Articles
Taking small steps together
Last week’s AlpWeek held in Grassau/DE saw the focus on people and their relations with the Alps. The topics of migration and youth participation were particular subjects of discussion.
On foot through the Alps
From June to September 2017 the “whatsalp” group of mountain enthusiasts will be crossing the Alps from east to west, documenting the changes to the Alpine regions as they go. CIPRA will be accompanying them as a project partner.
Media address expansion of winter sports
The call by CIPRA to end the constant upgrading of ski areas has found considerable support. Facts such as climate change, stagnating numbers of skiers and falling profits underline the urgency of these demands.
Wolves once more in the firing line
Downgrading the protected status of the wolf, control, even wolf-free zones: these are some of the demands of the Alpine farming federations in the Alpine regions as part of the fitness check conducted on the Fauna Flora Habitat (FFH) directive. Nature conservation organisations respond.
Oh...
…”Ah! Eh! Ih! Oh! Uh!” comes a rough voice from the loudspeaker. He said nothing for 5,300 years: but now Ötzi, the famous Man from the Ice, has found his voice again.
The Alps are losing their snow
A recently published study shows that winters are ever shorter and the amount of snow is decreasing. The main reason for long winters becoming more and more a thing of the past is the earlier spring thaw.
Point of view: A strategy for people in the Alps
The European strategy for the Alps is intended to create new relationships between Alpine regions and the surrounding areas. This however requires oversight to ensure the reconciliation of interests as well as sustainable development, says Andreas Pichler, director of CIPRA international.
The Alpine Convention in action
Urban areas are not often directly thought of in connection with the Alpine Convention - “the Alps are mountains, not cities” is the refrain. The Austrian city of Klagenfurt contradicts such views.
Rendezvous of friends of the Alps
Migration and depopulation, perspectives of traditional crafts, climate change, health. These are some of the topics that will be discussed during the AlpWeek 2016. The meeting is being planned for October by leading Alpine-wide organisations, including CIPRA.
Joint commitment to the Alpine space
The interaction between CIPRA International and the “Alliance in the Alps” goes back to the foundation of the latter in 1997. The basis for co-operation has now been renewed at a strategy meeting.
No free ride from Italy to Germany
The European Union does not want to finance the Alemagna motorway: but the Italian Veneto Region is insisting on the road link to Germany.
Rock ptarmigan may continue to nest
No ski lifts or pistes may be built on the mountain slopes of the Vallaccia Valley in Italy. This decision of the Lombardy Administrative Court now overturns the authorisation granted by the Italian Council of Ministers.
Strange but true...
This is the story of why all mountains may soon be covered with sawdust in summer.
Point of view: Switzerland needs help with its climate policy
Switzerland was formerly a leading light in environmental policy. Today, sadly, it does not even have a plan for implementing the goals of the Paris climate agreement, says Hans Weber, executive director of CIPRA Switzerland.
Young ideas for a green economy
This year’s Youth Parliament of the Alpine Convention, held in the Italian town of Bassano del Grappa, focussed exclusively on the topic of “Green Economy”. The “Youth Alpine Express” also stopped off there.
“Glamping” in the Slovenian Alps: a critical view
A new “Eco Resort” in Slovenia promises luxury farmhouse holidays. Just a few kilometres away the genuine Alpine huts of the “Velika Planina” stand ready for guests.
Democratic renewal: success and failure
People have been gathering every night in Paris since the end of March in the “Nuit debout” (Up all night) movement in order to discuss a world that is democratic, environmentally friendly and socially more just. What French cities dream of is already being tested for real in Alpine villages.
Better protection for natural spaces
Resistance is growing across the Alps against construction activities in pristine or largely unspoilt areas. CIPRA is making an appeal for integrative spatial planning to the Alpine states meeting this week in Murnau, Germany.
Point of view: 25 years of the Alpine Convention are not enough
While we celebrate 25 years of the Alpine Convention, we still bemoan the slow pace of its implementation. For its objectives to be achieved, believes Katharina Conradin, President of CIPRA International, we have to repeatedly demand their realisation.
CIPRA and the Alpine Convention: a fruitful co-operation
An architectural competition, a climate conference, activities with young people: CIPRA and the Alpine Convention have a lot in common, as the current annual report of CIPRA International makes clear.
Change is in the air
A change of executive director at CIPRA International and at CIPRA Austria, and a new president for CIPRA Switzerland: the new faces shaping the future of CIPRA.
One river, numerous desires: disagreements about the Alpine Rhine
A current bone of contention between different interest groups is the priority to be given to the various uses made of the Alpine Rhine: as a farming area, as a habitat for the little ringed plover and the German tamarisk, or as a drinking water reservoir. SPARE, a new European Union project for the Alpine region, will offer assistance for the holistic management of watercourses.
Chemicals in the Alps– unwanted souvenirs
Not only particulates are causing problems for people and animals: chemicals too are accumulating in the Alps. As one of the causes the outdoors industry is only gradually moving to remedy matters.
Award-winning tourism
Tourism too has its success stories. Innovative projects in the Alps are drawing attention. A national park in Germany now shows that sustainable tourism can also bring economic benefits.
SPARE – Alpine rivers as society’s lifelines
What is the state of the Alpine rivers? How can we bring those responsible and other interested parties to committing themselves to holistic river management? The SPARE project strives to answer these and other questions. CIPRA and eight additional partners have launched the three-year project at a two-day meeting in Vienna in early February 2016.
Victory and defeat for new protected areas
New protected areas are valuable for biodiversity, with many also intended to boost the local economy. There are nevertheless frequent reservations.
Strange but true...
soft guitar music, gentle singing, then the camera zooms onto a green, undeveloped hillside.
Point of view: He who sows infrastructure, reaps more traffic
At the end of February 2016 Swiss voters will decide on the building of a second road tunnel at the Gotthard Pass. The CHF 4 billion project will torpedo Switzerland’s modal shift policy, believes Barbara Wülser, CIPRA International’s communications manager.
A toolbox for climate change
Climate change is a fact. Its complexity, however, means that it remains an abstract notion for regional decision-makers. CIPRA, together with its partners, is supporting Alpine regions.
Hot topic: mountain biking
Like hikers, mountain bikers are now part of the mountain landscape, often using the same paths. The result: conflicts between the two groups are on the increase.