The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, the Alma Mater Viridis, sees itself as an education and research centre for renewable resources, which are a necessity for human life. With its wide range of areas of expertise it is the task of BOKU to contribute significantly to the protection of life resources for future generations. With a connection between natural sciences, engineering and economics, BOKU is trying to deepen the knowledge of an ecologically and economically sustainable use of natural resources in a cultivated landscape. The interaction between man, society and the environment forms the basis of all activities at the BOKU, and its foremost aim is to make decisive contributions to securing the well-being of future generations. In this endeavour, it will seek ways of ensuring a sustainable and environmentally sound management of natural resources by allying the competences of the natural, engineering, economic and social sciences. In support of its leading role in teaching and research at an international level, the following are considered to be of special significance: • Natural resources and their management • Food, nutrition and health • The natural and man-made environment • Living space and quality of life Topics in Teaching and Research - sustainable use of naturally growing raw materials both for energy supply as well as for innovative materials  protecting regenerable sources such as water, soil, and atmosphere  shaping true to life recycling processes  interrelation between food production and health  protecting and shaping biotopes and environments  protecting the wellbeing of plants, animals, and humans