Abstract ID: 3.12809 | Accepted as Talk | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

The project “Citizen Biotopes” combines the conservation of species with applied natural science and civil social engagement in the mountain region oft he Tyrol in Austria. In six communities, 85 local citizens and policy makers/administrators work together with experts in ecology and biodiversity. They pursue the goal of strengthening locally relevant, endangered plant species of semi-arid grasslands and creating 30 near-natural habitats. These participatory sites will develop into valuable biodiversity oases through collaborative planting, sowing and care. From March 2024 to November 2025, the six regional groups meet regularly to (1) identify rare plant species in their own environment, (2) develop joint ideas for the design of biotopes, (3) collect seeds from flowering plants, (4) plan biotopes and (5) actively create or enhance biotopes. The facilitators from the natural and social sciences ensure quality, validate interim results and enable genuine participation by all those involved. They impart knowledge, set ecological standards, ensure that all participants are heard and enable them to put their acquired knowledge directly into practice. The first significant ecological contributions demonstrate the added value of the project: the rediscovery of the purple clover (Trifolium rubens) at historical sites near Innsbruck, new evidence of the panicle knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) in the Tyrolean Oberland and the collection of over 6 kg of wildflower seeds from 89 species and 25 ha of species-rich meadows. Ten citizen biotopes have already been successfully created. 25 more will be realized by September 2025. The close cooperation between policy, natural sciences and civil society is proving to be particularly effective in expanding the practice of species conservation in the communities. We present the process, the interim results and the ecological and social implications of this new participatory format. The results and experiences provide important impulses for similar initiatives at regional and European level. The project is funded by the Biodiversity Fund of the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology.