ÖBB Annual Report 2023

135 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 90 The “FloraMon” project included the development of a prototype system for the area-wide recording of vegetation density as well as relevant and particularly problematic plant species. FloraMon is a joint research initiative of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG and ASFINAG with Johanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft and biohelp GmbH. The project is engaged in the visualisation of plants along the rail and road network at very high speed. The recorded data is evaluated with regard to the location and frequency of occurrence of specific plant species (neophytes and others) using AI methods and the clear presentation of this plant information is transferred to geographical information systems (GIS). This means that vegetation control measures adapted to the plant growth can be carried out in the future. Outlook for 2024 The implementation of the mobility and infrastructure-related aims and measures from the Austrian Biodiversity Strategy 2030+ will be the focus in the coming years in close coordination with the BMK. In 2024, Österreichische Postbus Aktiengesellschaft is once again planning to collaborate with the University of Innsbruck on the topic of “insect monitoring”. The presence of certain insect species is monitored by means of so-called swab samples, which are taken after bus journeys on selected routes in Austria. This information also helps to develop new protection strategies. Other significant measures Biodiversity and species diversity (excerpt) Orchards for biodiversity | The planting of 20 trees at the Logistics Centre Győrszemere (Hungary) and the installation of a photovoltaic system was completed in 2023. Flower meadow for biodiversity | A flower meadow at the Wiener Neustadt base has been promoting biodiversity at the ÖBB-Produktion Gesellschaft mbH site since the summer. The planned introduction of ÖBB rail bees is a further step towards supporting ecological diversity. Biodiversity Strategy Austria 2030+ | At the end of 2022, the BMK published the “Biodiversity Strategy Austria 2030+” with targets and measures for the transport and infrastructure sector. ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is to work closely with the BMK to implement this strategy. Biodiversity analysis | In 2023, all operational sites of the Rail Cargo Group were analysed with regard to “Threatened Species (IUCN)”, “Critical Habitats” and “Protected Areas”. UIC - Guidelines on Managing Railway Assets for Biodiversity | The UIC working group “Sustainable Landuse” published the “Guidelines on Managing Railway Assets for Biodiversity” in 2023. Chaired by a representative of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, these guidelines received the UIC’s “Excellence in Railway Publications Award” in the same year. Life Danube Free Sky – bird protection |The EU-funded LIFE project “Danube Free Sky” will implement bird protection measures on 63 km of overhead lines from 2022 to 2024 to reduce the risk of electrocution and collision. Wildlife warning devices for the railway | The VIF research project on testing wildlife warning devices in the railway sector has been completed and the final reports published. The five test tracks created for the project will be retained and transferred to the regional area organisations. In view of the limited experience available worldwide, this research project was pioneering work in the use of wildlife warning devices on railway systems. Green oasis on former ÖBB grounds | The “New Estate” in Vienna-Favoriten was formerly used to service locomotives and coaches; a new park has been under construction here since 2023. MR90 |