Salzburg backs Hohe Tauern park law revision

Salzburg’s state parliament has approved changes to the Hohe Tauern National Park law intended to address concerns raised by the European Commission, but opposition parties say the revisions do not go far enough. ORF reported on Wednesday that the ÖVP and FPÖ supported the amendment.

The Commission identified shortcomings in the law more than three years ago, saying its provisions did not adequately prevent protected habitats from deteriorating. It criticised broad permissions for agriculture, forestry and hunting.

The Hohe Tauern National Park was established about 45 years ago and covers nearly 2,000 square kilometres across Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia. Much of the land is privately owned, and many landowners are farmers.

The SPÖ and Greens argue that the new law still allows too many activities without sufficient approval. SPÖ legislator Karin Dollinger said rules for some uses would be loosened, including through notification procedures rather than permit requirements. She also referred to mountain huts and helicopter flights.

The Greens criticised the fact that the state environmental ombudsman is not to be involved in the planned landscape management plan. Legislator Martina Berthold called for greater involvement of conservation interests. ÖVP legislator Hannes Schernthaner said the ombudsman would not be involved because it is a party in some proceedings, while the authority responsible is the state’s nature conservation department.

The ÖVP and FPÖ defended the changes, saying agricultural and forestry activities can help maintain valuable habitats and that the law aims to combine conservation with traditional land use. National Park Councillor Maximilian Aigner of the ÖVP said he expects the amendment to meet the Commission’s requirements and hopes it will bring an end to the EU infringement proceedings against Austria.