owners who are r esponsible
for the condition of 80% of the Austrian forest. These are mostly family farms, where the forest
is passed down from generation to generation. A key factor in the success of all efforts to
promote sustainability in the forest is therefore the m otivation of the forest owners.
Water is ours most precious resource and one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
According to the United Nations, m ore than 40 % of the world population will live in areas with
water stress by 2050. Worldwide water consumption ha s been increasing between 1930 and
2000 about six times. The reason for that include the tripling of the world population and the
doubling of the a verage water consumption per capita . This is accompanied by a higher living
expectation, technical progress a nd a booming industry. All this requires water. A lot of effort
is needed to e nsure that the quality of the water is maintained and water habitats are constantly
being improved.
Austria is one of the richest countries concerning water worldwide. Sustainab le securing of the
valuable resource of water is one of the central tasks of Austria’s Federal Ministry of
Sustainability and T ourism. Here the framework conditions are established for the protection
of water, for a resource -saving use and for flood protec tion. The information and involvement
of the public plays an important role. Austria want s to win as many people as possible for a
careful handling of the resource water and provide s awareness raising projects as well as
different information platforms.
Austria already is among one of the countries with the best sustainable water performance on
an international level. In Austria, access to safe and affordable drinking water for all is fulfilled
to 100%, and the sub -goal of adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene is as well covered
by 100%. A comprehensive collection, cleaning and treatment of municipal wastewater is
established. The water resources of Austria are managed in a long tradition in an integrated way
and in cross – border cooperation on the b asis of river basin areas.

56
Future outlook
Austria already has one of the cleanest waters in the world and a big percentage of their land
surface is covered by forests, which is the sign of hard work in the past. Austria has dealt with
sustainable fores t management since many years and they also have given a lot of attention to
the right treatment of their waters. By following the right environmental and development
strategies, Austria can ensure that the basic needs of the population are met, people's s tandard
of living is improved, greater protection and management of ecosystems is ensured, and a more
prosperous future for their country is secured . These facts lead to the conclusion that Austria is
already on the right way concerning sustainable develop ment. The most important point for
Austria’s waters and forests is that the country continues with at least the same efforts like they
did until now.

57
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