In our newsletter, which is sent out every 2 months, we inform you on all current activities and project results in education and research of the UNESCO Chair.
The UNESCO Chair for the Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas (MCA) shall provide excellent research and inspiring learning experiences for nature conservation in the 21st century. In particular, the Chair shall contribute to empower and enable personalities, institutions and societies to face the future challenges in the management of conservation areas. The Chair has been established in spring 2020. It shall become an internationally visible hub for excellence, innovation and new technologies in nature conservation. Activities of the Chair are based on an interdisciplinary, holistic and integrated understanding of conservation areas, as advocated and exemplified by UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, (natural) UNESCO World Heritage sites and UNESCO Geoparks.
The UNESCO Chair is rooted at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences where it is established at the Centre for Further Education (WBZ), an interdisciplinary institution for lifelong learning.
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has launched the UNESCO Chairs programme in 1992. Through this network, higher education and research institutions all over the globe pool their resources, both human and material, to address pressing challenges and contribute to the development of their societies. As per now 114 UNESCO Chairs have been established worldwide, nine of them in Austria. They work within a framework of over 700 institutions in 116 countries. Find more information here: en.unesco.org/unitwin-unesco-chairs-programme.
Starting in 2017, the certificate course for Nature Conservation Engineer has been offered at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in…
In 2021 the “Goldene Unke” (“Golden Toad”) was awarded to honour the most nature-oriented and nature conservation-based project. Identifying and…
On 13 October 2021, Sara Schaar, Carinthia's National Park Officer, Peter Granig, Rector of the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and Peter…
At the end of October, we launched our first multirotor test flight in the Lendspitz-Maiernigg Natura 2000 area, Klagenfurt.
Michael Jungmeier is chairholder. Throughout his career, the ecologist and human geographer has been focusing on biodiversity research, concepts and tools in nature conservation, on human-nature-relationship and environmental history. He worked extensively with inter- and transdisciplinary research designs and methods and has a long track of academic lectureships at different universities. Jungmeier has worked in planning and consulting of conservation areas, as well as in research and education, capacity building and training for more than 30 years.
Dr. Michael Jungmeier
Chair for Nature Conservation and Sustainability
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
Alexandra Liegl is head of the Centre for Further Education. With her team of experts, she is responsible for the quality of the educational offers at the UNESCO Chair. She has long-term experience in conceptualising, administrating and evaluating curricula and individual courses as well.
Mag.a Alexandra Liegl
Head of Center For Further Education
FH Kärnten – Campus Feldkirchen and Villach
Hauptplatz 12, 9560 Feldkirchen
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
Monika Auinger is scientific assistant at the UNESCO Chair. She is geographer with a focus on the management of landscapes, rural and urban areas and has specific qualifications in geo-informatics. Monika is responsible for developing and conducting research projects together with partners and stakeholders.
Monika Auinger, MSc.
Junior Researcher for Nature Conservation and Sustainability
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
Vanessa Berger is a Junior Researcher at the UNESCO Chair. She is an ecologist with a focus on spatial and temporal analysis, mobile data collection and vegetation ecology. Vanessa works on the project implementation of the COIN project biodiversity monitoring technologies, ‘BioMONITec.’
Vanessa Berger, MSc
Junior Researcher on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
v.berger[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
Daniel Dalton is a Senior Researcher at the UNESCO Chair. He has a background as a specialist in integrated pest management of fruit and berry crops, focusing on insects. Daniel works on the implementation of the COIN project, ‘biodiversity monitoring technologies’ (BioMONITec).
Daniel Dalton, PhD
Senior Researcher on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
d.dalton[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
Melanie Erlacher is a Junior Researcher at the UNESCO Chair and Junior Researcher and Assistant Lecturer in the degree program “Information Technology - Geoinformation and Environment”. She is a geoinformatics specialist with focus on environmental monitoring, UAV applications, remote sensing, and GIS analysis and modeling. Melanie works on the project implementation of the Africa-UniNet project “CoMon” on collaborative biodiversity monitoring.
