Nationalpark Hohe Tauern Osttirol: Noah's Ark of the Alps

The Nationalpark Hohe Tauern is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Europe, over 600 km² of which are in Osttirol. The national park institution works under the motto "Protect nature - inspire people" and is an integral part of our region. The mission statement of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern is exemplary of the three pillars of sustainability:

Ecological sustainability: the National Park invests today in the precious nature of tomorrow, protecting and preserving nature for future generations. This goal is supported by scientific research.
Social sustainability: National parks in Austria have a statutory educational mandate and play an important role in national environmental education. In addition, the structure of a national park corresponds to the common good, the interests of the local people and even beyond.
Economic sustainability: The national park increases the local quality of life. The institution triggers initiatives that increase environmental protection, but also the value added by nature. This also includes the provision of recreational and leisure activities.

Research on behalf of nature

One of the main objectives of the national park is, of course, to preserve the habitat of rare animals and plants, some of which are threatened with extinction, for future generations. This task is based on scientifically sound work in order to guarantee the effective preservation of nature. The principle of the national park is to protect small worlds, as these enliven the regions. Animals such as chamois, ibex, eagles, bearded vultures and marmots are the so-called Big Five in the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern and exemplify this work. Ecosystems are also worlds worth protecting in the park, including moors, glaciers, the water world of the Defereggental and more.

Education for young and old

The tasks of education and nature conservation are taken care of by highly trained National Park Rangers. They specialize in specific regions and research areas. They know "their" area and "their" wildlife like the back of their hand. As part of the educational mission, they inform visitors on site, but also in schools and at lectures, about how to protect the habitat of these endangered animal and plant species in order to safeguard their existence.

More than environmental protection & education

The National Park also launches partnership initiatives that contribute to ecological, economic and social sustainability, such as offering local people long-term opportunities to create value in harmony with nature. In Osttirol, this includes the National Park regional products - certified foodstuffs that originate 50% from the National Park region. And, of course, the group of National Park partner businesses. These are hosts that fulfill criteria for environmental and climate protection in addition to Osttirol's naturally practiced sustainability.

All these small worlds, which the National Park protects and revitalizes, have a global impact. Let the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern in Osttirol inspire you!