Celebrating the agricultural heritage of Austria’s carp ponds

Lower Austria’s centuries-old carp ponds have been officially recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), marking a proud moment for the region’s farming and aquaculture communities.

The celebration, held on the scenic banks of Herrensee Pond, brought together government officials, scientists, pond farmers, and international delegates. The event featured live music, speeches, and a symbolic blessing of the pond by the “Pond Queen,” who arrived by boat, highlighting the deep cultural roots of this unique agricultural system.

“This designation is a testament to the remarkable harmony between people and nature that has thrived and evolved here through generations. A harmony that is a perfect example of sustainable and resilient aquaculture,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of FAO’s Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.

The power of ponds

More than 4,000 fish ponds in the 1,900 hectares of Lower Austria annually produce around 160 tons of organic carp, forty percent of which is for human consumption. The ponds play an essential role in food production, biodiversity conservation and flood control. They also have a positive impact on the environment, creating a cooler and more humid micro-climate that counteracts the effects of climate change.

Norbert Totschnig, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management, noted the importance of ponds as sustainable solutions for people and the planet. “Climate change is real, and it has a bearing on agriculture and aquaculture. The recognition of the Waldviertel carp industry as an agricultural world cultural heritage site not only honors a centuries-old tradition, but also reflects the commitment of our farmers to Austrian quality products. I would like to congratulate them on their recognition and wish the pond farmers continued pleasure and success. This award shows that Austria's pond industry has tradition, a future – and global appeal.” said the Minister, underscoring the urgent need to bolster financial support for sites like these.

Aquaculture for food security

Aquaculture has consistently been the fastest-growing food production sector, with an average annual growth of over 11% since 1984. In 2022 aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries as the main producer of aquatic foods. 

FAO recognizes aquaculture that is undertaken in a sustainable way as a vital component of global food security, emphasizing its potential to improve nutrition, provide livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable food systems that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

The sustainability of the sector may, however, be at stake not just from the inputs and methods used, but also from the effects of climate change. Aquaculture practices that use formulated food to increase the density or reduce the growing time of fish, can also create an ecological imbalance and reduce water quality.

A legacy of tradition and innovation

Pond farming in Austria has stood the test of time, with records of the first ponds dating back to 1280, when monks started to breed carp as a steady source of protein. In Lower Austria, Waldviertel’s 900-year pond history is closely linked to the region’s optimal environmental conditions and positioning on the water table - ideal for maintaining an effective pond network.

Speaking to FAO delegates visiting the region, Franziskus Seilern-Aspang, a pond farmer from Litschau, explained that “the ponds are water bodies that help to stabilize the climate and the landscape and produce high-quality fish with low emissions.”

Leo Kirchaier, Secretary of the Lower Austrian Association of Pond farmers, described the particularly high levels of biodiversity in the area thanks to the sustainably managed ponds.

“People have been managing these pond systems for generations. Sustainable fish production goes hand in hand with biodiversity and our identity, ” he explained.

Traditional pond harvesting in Austria takes place in spring or autumn. Fishing in spring is important for Easter fish markets and the transfer of stock and breeding fish into other ponds. Harvesting a carp pond can´t be done alone - many hands are needed so it’s a community affair, with people investing time and energy as their parents and grandparents did in bygone days.

A boost from GIAHS

Joining the GIAHS network opens doors for technical support, product promotion, and the development of agrotourism. It also helps connect local producers to global markets for niche products like fish leather and organic carp meat.

As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, the number of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems is reaching one hundred, and the programme moves full steam ahead ensuring that these unique agricultural systems are recognized and preserved.  

Thanks to the traditional knowledge, values and practices of systems like Lower Austria’s carp ponds, each GIAHS contributes to food security and livelihoods and promotes both resilience and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The carp ponds are a perfect demonstration of what is being discussed around the world in terms of sustainable agriculture and an example of what FAO is calling for: better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life for all.