KLAr! Kaunergrat
Climate change adaptation model region Kaunertal
What is KLAR?
44 Austrian regions tackle the consequences of climate change as part of the Klar!-programme.
The Kaunergrat region is also involved. KLAR! stands for ‘Climate Change Adaptation Model Region’. Climate change is also affecting the Alpine regions. Adapting to the impacts of it is essential to ensure our high quality of life in the long term.
The 6 municipalities of the Kaunergrat model region are situated in the Tyrolean Inn Valley and in the Kaunertal, nestled within the high-mountain landscape of the Ötztal Alps. The diverse cultural and natural landscape is being showcased by the Nature Park Kaunergrat and its protected areas.
We need to adapt to the new climatic conditions and be prepared for potential extreme weather events.
We’re making the region climate-resilient!
Together, we’re setting out on this journey and rising to the challenges of climate change
To get the region climate-ready is a long-term process. With first adaptability projects, the 6 municipalities of the Kaunergrat model region (Fließ, Prutz, Faggen, Kauns, Kaunerberg & Kaunertal) are setting out on this journey and tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.
First adaptability projects of KLAR! Kaunergrat
- Nature-friendly forestry – raising awareness
Public relations work on key measures for climate change adaptation in forestry, such as converting stands to mixed forests or forest regeneration - The future of our mountain pastures
Information for the farming communities involved regarding the future of our mountain pastures in the face of climate change - Rainwater harvesting
Promoting the installation of rainwater storage tanks - Water for everyone - building drinking fountains
Planning and installation of drinking fountains at playgrounds, sports facilities, footpaths, etc. - Fruit for everyone
Promoting the cultivation of heritage fruit varieties in private gardens and communal land - Experience the Kaunertal through changing seasons
Exploring the range of tourist activities available depending on the season and weather conditions, and advice for visitors in the event of extreme weather - KLI KLA KAU School programme
Running climate workshops at schools in the KLAR! Kaunergrat region
2 years of KLAR! Kaunergrat (Climate Change Adaptation Model Region)
KLAR! Against Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and climate protection is the order of the day! Many of the effects of climate change are already being felt. The municipalities of Fließ, Kauns, Kaunerberg, Kaunertal, Faggen and Prutz have been working together for two years to prepare for these changes!
- 14 drinking fountains
have been installed to make drinking water more readily available during heatwaves - 130,000-litre water tanks
now facilitate rainwater harvesting and water retention during heavy rainfall - 560 children
learnt about climate change and its consequences in workshops - 400 fruit trees
of heritage varieties were planted to preserve diversity in regional fruit growing and in the orchard meadows - 1 Climate-Witness exhibition
at the Kaunergrat Nature Park highlights the impact of climate change on Alpine wildlife - 90 protected afforestation areas
demonstrate how greater biodiversity can help our forests adapt to climate change - 1 pond
is currently being restored to preserve water bodies as habitats for endangered species and to connect wetlands - 3 climate project weeks
were organised in collaboration with Prutz Primary School - 2 years of support with pasture management
have provided new insights into how our alpine pastures can be preserved despite the challenges posed by climate change - 2 tourism projects
aim to promote the region as a destination for hikers and mountaineers and to create new opportunities for summer tourism - 13 projects were carried out
jointly over the course of two years, to ensure that we can continue to live well in our region, even in the face of climate change
There is still a lot to be done to become climate-resilient! The six municipalities are currently preparing further projects on climate protection and adapting to the effects of climate change!
Have we sparked your interest? If you’d like, feel free to read through the KLAR! Kaunergrat brochure here (German).
The KLAR project is entering its second phase
New projects for the coming years...
Reducing natural hazards through targeted grazing
Mooskopf Kaunertal Alpine Pasture Project
By grazing goats on the slopes below the Mooskopf in the Verpeil Valley, the project is investigating whether this can lead to a reduction in alpine natural hazards such as mudslides and avalanches. If the project is successfully completed, it might even be possible to avoid the need for avalanche defences.
School Garden at Kauns Nature Park School
In the playground of the Kauns Nature Park School, the children planted various shrubs and trees with their teachers. Fruit, berries and vegetables were also grown. A butterfly staircase, an insect hotel, and natural-style playground furniture and equipment round off the nature-oriented facilities. This means nothing now stands in the way of outdoor lessons!
Klimabaustellen / Climate Worksite
Young people stay at the Gepatschhaus for up to two weeks, are accompanied by a mountain guide, and remove invasive plant species, maintain trails, go on glacier hikes and learn how to look after grazing animals.
Climate Roundtable
A total of nine climate roundtables are planned, covering a range of topics: health, forests, nature conservation, natural hazards, construction, etc.
Three climate roundtables have already been held, resulting in the following projects:
- From preserving to fermenting: preserving the treasures of the garden
- A community garden has been established in the municipality of Fliess
- Lecture on biodiversity: biodiversity brings stability and protects nature
Climate hedges
So-called climate hedges have been planted in the villages of Feichten and Kauns. Ten different types of shrubs grow there.
Climate Hike on the Kaunergrat
Along the Kaunergrat, there are special climate hikes that provide interesting insights into the topic of climate change. Local mountain guides share information on various aspects of climate change in the Alps. Three different high-altitude hikes take place in the Kaunertal valley during July and August:
- Hike along the glacier nature trail to the glacier tongue at the Gepatschferner, with a discussion on glacial changes, glacial striations, etc.
- Hike from the Verpeilalm towards the Verpeilhütte, continuing on to the Madatschjoch and from there descending via a rope-secured path to the Kaunergrathütte
- Two-day hike from the Kaunertal to the Rauhekopfhütte and onwards across the impressive Gepatschferner to the Brandenburger Haus with fascinating insights into the impact of climate change in the high mountains
