Topics and Background

The aim will be pursued within the conference to counteract erosion danger and damage in the landscape through vegetation development, which on the one hand fulfils the necessary protective function, and on the other initiates site-specific ecological restoration with the implementation of indigenous species and materials.

The conference languages are English, German and Italian with simultaneous translation.

This approach can be used internationally. The conference therefore includes experts from differing landscape regions in Europe and various areas of expertise. Researchers, practitioners, planners and producers will speak.

The Conference Programme begins with a plenary meeting to clarify the principle questions:

• What is site-specific and how is the work with site-specific seed and plant materials organised?
• what are considered extreme sites in Europe, in central European flat- and hill country, in Arctic-Alpine locations, in the Mediterranean region and what are the requirements for their ecological restoration?
• which ecological restoration targets are pursued, or which target vegetation is strived for and which reproduction- and survival strategies for species in extreme sites are used?

Issues

In the next one-and-a-half days the conference then divides into five theme sessions, in which various research results, practical experience and views are to be presented and discussed:

• Session 1 - Methods for ecological restoration
• Session 2 - Work with site-specific seed material and practical experience
• Session 3 - Work with site-specific plant material and practical experience
• Session 4 - The use of auxiliary substances, requirements and the latest technological developments
• Session 5 - Experiences and perspectives in Europe

The programme will be rounded off by a whole day excursion on 7 September 2006 to example sites comprising various constructional techniques and ecological restoration methods, as well as observation of protective- and re-cultivation measures in the high zones of the surroundings (Obertauern and Pleschberg).

Following the conference, there will be the opportunity for theme-related workshops and association meetings in Gumpenstein on 8 September 2006 as well as a further excursion on 9 September 2006, this time to Carinthia (St. Veit).

If there is interest in holding another type of activity during this period, we will try to assist in organisation.