CIPRA intends to use the project to speed up the implementation of sustainable development in the Alps as set forth in the set of international agreements of the Alpine Convention. The "Future in the Alps" project is to run for a period of three and a half years at a cost of around €2.4 million. Its scope of action is the entire Alpine range from Nice in France to Maribor in Slovenia.
The project is aimed at those individuals, businesses and institutions whose everyday work shapes the future of the Alps in one way or another. They are to network in order to exchange know-how and information, gain access to practical knowledge, and obtain support for innovative projects.
The project combines the latest research findings and practical experience, which it evaluates and processes so that it can be used by all interested parties. To disseminate this knowledge, farmers for example are to have the opportunity to attend workshops to discuss ways and means for them to earn a decent living through farming in the Alps in the future. Basic information is to be published in a third Alpine Report. One way in which the know-how might be applied would be to enable tourist enterprises which adopt a sustainable approach to their activities to take part in an "Alpine Enterprise" to be founded as part of the project.
The challenge of the "Future in the Alps" project lies in creating platforms that allow the players involved to strengthen their co-operation beyond the national and language borders of the Alps. The project aims to encourage an interactive exchange in four languages between practice, science, the authorities, NGOs and politics.
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) is to monitor the project with a scientific approach. Financing is to be provided by the MAVA Foundation for Nature Conservation in Montricher/CH.
Information: www.cipra.org/e/aktivitaeten/zukunft_alpen (en)