Year of forests 2011 - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2011

The theme of this year's EUROPA brands, set by "Posteurop", the Association of European Postal Societies, addresses the International Year of Forests in accordance with United Nations Resolution 61/193. In cooperation with Bundesforste AG, Austrian Post has come up with something very special: the present brand block, designed by Michael Rosenfeld, is not just a postage stamp, but much more. In the form of a little note, the block contains a specially selected mixture of seed grains of local spruce trees from Tyrol, the Salzkammergut, the Waldviertel, Styria and Carinthia. Of course, the date of the appearance of this extraordinary brand block is not random, as autumn is the best time of sowing - "in a few years," says Federal Forestry Director Mag. Georg Schöppl, "you will enjoy young trees and these The symbolism behind this innovative edition is clear: Let's set a sign and help our forest in its further so important for all of us growth. Of course, the fact that philately, as the ambassador of a country, provides the necessary awareness, is beyond question. Around 40,000 km² - which is equivalent to around 48 percent of Austria's national territory - are forests. The most varied climate, landscape and vegetation overlap. Scenically, Austria has a share in high and low mountain regions as well as in hilly and plain; Geology is very complex not only because of the mountain formations and folds. The soils have developed from calcareous and acidic rocks, consequently the soil types show a very large variety. Adapted to the geological, climatic, relief and soil conditions, a different "forest community" and a rich plant and animal world has adapted to the respective locations or developed. The forests of Austria are of the utmost importance for the preservation and promotion of biodiversity. The so-called "Nature Reserve Program" is an important contribution to preserving and improving the biodiversity of our forests. Exactly 15 years ago, in 1996, a nationwide network of natural forest reserves was established, providing the basis for the further development of an ecologically oriented, near-natural Silviculture serves, furnished. National parks, nature parks and biosphere reserves are, to name three examples, parts of this network.