Political positions of CIPRA

Alpine Politics — Oct 10, 2013

New solidarity between the Alps and surrounding areas. CIPRA position paper on a European Macro-Region Strategy for the Alps

Various political actors in the Alpine space are pushing for a European strategy for a macro-region for the Alps (MRS Alps). The International Alpine Protection Commission CIPRA, with over one hundred member organisations, possesses a wide-ranging network in all Alpine countries that extends beyond the Alps and into the surrounding metropolitan areas. CIPRA is therefore actively joining the process for a Macro-Regional Strategy for the Alps, representing the interests of sustainable, eco-friendly Alpine policies. Strengthened co-operation in such a MRS Alps must take place with the Alpine regions and surrounding areas as equal partners without undermining the achievements of the Alpine Convention.

Forest — Mar 20, 2012

Healthy, natural forests: responding to climate change! cc.alps: CIPRA's demands for forest management

As forestry measures have long-term effects, adaptation of the forests to new climate conditions is urgently needed - but it should be initiated with great caution. The carbon storage ability of forests has to be exploited. Wood should first be used as a raw and building material; only under certain circumstances it should be used for heating. Short regional exploitation cycles are to be created. Natural forests should be fostered as they are more resilient to climate change. Forest owners who in the interest of climate protection give up part of their earnings should be compensated. Finally targeted research into practical climate adaptation measures has to become an important long-term task.

Water — Dec 23, 2011

Improvements in efficiency instead of damage to the environment! cc.alps: CIPRA's demands on the subject of water

The rivers of the Alps provide 170 million people with water. Climate change will greatly reduce the availability of water in the Alps and beyond, with less rain, longer dry periods in summer and greatly reduced snowfalls in winter among the predicted consequences. The demands made of this natural resource will increase accordingly, as will competition between the various user groups. Today only about 10% of the rivers and streams of the Alps can be considered ecologically intact, i.e. they are neither polluted nor over-engineered nor compromised in terms of their flow regimes. The ecological quality of waterways and related habitats therefore calls for improvement, not further impairment. We cannot permit the last rivers to become engineered structures or depleted by the excessive abstraction of water.

News on Alpine Politics

Alpine Politics — Aug 26, 2014

Alpine policy put to the test

With the development of a macro-regional strategy Europe’s attention is increasingly turned to the Alps – at least for the present. The CIPRA publication SzeneAlpen focuses on the events.

Alpine Politics — Apr 30, 2014

Improvisational Theatre: Macro-Region for the Alps

Is it a comedy, a farce, or a whodunnit? In any case, the subject matter - an Alpine macro-region - is controversial and the cast high-powered. Inspired by the EU, Alpine countries and regions take to the stage while the Alpine Convention assumes the role of input provider.

Point of view: who will fill the macro-regional Alpine house with life?

Alpine Politics — Jan 29, 2014

alpMedia

Point of view: who will fill the macro-regional Alpine house with life?

Just as in the building of a house, the inhabitants are the most important persons involved in the Alpine macro-region. But, eight weeks after the start of the process, states and regions have yet to indicate to the representatives of civil society whether they may contribute. R.S.V.P.

Alpine Politics — Dec 13, 2013

alpMedia | Schaan, LI

We are the macro-region Alps

On 19 December 2013 the European Council will decide whether there should be a European strategy for the Alpine space. States and regions have been working for months on an appropriate proposal - while excluding representatives of civil society. Why the alpine macro-region needs the science, NGOs and municipalities.

Point of view of CIPRA

Point of view: Winter Games need to face reality

Tourism & Leisure — Feb 04, 2026

Vanda Bonardo, CIPRA Italy

Point of view: Winter Games need to face reality

Major events promise modernity, revitalisation and global visibility. In the Alps, however, these promises are now being made in territories marked by the climate crisis, depopulation and, at the same time, growing tourist pressure. Looking closely at Milan-Cortina 2026, what emerges is not only a celebration of sport, but one of the largest public and infrastructure investment programmes ever concentrated in the Alpine area – with effects that are set to continue well beyond the time of the competitions, says Vanda Bonardo, president of CIPRA Italy.

Water — Oct 28, 2025

Anna Mehrmann and Maya Mathias, CIPRA International

Point of view: Every drop counts

Discussing, eating and laughing together, forging ideas, identifying problems, discovering projects and meeting inspiring people: commitment is contagious, according to Anna Mehrmann and Maya Mathias from CIPRA International, who organised the second Liechtenstein Future Forum Alps on the topic of water in 2025.

Point of view: Holidays have a lasting impact

People — May 07, 2025

Magdalena Holzer, CIPRA International

Point of view: Holidays have a lasting impact

Holidays mean time out, a change of scenery, relaxation. But where and how we spend our holidays doesn’t just affect us; it also has an impact on other people, regions, the climate and nature. Magdalena Holzer, project manager at CIPRA International, is convinced that travelling is a decision that brings with it with great responsibility.