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The concept of eco-regions (Bioregionen) in Austria and sustainable development

Markus Schermer
[History] Paper presented at the European Society for Rural Sociology, 20th Biennial Conference, Sligo, Ireland, 19-22 August 2003
January 2004

The concept of eco-regions ("Bioregionen" in German) is gaining increasing importance in the rural development debate in Austria. The idea comes from different directions, proposed by actors in the organic movement as well as in regional development. In recent years both approaches have gained widespread recognition and appears now combined in the eco-region concept. The term is not yet properly defined, although a number of regional actors use it. The common understanding is to link sustainable economic, social and environmental development of a region with organic farming. In order to assess the present status a survey was conducted. Over 30 initiatives in 23 (micro-) regions of Austria were identified, which combine organic farming with territorial development. The survey shows that there is considerable variation among the various expressions. The range extends from regions of origin for products in supermarket chains to an orientation towards self-sufficiency. The actual expression of an eco-region responds to the regional problem analysis of the proponents. Furthermore the concept illustrates at present a process rather than a result. The paper analyses the data generated in the survey in order to find a pattern for the different approaches. Starting off from the concept of "culture economies" as elaborated by Ray [1] a preliminary typology is derived. The diverse approaches of different actor groups (farmers, retailers, tourism managers, regional developers) are illustrated by examples. Essentially the concept is used to improve the regional power status of the proponent. Organic actors in particular aim to retain more influence over the food chain. A common vision is regarded as essential, as otherwise the concept runs at risk to loose its meaning. The preliminary typology should assist to elaborate such a commonly agreed goal for eco-regions.