Karwendel Nature Park: Nature Park of the Year 2020

The Application
The Association of Nature Parks of Austria (VNÖ) annually awards one of the current 46 nature parks the title "Nature Park of the Year". The interested nature parks must fill out a comprehensive questionnaire for evaluation and can also submit a specified number of images and background information such as annual reports, etc. The expert jury then takes over.

The Jury
An independent expert jury composed of representatives from the Environment Agency, Alpine Pearls, the University of Vienna, the Environmental Education Center, and ORF Kärnten assessed the areas of nature conservation, recreation & tourism, environmental education, regional development, and public relations. A maximum of 30 points could be awarded per topic. The Karwendel Nature Park achieved a total of 129 out of a possible 150 points.

Jury Statements:
"Broad range of environmental education offerings and well-organized Junior Ranger program as well as sustainable measures in regional development."

"The great enthusiasm of the volunteers is noteworthy – this is hard work for the nature park directors."

"The Karwendel Nature Park is characterized by a very balanced interaction of the four nature park functions, considering its size."

"More than 250 nature excursions and lectures with rangers are offered annually – an absolute highlight!"

The Karwendel Nature Park in the Seefeld Region