Le Réseau Alpin des Espaces Protégés
On July 12th 2016, groups of young people will meet in several protected areas and natural sites throughout the Alps in order to share a physical, human, cultural and artistic collective experience in the mountains.
Out in the Mountains !
All over the Alps people are disturbed by young people’s lack of interest in mountains. Is it a growing phenomenon?
Little by little people are beginning to realise that our children and young people are missing something … nature. Has contact with nature become a waste of time?
Omnipresent screens, hectic lifestyles, no more room to simply… go out. Yes, out, in the fresh air, into the woods or to the river. Sit in a meadow, listen, smell, observe. And then walk, climb, up the slope and maybe even reach the summit?
From France to Slovenia, the Alpine protected areas and mountain education actors are very keen to recreate or strengthen the link between mountain nature and young people from there and elsewhere
Because living in the Alps does not necessarily mean knowing the region and roaming about in it. Because “mountain experience is an educational experience”. Because the young people of our areas are also our discussion partners and tomorrow’s key players, and also because it is quite simply vital for every human being to have regular contact with nature.
A Unique Moment in Symbolic Places
So, amongst many other activities and projects, we have created an original way to take young people of the Alps to experience the mountains, spend a night up there, to rediscover the power of being a group and the values of citizenship and solidarity. A collective activity rich in symbolism: Youth at the Top!
What in Youth at the Top?
It is a project led by ALPARC*, in partnership with Educ’alpes, which mobilises groups of young people from 6 countries at a common annual date, in an active, civic process, with a symbolic and imaginative approach.
The project has a collective setting but at the same time leaves plenty of room for local initiatives.
*with in particular the financial support of the German Ministry for the Environment.
For the first test edition in 2015 around thirty events were organised simultaneously, near a summit or a refuge, including various activities: rock painting, land art, writing, wood carving, light painting, tales, treasure hunting, stargazing, climbing peaks, solidarity actions, meetings with mountain players, etc.
"I really liked being with mates, sleeping outside and also moving around in the mountains during the holidays! We saw an 8,000-year-old rock shelter and I really liked the history"
“I didn’t think I’d be able to do that… it’s a long time since I went mountaineering!”
For the 2016 edition: More than 50 simultaneous events have already been planned!
They will be run by the Alpine protected areas, youth workers, associations, refuges, communities, etc., with the participation of local professionals. The evening of 12th July will be a highlight of the operation, bringing the young people together around a collective artistic action on the theme of light.
In 8 Countries
This international collective action will be organised at the same time in six countries of the Alpine arc (France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and
Slovenia), which will make it possible to connect the different countries and symbolically overcome administrative and language barriers by taking the Alps as one sole great mountain region. This year for the first time, the Carpathians will also participate with 4 events (Romania and Slovakia).
So this will be a day that will mobilise several Alpine actors around a unifying, original action. Above all it will be a collective project to allow young people to “share an experience”, with the aim of making them aware of the value and importance of these mountain territories and developing (or rediscovering) a feeling of belonging there.
“Youth at the Top” in a Nutshell
Across borders: an international event concerning the Alps as a whole
Symbol: “Youth at the Top” mobilises groups of young people for mountains around one single date. For one summer night it lights up the fires of the highest and simplest solidarity throughout the Alps
Celebration: Offering a festive occasion based on the happiness of being in the mountains, the pleasure of roaming around there and at the same time doing something useful for the mountains and showing respect.
Together: Preparing an outing in the mountains together, directed to a summit, a pass, a mountain meadow, a historic site, a shelter, a refuge, a pastoral hut, a bivouac etc.
Mountain: Rediscovering a bond with mountains through feelings, observation, play, encounter, imagination, dreams and self-expression.
Experience: Going off in search of adventure, taking time to live and discover the mountains, savoring the little paths and the wide-open landscapes, the sky and the stars...
Sharing: Living as a group in the mountains and making new friends
Citizenship: Taking part in a solidarity action with mountain professionals: shepherds, refuge keepers, mountain leaders, players in nature and heritage…
Inter-cultural: Sharing thoughts with other mountain generations and other young people from the Alps
Self-expression: Creating small works of art and other forms of self-expression by photo documentaries or videos and publishing them, using the image as the universal language of the Alps.
Night: For a real personal night experience in the mountains and creating beautiful personal memories.
2016 Edition Organising Partners
The international jury designated the winners of the nature photo contest " Fotografare il parco" 11th edition out of more than 300 contestant. The contest is organized by Italian National Parks of Stelvio, Gran Paradiso and Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in the French National Park de la Vanoise.
