Climate change, increasing pressure of use, the corona pandemic: the challenges in the Alpine region are greater than ever before – and are now receiving strong new voices for sustainable approaches to solutions: “Working for CIPRA Austria, I would now like to decisively advance the burning issues and make an important contribution to a good life in the Alps,” explains the new Chairman, Stephan Tischler. The graduate spatial planner with a doctorate in transport planning currently researches, plans and teaches at the University of Innsbruck/A in the field of Intelligent Transport Systems. Elias Kindle has been appointed Executive Director of CIPRA Liechtenstein. The environmental engineer is looking forward to the new challenge: “For me it is a great opportunity to work for sustainable development in Liechtenstein and the Alps. I collaboratively design socially and economically beneficial solutions that are in harmony with the natural environment.”

Two new faces and a farewell

A new treasurer and a new youth representative will enrich the Board of CIPRA International: Wilfried Marxer holds a doctorate in political science: from 1985 to 1994 he was Executive Director of the Liechtenstein Society for Environmental Protection and initiated the founding of CIPRA Liechtenstein. In the last 20 years he has worked, among other things, as a political scientist, head of research and director of the Liechtenstein Institute: “In addition to my professional past, I am motivated to support CIPRA’s concerns by my enthusiasm for the mountains, but also by my concern for preserving the diversity of natural and cultural values in the Alpine arc.” Sofia Farina is a doctoral student at the University of Trento/I in the interdisciplinary programme for agricultural, food and environmental sciences. On CIPRA’s Youth Advisory Council she is committed to more youth participation in Alpine policy and to sustainable mobility. The 24-year-old is convinced: “Young adults need to be represented in decision-making processes so that they can contribute their sense of responsibility and drive.”

After 12 years working for CIPRA International, Co-Director Barbara Wülser will in future be working towards a fairer society as the Equal Opportunities Officer for the Swiss canton of Graubünden: “I’m taking away a lot of valuable things, first and foremost the collaboration with committed people and the experience: a society in which all people can contribute their inclinations and talents equally is more flexible and resilient.”

Sources and further information:

www.cipra.org/en/cipra/international/board (de), www.cipra.org/de/cipra/oesterreich/ueber-uns (de), www.cipra.org/de/cipra/liechtenstein/ueber-uns/personen (de)