Melanie Erlacher, MSc
Junior Researcher on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
m.erlacher[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
Lilia Schmalzl is a Junior Researcher at the UNESCO Chair. She is a geographer with a focus on sustainability, social acceptance of renewable energies, and water management. Lilia works on project management and implementation of the INTERREG SI-AT project ‘KaraWAT.’
Lilia Schmalzl, MSc
Junior Researcher on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
+43 5 90500 4315
l.schmalzl[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
Klaus Steinbauer is a Junior Researcher at the UNESCO Chair. He is a biologist with a focus on biodiversity research, long-term monitoring and mountain ecology. Klaus works on the implementation of the COIN project, ‘biodiversity monitoring technologies’ (BioMONITec).
Mag. Klaus Steinbauer
Junior Researcher on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach
Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
+43 5 90500 4315
k.steinbauer[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
Melina Hierländer is course administrator at the Center for Further Education. She is responsible for the administration of the master program “Management of Conservation Areas” including correspondence, lesson planning, giving support to applicants and social media marketing.
Melina Hierländer
Administration-Center for Further Education
FH Kärnten – Campus Feldkirchen
Hauptplatz 12, 9560 Feldkirchen
+43 5 90500 4305
M.Hierlaender[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
Julia Zierler is a Junior Researcher at the UNESCO Chair. She is a geographer with a focus on sustainable city and regional development, and tourism. Julia works on the project of the INTERREG SI-AT project ‘KaraWAT.’
Julia Zierler, MSc
Junior Researcher on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas
FH Kärnten – Campus Villach Europastraße 4, 9524 Villach
+43 5 90500 4316
j.zierler[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
“To our students we offer unique learning experiences on nature conservation and sustainable development. We want to inspire students and teachers as well by exiting learning formats, innovative settings and a professional learning environment. We learn indoor, outdoor and in virtual space.” All educational offers are conducted in cooperation with partners from different sectors and with an interdisciplinary bunch of teachers and trainers.
All, one needs to know about conservation areas, their preparation, planning and management – is provided in this comprehensive master programme. The unique educational offer shall enable participants to:
The course of study is based on profound theoretical bases, international standards and principles on one hand and on practical tools, lively experiences and best practice on the other. Particular emphasis is put on innovative technologies, trans-transcultural learning, the mechanisms of development cooperation and the personal competence to conduct inter- and transdisciplinary dialogues.
Learn, exchange, enjoy. This is the mission statement of a summer university that takes place annually one week in July in the Lakeside Campus in Klagenfurt. It is an advanced training for decision makers and persons responsible for conservation areas.
The academy is comprised of an introductory conference, three intensive seminar days and a two-day field trip. The seminars’ focus changes each year, the workshops are conducted by international experts. This format provides the opportunity for extensive sharing of experiences and discussions at a high level. Participants bring their own showcase or problem. In an intensive 3-days seminar innovative solutions are developed in discussion with peers and internationally renowned experts.
EPA offers outstanding intercultural learning opportunities for executives of conservation areas.
How are nature conservation measures at extraction sites to be implemented? How can be provided optimal nesting and breeding facilities for different species? How are neobiota (invasive species) or communal green areas to be managed? How are conservation devices such as bat detectors, camera traps and drones operated? The newly developed job profile of a ‘Nature Conservation Engineer’ embodies the competence for all hands-on conservation issues that occur on construction sites, infrastructures and in settlement areas.
Participants are, amongst others, employees of construction companies, of the energy, raw materials and transport industry, from planning departments, nature conservation organisations as well as from the public administration.
Conservation areas have turned more and more into model regions for both the conservation of biodiversity and equitable sustainable development. UNESCO sites such as biosphere reserves, world heritage sites and geoparks are based and directly interrelated to UNESCO´s goals and values. Hence, these sites have become learning sites for translating international policies and standards into real life contexts. This raises important and exciting research questions that shall be addressed by the UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas.
