LE stands for "Rural Development (Ländliche Entwicklung)" and is a funding program that specifically supports rural regions in Austria.
LE projects are intended to strengthen the region ecologically, economically, and culturally. The goal is to promote the vibrancy of rural areas.
This funding links nature, culture, and the economy, ensuring long-term benefits for the national park and the surrounding region.
• Sustainable nature and environmental projects in the national park
• Regional cooperation from municipalities, associations and businesses
• Tourist offers and educational projects for visitors
• Strengthening quality of life for the local people
Rural Development - Ländliche Entwicklung (LE)
Our funding projects LE Bund
Austria's national parks are internationally recognized protected areas of the highest quality. They safeguard biodiversity, promote awareness of pristine nature, and offer valuable recreational opportunities.
The following priorities are supported:
1. Awareness raising and education - e.g. educational opportunities, partner schools, ranger programs, visitor information, events and public relations.
2. Management and basics - e.g. research, natural area management, monitoring, habitat protection and implementation of the national park strategy.
3. Investments- e.g. infrastructure, technology, accessibility.
Project "Nature Vision - Communication of National Park Vision"
Project LE 78-03-BML-2025-55739
Duration: 11/1/2025 - 4/30/2029
Total budget: € 465,105.-
The public relations project "Nature Vision" aims to further enhance the visibility, understanding, and acceptance of the Thayatal National Park among the general public, decision-makers, schools, the regional and national population, and potential visitors.
The goal is to firmly establish the Thayatal National Park in the public consciousness as a natural gem offering unique nature experiences.
Visitors should gain a better understanding of the protected area's role in addressing key challenges such as biodiversity, climate change, urbanization, and the loss of natural environments.
Our funded projects LE Land
25 Years of Thayatal National Park - On the Path to Wilderness
The Thayatal National Park will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025. To mark this milestone, the development and achievements of this protected area will be presented, and the 25th anniversary will be celebrated.
The anniversary itself, as well as the developments and successes of the past 25 years, will be made accessible and communicated to various target groups. The aim is to demonstrate that 25 years of efforts in nature conservation are now bearing fruit and that the National Park Administration has fulfilled its mission of protecting habitats and species over the past 25 years.
Various measures will be implemented to further raise awareness of the Thayatal National Park.
Project Title: Awareness Raising, Public Relations, and Studies in Lower Austria's Large Protected Areas 2025-2027
Funding Number: LE-78-03-NOE-2024-38900
Project Duration: January 10, 2025 - March 31, 2026
Eligible Costs: €184,603.18
Natural Environment
After 25 years of promoting natural processes, many positive changes are now visible. This natural development, along with outstanding natural treasures, will be presented within the framework of this project through the following measures:- A then-and-now comparison to visually illustrate the natural changes in the national park area,
- The presentation of special species to highlight the unique natural environment,
- Designation as a Ramsar site is being pursued.
Education
- The anniversary celebration will take place on May 25, 2025, at the National Park House. In the morning, the new "Umlaufblick" (Circular View) observation tower will be unveiled, allowing visitors to overlook the two circular hills, the landmarks of the Thayatal-Podyjí National Park.- The importance of the protected area can be particularly well conveyed through events and guided hikes. As part of numerous educational programs, expert staff and National Park rangers lead tours through the Thayatal valley and create engaging educational programs.
- Furthermore, the Thayatal National Park will be promoted in the region to highlight the importance of the national park and its protected resources.
Public Relations
- The special exhibition "25 Years of the National Park - On the Path to Wilderness" will present the natural development, milestones and achievements, as well as the partners of the Thayatal National Park. The exhibition continues with illustrative image comparisons within the national park area.- A clearly illustrated brochure provided information about the most important characteristics of the Thayatal National Park.
- A film about the Thayatal National Park is being produced in cooperation with a media partner.
- The aforementioned measures and the anniversary will be communicated and supported through accompanying public relations activities.