More informations and the awarded pictures are available on the website: http://www.fotografareilparco.it/en
All over the Alps nature parks are working at challenging the view on regional development and lead them to change. Due to their experience and expertise in social and spatial innovation they can be seen as “ambassadors of change” who can be an inspiration to others. The project InnovAlps aims at showing innovative approaches and projects that are being realised in cooperation with various actors and at identifying their recipes of success and encountered problems.
Project centered around 3 pilot regions
Therefore, ALPARC has been working directly with 3 pilot regions since 2015. After a spatial analysis of all three regions a transnational exchange has been started with a series of workshops that enable the pilot regions to get to know each other and to immerse in the topic of innovation. The intention is to establish a common view on regional development and innovation in nature parks and to identify success factors and potential problems. By offering an “external view” on the regions a mutual learning process should be stimulated.
Every workshop is divided in 3 steps:
First exchange in Tirol: The Nature park Tiroler Lech and its lighthouse project “Lechweg”
From April 20th to 21st the first workshop took place in the Nature park Tiroler Lech in the Reutte region of Tirol, Austria. The Swiss and French partners had the possibility to immense in the landscape of the river Lech, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the northern Alps (protected area 44km²).
Contrary to the predominant strategy of progressive ski development in Tirol this region positions itself as a sustainable tourism region. The lighthouse project of this strategy is a 125km trail that starts in Vorarlberg and leads all the way through Tirol to Füssen in Germany, the Lechweg or “Lech trail”. This trail is made for hikers of all abilities as it does not include difficult passages or steep ascents. It lets the hikers observe the transformation of this last free-flowing river as the landscape changes from mountains to plain. The biggest part of the trail lies inside the protected area of the nature park which has been a popular attraction for visitors, hikers and locals since its inauguration in 2012. The Lechweg is the first trail to be labeled “Leading Trail Quality – Best of Europe” for its routing and quality. The touristic offer has undergone quite a development in the last years with alternative routes to the lateral valleys, a cycling track or a whole set of regional products carrying the brand “Lechweg” being developed.
Regarding spatial innovation, this project managed to bring the stakeholders together in a long-term cooperation. The Lechweg is a touristic product that connects different territorial regions and their local players at different levels and valorises the natural and cultural heritage of the region and the nature park in respect of the environment. This projects gives a strategic guideline to regional development in the region of the nature park. The principles of the Lechweg: discovery, deceleration, authenticity, proximity to nature, inspiration and encounters also reflect current trends in society.
Common questions and needs
During the workshop the success factors of the Lechweg were presented and discussed: the strategic and integrated approach to regional development, the cooperative climate between stakeholders, the existence of strong ambassadors fighting for the idea and exterior views of the region. In spite of the differences between the pilot regions concerning national and regional frameworks, the participants found themselves in the problems and challenges that the Lechregion faces. The workshop was able to determine common questions and needs: How can we induce change in conventional structures, procedures and conventional ways of thinking? How can we realize an idea? How do we convince critics? What should be the role of nature parks in regional development and innovation?
These questions will be discussed in details during the following two workshops that will take part in the regional Nature Park Pfyn-Finges (Switzerland, May 11-12) and in the regional Nature Park Baronnies Provençales (France, June 20-21).
A final conference on innovation in alpine nature parks
On September 29th and 30th ALPARC and the pilot regions of InnovAlps would like to invite you to the final conference on innovation in the regional nature park Pfyn-Finges in Valais, Switzerland “Alpine Nature parks – Models for change”. As the final event of InnovAlps the conference aims at presenting innovative approaches and projects in the regions of nature parks and to enable an exchange on spatial and social innovation on an alpine scale. A detailed program will be sent out soon. Registration will open by the middle of May.
The InnovAlps project is part of the ALPARC thematic priority “regional development and quality of life”, which addresses directly the needs of rural areas in the Alps and their populations. The project is supported by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.
For further information
Video: Extract Wanderlust ARTE „le Lechweg“
Official site of the Nature Park Tiroler Lech
Official site of the regional development Außerfern
La diversité des cultures est un enjeu croissant pour les communes. L’intégration est une préoccupation majeure. Pour réussir, elle a besoin d’une large mobilisation.
Les facteurs essentiels : l’apprentissage de la langue, le logement, l’emploi, mais aussi l’accueil et la mobilisation dans le nouvel environnement.
La conférence propose aux communes d’identifier et de discuter des voies possibles pour soutenir ce processus. Nous vous invitons à découvrir des exemples de bonnes pratiques, à échanger avec d’autres communes, à présenter vos expériences et à chercher conjointement des solutions. Cette conférence est la deuxième manifestation du projet « Vivre.Ensemble dans les Alpes » financé par la Présidence allemande de la Convention alpine 2015-2016.
