BFW is a multidisciplinary Research and Training Centre, constituted as an autonomous institution based on public law. BFW contributes to the economic, ecological and socially sustainable development of rural areas.

Through conducting forest and landscape research, BFW prepares scientific guidelines and disseminates knowledge, focussing on the

sustainable use, multifunctional management and protection of forest ecosystems,

conservation and enhancement of biodiversity,

protection against natural hazards and georisk-management and

use, management and protection of catchment areas in order to safeguard the national water resources on a sustainable basis.

With the execution of its research activities BFW fulfils statutory tasks and international commitments of the Republic of Austria. It conducts long-term monitoring programmes and implements measures in the field of biodiversity conservation. It supports the Austrian Federal Forest Office in enforcing the Federal Law on Forest Reproductive Material and the Federal Law on Plant Protection.

Results of the research work are continually implemented through advisory and consultancy services and training activities. BFW offers comprehensive further training in forestry with continuous integration of research results into curricula. It provides vocational training for forest guards and participates in forest worker training.

BFW strives for application-oriented, multidisciplinary and long-term research. The assigned tasks are undertaken in view of practical needs and societal aspects. In this sense the BFW supports the executive bodies of the Republic of Austria in their legally binding and political commitments in the field of forests, catchment areas, protection against natural hazards, biodiversity conservation and landscape development.

BFW cooperates closely with other Austrian and international research institutions, especially under joint research and development programmes.

BFW strives for highly qualified scientific staff and encourages further training opportunities. It supports the training of junior researchers and provides assistance to post-graduates and students working on diploma theses and dissertations.

BFW cultivates the capacities of employees for self-initiative, autonomous and responsible actions.