Until recently the small town of 12'000 inhabitants in the south-eastern foothills of the Alps was mainly known for the second largest quicksilver mine in the world. After the closure of the mines in the late 1980s Idrija developed into a centre of high-tech industry with an almost zero unemployment rate. The planned activities were presented to the representatives of the "Alpine Town of the Year" association at a workshop in early April. The prospective model town for climate protection has developed many initiatives for energy efficiency. For example, the amount of energy that can be generated from local biomass and the corresponding savings of energy from fossil sources will be calculated. Measures will also be taken to reduce environmental and light pollution. Another important theme is awareness-building among the population for a more rational use of drinking water. In this context, the construction of sewage plants is also given priority.
The development of sustainable tourism has a key role in the town and in the region as a whole. One initiative will be the creation of a geopark, as a geo-logical continuation of history, so to speak. Another is the expansion of the cycle track network. Green tourism is to become a reliable pillar of the local economy. Idrija has set itself the goal of being nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Source and additional information: www.alpenstaedte.org/de/alpenstaedte-1/220 (de/fr/it/sl)