From July 22nd to 26th, 2024, the partners of LIFE Apollo2020 gathered in Saalfelden, Austria, for their annual meeting. This yearly event provides opportunity for all partners to engage in discussions, share updates, and collaborate on strategies to work towards the project’s goals. We had the pleasure to also welcome EU representatives Gustavo Becerra-Jurado from CINEA and Edyta Owadowska-Cornil from ELMEN EEIG, who shared their insights and assistence in regard to the project.
Day 1: Office day and Apollo habitat visit
The first day was dedicated to presentations and discussions. This “office day” allowed partners to discuss the projects’ progress and challenges. Meeting in person contributed to shared learning and collaborative problem-solving. As a refreshment break, we visited a local Apollo butterfly habitat (Stossengraben). The day concluded with a joint dinner.
Day 2: Habitat visits in East Tyrol
On day 2, we visited the project habitats in East Tyrol, including Virgen, Hinterbichl, Leisach, and Mörtschach. The highlight of the day was witnessing Apollo butterflies flying in Hinterbichl. To see the butterflies flying is a great motivation for everyone to do even more to conserve the Apollo butterfly species. The journey back to Saalfelden was equally memorable, as we took the scenic high alpine Grossglockner Road. The good weather allowed some breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps along the way.
Day 3: Habitat and breeding station visits and meeting conclusion
On the final day, we visited the habitats close to Saalfelden: Lofer and Fieberbrunn. In Lofer, we had the pleasure to watch a demonstration by dr. Leo Slotta-Bachmay from Naturschutzhunde and his dog, showing how trained dogs are used to search for and monitor caterpillars. The demonstration was very informative and inspiring, highlighting the many possibilities in which dogs can assist humans in reaching their goals. After the habitats, we visited the breeding station in Saalfelden, where Otto Feldner provided an in-depth look at the breeding process of Apollo butterflies. He has been breeding Apollo butterflies for more than 30 years and we could appreciate his dedication to reintroducing the species into its natural habitat.
We used the final closure meeting on day 3 to reflect on the insights gained and to outline the next steps for the project.
The 2024 LIFE Apollo2020 partner meeting in Saalfelden was a success, offering valuable opportunities for fruitful discussions, collaboration, and inspiration. With renewed energy, partners returned home, ready to continue their important work in preserving the Apollo butterfly.