Towards nature tourism in the Ramsar area Lafnitztal

The Ramsar area Lafnitztal is an internationally acknowledged protected wetland area. The area of study encompasses 19 municipalities on either side of the Lafnitz river. The natural potential of the Lafnitz valley are great (valley with meanders, a rarity in Austria, habitat for plants and animals, Ramsar area since June 2002, also Natura 2000, protected nature reserves). In Ramsar areas concepts towards sustainable development have to be developed, so-called wise-use-concepts, in which ecological, economic as well as social aspects have to be considered. The goal of this study is to survey an evaluate the potentials for a sustainable tourist use especially concerning natural environment, agriculture, culture and infrastructure. Based on this objectives and recommendations for implementation are formulated, in order to develop a tourist offer, that corresponds to the principles of sustainable development, and to market this offer. Aside from surveying statistical data concerning the area, social and economic facts qualitative Interviews were conducted with stakeholders from the region. Representative of each province from the fields of agriculture, nature conservation and tourisms were interviewed. This study shows possibilities to develop the existing capital in a sustainable way in order to increase the regional value added.