Throughout the history of humanity, the mountains have always been a symbol between our world and the afterlife; an intermediary between the tangible and inexplicable. That’s why when we get close to the summit, we have with a very particular feeling; almost a religious one!

Numerous legends about Gods, Heroes, Genesis and the end of the world have climbed these mountains and still wander through them nowadays. These stories are found in all mountainous regions of the planet.

The Alps have been and still are inhabited by people from different languages and cultures. This diversity is reflected in mountain myths. These stories  remind us of how attacking the mountainous world can break the the world's natural balance.

It is thanks to this idea that the Alpine Network of Protected Areas has decided to create an exhibition under the framework of The International Year of the Mountain, which started in 2002 by UNESCO and the FAO. 34 Alpine protected areas are represented in 16 modules through this traveling exhibition. It is a recollection Alpine myths that features mythical mountains from protected areas. 

Covering the history of the relations between humans and the wilderness, the exhibition displays an evolving Alpine landscape, taking the visitor along a temporal trip.

The spiral, symbol of the time advancement, is the shape on which the exhibition relies on to guide the viewer through different epochs, each of them having his own kind of connection between humans and the wilderness.

This trip is composed of 5 epochs and finishes in our future.

Are we ready to welcome the Wilderness the returning wilderness?

Updated in 2008, the display contains a map of the protected areas and gives a summary of the key features of the ALPARC network. It also includes photographs that illustrate the main themes currently being addressed through international cooperation.

The information display is available in four languages and is designed for use at conferences and other events organised by ALPARC and its partners.

Dimensions when set up: 2.4 m x 3 m, umbrella structure.

An inventory of data relating to visitor numbers, amenities and tourism infrastructure in Alpine protected areas in order to evaluate the impact on the regional economy.

The document uses a typology to demonstrate the differences and similarities between the protected areas of the eight Alpine countries. The Alpine Network is seeking to contribute to a better understanding of these areas which vary by country and culture. 

Looks at forest management: forestry development in protected areas, follow-up and long-term monitoring.

The first section of this collection describes the environmental programs (agriculture and forestry) in existence in the Alpine countries and provides case studies specific to the Alpine protected areas. The second section presents a selection of quality measurement tools for facilitating sustainable local development and reconciling human activities and natural ecological balances.

A technical file combining the specifications drawn up following the consultation phase and needs assessment together with the reference documents for developing the system: conceptual data model, list of headings and diagram of logical relationships. The document also describes how the prototype database will be developed in conjunction with the GIS and outlines a plan for continuing the project.

This report examines the processes and actions used to establish the Carpathian Network of Protected Areas. The first section describes the nature conservation structures in place in the Alps and the Carpathian mountains and also gives technical details about the partnership. Based on the responses to a questionnaire, the second section looks at the needs and expectations of the Carpathian protected areas in relation to the network's future.