Particular emphasis shall be given to trans-disciplinary and trans-cultural research designs, new methods and new technologies and fair formats of citizen science. Research activities of the Chair shall contribute to strengthening conservation areas locally, nationally, regionally and globally as well. UNESCO sites and UNESCO programmes shall directly benefit from enhanced capacities, research findings and experiences as generated in the Chair´s work.
The Online Children's and Youth University at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) creates a variety of opportunities for children and…
World protected areas represent diverse habitats that are home to specially adapted plants and animals.
The Himalaya Mountains provide an incredibly rich water resource to the Kingdom of Bhutan, spanning some seven river systems.
The main objective of the KaraWAT project is to enable a clear and structured strategy for sustainable water management in the cross-border…
The COIN project BioMONITec focuses on the comprehensive screening of classic and novel biodiversity technologies and tools that are already available…
Using the example of the Salzburger Lungau & Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Reserve (BR), we analyse how small towns react to or meet the challenges…
SMART_BR: Transdisciplinary research on virtual participation processes in Austrian UNESCO biosphere reserves
Fun toys or professional devices? Testrun for species identification apps
Lange S., Jungmeier M., 2014: Parks 3.0 – Protected Areas for the Next Society. Series „Proceedings in the Management of Protected Areas“, Vol. 6; Series editors: Heike Egner, Michael Jungmeier. Heyn Verlag, 94p.
https://e-c-o.at/files/publications/downloads/L04120_MPA-Proceedings-2014_Parks_3.0.pdf
Egner H., Jungmeier M. (eds.), 2013: Knowledge, Parks and Cultures. Transcultural Exchange of Knowledge in Protected Areas: Case Studies from Nepal and Austria. Proceedings in the Management of Protected Areas, Vol. 5, Klagenfurt, 231p.
https://e-c-o.at/files/publications/downloads/L03949_MPA-Proceedings-2013_Knowledge_Parks_Cultures.pdf
Getzner M., Jungmeier M. (eds.), 2013: Protected areas in focus: Analysis and evaluation. Proceedings in the Management of Protected Areas Vol. 4, 151p.
https://e-c-o.at/files/publications/downloads/L04066_MPA-Proceedings-2009-2011_Protected_Areas_in_Focus.pdf
Getzner M., Jungmeier M. (eds.), 2012: Innovative Approaches to Manage Protected Areas. Proceedings in the Management of Protected Areas, Vol. 3, Klagenfurt, 112p.
https://e-c-o.at/files/publications/downloads/L03928_MPA-Proceedings-2007-2009_Innovative_Approaches.pdf
Getzner M., Jungmeier M. (eds.), 2010: People, Parks and Money. Stakeholder involvement and regional development. A manual for protected areas. Proceedings in the Management of Protected Areas, Vol. 2, Klagenfurt, 216p.
https://e-c-o.at/files/publications/downloads/L03876_MPA-Proceedings-2007-2009-People-Parks-and-Money.pdf
Getzner M., Jungmeier M. (eds.), 2009: Improving Protected Areas. In: Proceedings in the Management of Protected Areas, Vol. 1, Klagenfurt, 104p.
