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

People — Oct 09, 2024

Caroline Begle, CIPRA International

AlpWeek 2024: time for action

A look back, a look forwards: twenty years after the first AlpWeek, the eighth edition of the international conference brought over 200 people to Nova Gorica/SL to discuss what is important in the development of the Alpine region.

Alpine Politics — Sep 30, 2024

Michael Gams, CIPRA International

New faces at CIPRA

CIPRA's delegates elected Uwe Roth from Germany as the new President. The Board is becoming younger and more female.

Alpine huts: the first victims of the climate crisis?

Alpine Politics — Jul 17, 2024

Sophie V. Mahlknecht, CIPRA International

Alpine huts: the first victims of the climate crisis?

Water shortages, disintegrating mountains and renovation needs: managing Alpine huts has always been difficult, but the climate crisis is making the situation even worse. The Austrian Alpine Association has already issued an “Emergency call from the Alps”.

Alpine Politics — Jul 17, 2024

Michael Gams, CIPRA International

AlpWeek 2024 in Nova Gorica

Two decades ago, “AlpWeek” was held for the first time in Slovenia as an international event organised by Alpine organisations. It will return there from 23 to 25 September 2024.

Point of view of CIPRA

CIPRA's point of view: 60 years of CIPRA

Apr 26, 2012

alpMedia

CIPRA's point of view: 60 years of CIPRA

The International Commission for the Protection of the Alps, CIPRA, has reason to celebrate. On 5 May this umbrella organisation, containing some one hundred members from all countries in the Alps, will turn 60.

CIPRA's point of view: Knowing how to shape the climate

Climate — Apr 26, 2012

alpMedia

CIPRA's point of view: Knowing how to shape the climate

We should discharge no more greenhouse gases than the natural systems in the Alps, such as forests or moorlands, can absorb - CIPRA's vision, set out in its annual report, argues for sustained climate protection.

Energy — Feb 22, 2012

alpMedia

CIPRA's point of view: Water on!

Austria's checklist for the building of hydroelectric power plants is technically sound, offering transparency for building permits, but no protection for ecologically intact waters.