Laura Rossacher

Intern, Austrian Press & Information Service of the Embassy of Austria

Today's Date: 14th of July 2006

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

In 2005 I went rafting on the river "Kolpa", the border river between Slovenia and Croatia. Because of heavy rainfalls it was an extraordinary experience and I have never felt as close to nature as on that day. It felt like I was affiliating with the water and the river.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

As I had a dog when I was little, I loved taking him for walks in the woods close to our flat in my Austrian hometown Graz.

Now?

In general I am a huge fan of nature, especially of the mountains in Austria during summer. Unfortunately I haven't made a hiking trip to the mountains for several years. I have gone skiing to the Alps in Salzburg every winter, which I also like a lot.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favourite animal is, and why?

My favourite animals are butterflies, because of their beauty and diversity. I enjoy watching butterflies and love butterfly section in the Viennese famous zoo Schönbrunn.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

To my mind the greatest environmental challenge of the present and the future is to find a way of avoiding air pollution, which is the cause of so many more environmental damages. In particular there should be put much more effort in finding alternative fuels for cars.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Everyone should be more aware of the impact he or she personally has on our environment in every day's life. In fact the small things will make the great difference, for example using public transport systems instead of going by car.