https://e-c-o.at/files/publications/downloads/L03929_MPA-Proceedings-2005-2007-Improving-PAs.pdf
Jungmeier M., Borsdorf A., Braun V., Häring V., Hammer T., Pichler-Koban C., 2021: Pärke, Parks and Reservate – biosphere reserves in Austria, Germany and Switzerland on their way towards Biosphere 4.0?. eco.mont. Volume 13; special issue 2021, 15-26. DOWNLOAD
Dalton D.T., Pascher K., Berger V., Steinbauer K., Jungmeier M., 2021: Novel technologies and their application for protected area management: a supporting approach in biodiversity monitoring. In: Suratman MN, editor. Protected area management – recent advances. ISBN 978-1-83969-813-2. IntechOpen Publishing, London, UK. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.99889 https://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/78656.pdf
Köstl T., Fuchs A., Jungmeier M., 2021: Almwirtschaftliche Maßnahmen im Unteren Gailtal Ausgewählte Ergebnisse aus zwei Dekaden Vegetationsmonitoring. Alm- und Bergbauer. 3/2012, 16-19. DOWNLOAD
Pascher K., Steinbauer K., Berger V., Dalton D.T., Jungmeier M., 2021: Ökologische Statusüberprüfung von Schutzgebieten mit Hilfe klassischer und hochtechnologischer Monitoringkonzepte und Tools. 19. Österreichische Botanikertagung, Sep. 23 – 25 2021, Tagungsband, S.52., Krems / Donau. DOWNLOAD
Rauch F., Elmenreich W., Hübner R., Jungmeier M., Gracner E., Sposato R.G., 2021: Designing and Implementing an Interfaculty Elective "Sustainable Development" Course at a University: Concepts, Developments and Lessons Learned. Action Research and Innovation in Science Education, 2021, 4(1), 33-36, https://doi.org/10.12973/arise/506882
Steinbauer K., Berger V., Köstl T., Wuttej D., Kirchmeir H., Jungmeier M., 2021: Abgrenzung von Vegetationseinheiten anhand multitemporaler Luftbilder am Beispiel von Feuchtbrachen. 19. Österreichische Botanikertagung, Sep. 23 – 25 2021, Tagungsband, S.22., Krems / Donau. DOWNLOAD
Fuchs A., Pichler-Koban C., Pitman A., Elmenreich W., Jungmeier M., 2021: Games and Gamification - New Instruments for Communicating Sustainability. In: Weder F., Krainer L., Karmasin M., 2021: The Sustainability Communication Reader - A Reflective Compendium; Springer; DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-31883-3_13
Fuchs A., Berger V., Steinbauer K., Köstl T., Wuttej D., Jungmeier M., 2021: The long-term effects of monoculture maize cultivation on plant diversity. Phytocoenologia Vol. 50 (2021), Issue 4, 397-408. DOWNLOAD
Glatz-Jorde S., Jungmeier M., Aurenhammer S., Komposch C., 2021: Biodiversität im UNESCO Biosphärenpark Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge. Ergebnisse des 5. GEO-Tages der Natur 2020 - Rund um die Grundalm. Carinthia II, 211./131. Jahrgang, 19-54. DOWNLOAD
Jungmeier M., Huber M., 2021: A low-cost BRIM (Biosphere reserve integrated monitoring)? The example of the Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge BR (Austria). EGU General Assembly 2021, online, 19–30 Apr 2021, EGU21-4730, DOWNLOAD
Jungmeier M., Kovarovics A., Leitner H., Rossmann D., 2021: Managing emerging patterns of outdoor recreation - The example of Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, Austria. In: Aas O., Breiby M., Selvaag S.K., Eriksson P.-A., Boerrestad B. (eds.), 2021: The 10th MMV Conference: Managing outdoor recreation experiences in the Anthropocene - Resources, markets, innovations. MINA fagrapports 73, 198-199. DOWNLOAD
Aurenhammer S., Komposch C., Glatz-Jorde S., Jungmeier M., 2020: Biodiversität im UNESCO Biosphärenpark Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge. Ergebnisse des 4. GEO-Tages der Natur 2019 - Vielfalt an den Ufern und Berghängen des Millstätter Sees. In: Carinthia II. Klagenfurt, 7-44 S. DOWNLOAD
Fuchs A., Pichler-Koban C. & Jungmeier M., 2020: Der Staudenknöterich - Praxisleitfaden zum Management von Fallopia japonica. Sparkling Science, Klagenfurt, 21 S. DOWNLOAD
Glatz-Jorde S., Jungmeier M., Hradetzky R. & Berger D., 2020: The IUCN Green List as a tool for protected area management - the example of City meets Nature. eco.mont; Volume 12; Number 1, 50-54. DOWNLOAD
Jungmeier M. & Fuchs A., 2020: Engaging heritage communities by citizen science - Considerations, experiences and lessons learnt. Proceedings IE, Forstering Heritage Communities, 2020/41-51. DOWNLOAD
