On the 28th of October, Austria welcomed its second IUCN Ib Wilderness Area. Hohe Tauern Sulzbach valleys were recognised with this status thanks to their unmodified nature worthy of protection and untouched preservation. Here, the self-determination of nature is promoted and respected for the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

The 6,728-hectare area of the Sulzbach valleys, located in Salzburg's part of the park, is hardly accessible due to its steep rock faces and glaciers. For these reasons, it has never been affected by major human interventions and is now one of the natural treasures of the park conserving its wilderness status. Hence, Hohe Tauern Wilderness Area is the home of many characteristic animals like chamois, ibex, bearded and griffon vultures and golden eagle.

The category Ib IUCN certificate was handed over to Wolfgang Urban, the director of the park, by Andrej Sovnic, the Vice-Chair of IUCN Europe, at the presence of regional and federal Ministers of Sustainable Development and Tourism Maria Hutter and Maria Patek respectively.

This status brings international recognition and confirms the importance of the park.