Further partnerships

INTERREG Green Islands

From September 2026 to October 2028, the ‘Green Islands’ project will promote cross-border collaboration between the Donau-Auen National Park, Bratislava Zoo and WWF Slovakia. The project is funded under the INTERREG VI A SK-AT cooperation programme. Further information: Interreg Slovakia – Austria

In the Austria–Slovakia crossborder project area, with its valuable natural habitats, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. In the Pannonian climate, hot days and droughts are particularly pronounced. Inhabitants of the growing cities of Vienna and Bratislava seek respite in nature. These include the Donau-Auen National Park and peri-urban areas such as Bratislava Zoo or Schloss Orth an der Donau and its surroundings. The 'Green Islands' project aims to enhance these areas and make them more resilient to the effects of climate change. This will also improve the quality of the visitor experience, whilst showcasing these locations as prime examples of adaptation. At the same time, the measures are designed to raise awareness. Podcasts, exhibitions, guided tours, a specialist symposium and round-table discussions are being organised.

At Schloss Orth an der Donau, measures planned include shading, meadow management and improved access design. Furthermore, from 2028, a new exhibition will inform visitors about the importance of climate resilience.

There are also plans to establish a joint team of experts who, drawing on their experience, will propose effective pilot measures to promote climate resilience. These activities will be implemented on both sides of the border, after which their effectiveness will be jointly assessed. This will result in practical examples of solutions.

Eine Familie geht auf das schlossORTH Nationalpark-Zentrum zu

Various institutions

Since its foundation, the Donau-Auen National Park has continuously expanded its cooperation with international partners in tourism and nature conservation.

Contacts have been established with the ICPDR (International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River) and IAD (International Danube Working Group). The Donau-Auen National Park is also a member of the EUROPARC Federation, the largest network of European protected areas.