News
Launch of the International Connectivity Conservation Network
Connecting habitats around the world requires the commitment of a great number of individuals. To help these persons in their work, the World Commission on Protected Areas has established the International Connectivity Conservation Network.
Alps and beyond: better corridors towards the Carpathians and the Mediterranean region
Ecological networks are important within certain geographical areas, such as the Alps, and also with neighbouring regions. Several projects are working to ensure that the Alps are better connected with their surroundings. Major steps have been undertaken in the Alps-Carpathians corridor and in the area connecting the Alps with the Mediterranean region.
Natural forests for woodpeckers, beetles and bats
The new Austrian project, "Network Natural Forests", intends to contribute to the protection of biodiversity by connecting its forest habitats via two elements: close-to-nature stepping stones and the co-operation of different protected areas.
Nature-friendly tourism and connected habitats in the Rhaetian Triangle
Supporting the implementation of an ecological network continues to be a major issue in the Swiss region of the Lower Engadine. The new "Colliar" project intends to improve co-operation on regional initiatives by different sectors.
Better ecological corridors and fewer accidents involving animals on Swiss roads
The Federal Council has drawn positive conclusions as regards the status of ecological corridors in Switzerland. A pilot project has tested how to successfully reduce collisions between animals and cars. The upcoming research field of landscape genetics provides new insights for the planning and implementation of ecological networks.
France paves the way for its green and blue infrastructure
After more than a year of discussions, France officially established its "trame verte et bleue" ecological network with the publication of a decree at the end of 2012. This Alpine country now has legal rules on how to define and implement its green and blue infrastructure.
Win-win for nature, economy and society: more green infrastructure throughout Europe
Since May the countries of the European Union have received guidelines on how to promote green infrastructure. The European Commission has adopted its strategy on this topic with the aim of better integrating natural processes into spatial planning and strengthening the benefits of intact ecosystems for the economy and society. In addition, Natura2000 and Emerald sites have been further recognized as major elements in an ecological network.
Alpine Convention strengthens co-operation between neighbouring countries
With its new presidency, the "Ecological Network" Platform of the Alpine Convention is now continuing its work. In focus over the next two years are cross-border co-operation between neighbouring states and activities in the pilot regions.
The cameras are rolling for hermits and fire salamanders
What can be done to preserve the diversity of plant and animal species in the Alps? CIPRA provides some answers in the short film "For hermits and fire salamanders - How municipalities connect habitats in the Alps". The film can be seen online and at different locations in the Alps.
Ecological Continuum in the Alps: from 50 questions to a few concerted actions
How will demographic change affect the future of the ecological continuum? And which indicators of species and habitats can be used to assess an ecological network? These are just two of the 50 questions put together by scientists, politicians and environmentalists from all the Alpine lands.
End of the line for the Tende railway?
New tunnels crossing the Alps are feverishly being built elsewhere, but the Tende line between Turin and Nice is due to be closed. People on both sides of the border are protesting, however. Can this historic railway line still be saved?
Youth Parliament at the Alpine Convention adds its voice
YPAC, the Youth Parliament at the Alpine Convention, met in Sonthofen in mid-March to agree ten demands for the "Alpine Town of the Future", generating valuable publicity in the process.
Claire Simon takes up post as CIPRA Executive Director
CIPRA International is getting a new Executive Director. Claire Simon, 35, holds dual French-German nationality and is the first woman in 60 years to lead the organisation. Nor is that the only first.
Lecco opens Alpine Town Year
Lecco, the capital of the province of the same name, has this year been selected as the "Alpine Town of the Year 2013". The opening ceremony took place at the beginning of April and the initiatives for the Alpine Town Year were briefly presented.
Like growing bananas on Piz Palü
It is important to keep your feet on the ground. That is the reason why CIPRA members held a cross-border trek along the Alpine chain – as a network-building project and a kind of Long March, which also made tracks on Facebook.
Commitment to networks for nature
CIPRA has produced a short film to show what can be done at the local level to preserve biodiversity. The spotlight on the actors in the municipalities is a source of great encouragement and strengthens them in their commitment. Let the film roll!
Communicate and find common ground
Working across borders for the environment – Wolfgang Burhenne, founder member of CIPRA, and Andrea Matt, Executive Director of CIPRA Liechtenstein, talk about their activities as networkers.
Young Alps
Everyone’s talking about the future. But usually without involving those to whom it actually belongs. CIPRA supports young people in articulating their hopes and demands.
“The Climalp excursion was a breakthrough”
The local authority in Saint-Jean-d’Arvey decided to use local timber to construct an energy-efficient multipurpose building. In an interview with the Mayor Jean-Claude Monin, we learn how the idea was inspired by a CIPRA visit to Vorarlberg.
“Fact-finding trips like Climalp are some of my favourite assignments”
CIPRA communicates in four languages of the Alps and also in English. The resulting translation load is handled by several translators and interpreters. Reinhold Ferrari is one of them.
CIPRA's point of view: The Alps are far too valuable for the Olympics
The result of the vote held on 3 March 2013 in Graubünden is clear: 52.7% are against the Winter Olympics being held there in 2022. This example shows that there is no desire for gigantism in the Alps.
What counts for the diversity of Alpine species
An international team of researchers has decided on the 50 most important questions for the connecting of habitats in the Alpine regions. Research, support and projects should thus now all be singing in unison. What really counts for the Alpine space?
Alpine water resources in private hands?
The proposal from Brussels on the privatisation of water supplies is making waves on account of the content of the regulation and also the successful citizens' initiative that aims to stop it. Finally, this article explains why a joint strategy is needed, both for the Alpine space and for Europe.
Stage is set for hermits and fire salamanders
What can be done to preserve the diversity of plant and animal species in the Alps? CIPRA provides some answers in the short film "For hermits and fire salamanders - How municipalities connect habitats in the Alps".
Protected areas form their own association
ALPARC, the Alpine Network of Protected Areas, has split from the permanent secretariat of the Alpine Convention to form its own association - in order to ensure better implementation of the Alpine Convention.
...Oh!
… The skiers must be able to swish over gleaming white snow, the ice skaters must glide across brilliant white ice and the biathletes shoot through deep white snow drifts. The Winter Olympic Games in Switzerland must be absolutely snow-white.
Kick-off for recharge.green project: connecting energy and nature
Concrete dams, wind turbines, tree plantations: there is often a conflict between energy production and nature conservation. The recharge.green project, now being implemented throughout the Alps, intends to give landscapes a value. A solution to the dilemma?
Climate protection: Switzerland offers Alps-wide architecture prize
Building with sense and sensitivity: Switzerland is offering a prize of 50,000 euros for sustainable renovated and new buildings in the Alps. A brief description of the international architecture prize.
Study suggests roads do not ensure development in the Alps
An investigation conducted throughout the Alps for the first time compares the accessibility of regions with their economic growth. Should a road be just wide enough to allow progress in?
Bolzano sent the proposal for FP7-Smartcities-2013
The participation to the FP7 call for proposals might represent an opportunity to further enhance the activities of Bolzano towards carbon neutrality.