Jungmeier M., Arpa N.Y. & Pechacek P., 2020: The Guidelines for Establishing Protected Areas. Conservation and Sustainable Management of Turkey’s Steppe Ecosystems Project. FAO and MAF, Ankara, 96 p. DOWNLOAD
Jungmeier M., Arpa N.Y. & Pechacek P., 2020: The Guidelines for Protected Areas Management Planning. Conservation and Sustainable Management of Turkey’s Steppe Ecosystems Project. FAO and MAF, Ankara, 92 p. DOWNLOAD
Jungmeier M., Arpa N.Y. & Pechacek P., 2020: The Guidelines for Biodiversity Monitoring. Conservation and Sustainable Management of Turkey’s Steppe Ecosystems Project. FAO and MAF, Ankara, 76 p. DOWNLOAD
In September 2021, the first turn of the MCA Master's programme started. The first term offered students the opportunity to get to know the Villach campus for theoretical knowledge transfer, as well as to explore the surrounding conservation areas such as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Nockberge, National Park Hohe Tauern or Nature Park Dobratsch during their excursions. Have a look at the gallery.
After a successful year since the appointment of the UNESCO Chair, the team has grown considerably!
In May 2021, a photo shoot took place around the Villach Campus.
Nature conservation engineers out and about (Spring 2021).
Insights into excursion topics such as birds, amphibians or nature conservation technologies.
Looking inside the toolkit of nature conservation engineers (October 2020). Participants of the educational programme present their final seminar work, reaching from protection of biodiversity up to adaptation strategies of forests to climate change.
Making of a short image clip in August 2020 with students from CUAS for the Master "Management of Conservation Areas", in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Nockberge.
Skill-oriented education for nature conservation in the 21st century (May 2020). Significant steps of the relaunch of the international Master "Management of Conservation Areas", such as "Little Sidney" in Donauauen National Park, the work of the Austrian Experiences Pool and the official presentation of the master in the Dobratsch Nature Park on September 18th, 2018.
Nature conservation engineers out and about (May 2020). A kaleidoscope of pictures from field excursions, university sessions and workshops.
Looking inside the toolkit of nature conservation engineers (May 2020). Participants of the educational programme present their final seminar work, reaching from conservation monitoring, experiments for vegetation control to ibex tracking and bat nesting facilities.
Certificate Course 'Nature Conservation Engineer' - Success Stories
Outstanding universal values (May 2020). The travelling ecologist and photographer Michael "Mike" Huber documents UNESCO world heritage sites around the globe.
UNESCO sites around the world (c) Michael Huber
Encounters in exciting environments (May 2020). Selected hightlights from the European Parks Academy (EPA) in Carinthia from 2016 to 2019, indicating that this summer university really is a format to learn, exchange and enjoy.
Magic moments in Carinthian conservation areas (May 2020). Selected parks and protected sites in the Chair´s surrounding, seen through the lenses of the Carinthian photographer Christopher Rossmann in spring 2020.
Carinthian Sites (c) Christopher Rossmann
Conservationists shall never eat alone. The UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences invites partners and friends to lunch. We meet virtually every Wednesday at lunchtime (12.15 CET) with our brown bags. Different representatives of grassroot initiatives, international organizations, and the scholarly world as well give a short impulse on nature conservation in the 21st century and contribute to our lunchtime discussion. The statements are recorded and made available for download far beyond lunchtime. If you would like to take part virtually in a brownbag session, please contact Lilia Schmalzl via e-mail l.schmalzl[at]fh-kaernten[dot]at
“How can we use digital twins in forest monitoring, Vanessa?”
Vanessa Berger
Video download
“How can biodiversity be surveyed in quarries in a standardized way, Tobias? ”
Presentation by Tobias Köstl
Video-download
“How can we value forest ecosystem services, Michael?”
Michael Getzner
Video-download
