Styrian Mountain and Nature Watch Act 2024 (StBNWG).

The Act establishes the organization, responsibilities, and supervision of the Styrian Mountain and Nature Watch, a public law corporation based in Graz. Its main tasks include promoting awareness of nature protection, safeguarding landscapes and habitats, supporting provincial and municipal authorities in conservation matters, and training members for enforcement duties. The organization is structured into district and local units, with governing bodies such as a general assembly, a provincial board, district leaders, local leaders, and a conciliation body. Membership is voluntary and honorary, with reimbursement only for expenses incurred during official duties.
Appointed Mountain and Nature Watch officers act as auxiliary enforcement bodies, monitoring compliance with key conservation and land-use laws, such as the Styrian Nature Conservation Act, mountain access rights, cave protection, and restrictions on motor vehicles off-road. They are empowered to conduct inspections, issue reports, and, in certain cases, search belongings or enter land to investigate violations. The Act also regulates appointments, training, oversight by provincial and district authorities, disciplinary measures, and data protection for member records. The text consists of 31 Articles.