Vous trouverez le programme détaillé et le formulaire d’inscription sur www.alpenallianz.org
Das Klimaschutzsymposium – Impulse. Austausch.Kooperation des Deutschen Alpenvereins findet am 29./30. April 2016 im Kongresszentrum in Garmisch-Partenkirchen statt. Wir laden Sie herzlich ein!
Der Deutsche Alpenverein (DAV) veranstaltet am 29./30. April das Klimaschutzsymposium – Impulse. Austausch. Kooperation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Im Mittelpunkt des Symposiums steht der Austausch zwischen teilnehmenden Organisationen und Akteuren, um Klimaschutz weiter voranzubringen. Dazu wird u.a. im Rahmen von Fachforen über gemeinsame Aktivitäten in den Bereichen Mobilität, Tourismus, Bergsport und Bildung diskutiert.
For further information please visit: http://www.alpenverein.de/Natur-Umwelt/Klimaschutz/Klimaschutz-Symposium
Gentiana et le CBNA organisent les Rencontres botaniques alpines 2016 qui se tiendront du 28 au 30 avril prochain à Grenoble.
« La place de la flore dans l'aménagement du territoire »
Toutes les informations ainsi que le programme sont disponibles sur le site Internet http://www.gentiana.org/page:RBA
A unique training opportunity for managers and executives in protected area management
In July 2016 the „European Parks‘ Academy” takes place in Klagenfurt. In two one week modules on „Effective Financial Management of Protected Areas“ and „New Challenges in the Governance of Protected Areas“ participants work intensively with renowned nature conservation experts of IUCN and discuss emerging and pressing issues in conservation in a practical context.
During workshops, presentations and excursions participants discuss practical case studies, problems and challenges of their working environment and how they can make use of international guidelines and innovative approaches.
Attractive side-offers allow for an intensive professional exchange and building new contacts and networks. The participation is a unique opportuntity for professionals and executives of protected areas to get both an update on recent international developments, trends and new knowledge and the opportunity to discuss individual problems, challenges and ideas in a highly professional environment.
The Academy was developed in cooperation with IUCN/WCPA Europe, E.C.O. Institute of Ecology, University College for Agrarian and Environmental Pedagogy, TU Wien, Universitaet Klagenfurt and the University of Capodistria. The initiative is supported by the Austrian Ministry of Enviroment.
Applications will be accepted until 30.05.2016. The number of participants is limited to 15 per module.
For further information, please go to www.e-c-o.at/eurpean-parks-academy.html or contact us: epa@e-c-o.at
The biannual ALPARC Council Meeting has been held on April 7th & 8th 2016 in Monaco (FR). The meeting was hosted by the Principality of Monaco.
On the agenda: work in progress on alpine ecological connectivity, InnovAlps project and Youth at the Top Event. Furthermore have been presented the new projects submitted to the 2016 EU INTERREG program. During the meeting the strategy of the network has been discussed.
Miss. Valérie Davenet, of the Monaco Governement – Direction de l'Environnement took part in the meeting.
The Principality of Monaco as a member of the ALPARC Council supports multiples ALPARC’s project, in particular those focused on the biodiversity and ecological connectivity axes.
The Alpine Network of Protected Areas thanks the Gouvernement Monaco for hosting the meeting, the perfect organization and its engagement in the network.
ALPARC's first 2016 Council Meeting will be held in the Principality of Monaco on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th April 2016.
A group of around 15 people will get together to discuss various points such as the finances, the work programm and the projects.
If you are a photographer then don't hesitate to participate in the first contest "Photo Nature" organized the Contamines Montjoie in partnership with the Nature Reserve/ASTERS and the magazine Terre Sauvage.
This first edition will focus on winter wildlife.
Information, conditons and registration:
http://photo.events.lescontamines.com/concours-photo-nature
Feedback from the international “Wildlife and winter sport activities” workshop
3rd and 4th March 2016, Lescheraines (Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park (RNP) FR). Organised by the Massif des Bauges RNP, ASTERS and ALPARC
Throughout the Alpine arc, sports and leisure activities have mushroomed as never before. Ski touring, free riding, trekking with or without snowshoes, practised by amateurs or sportspeople during the winter, have become widespread in our societies and all over the Alps.
While open-air activities are beneficial to humans, they do have significant negative impact on mountain wildlife. Species such as mountain galliformes, chamois and ibex, as well as the mountain hare, have become the involuntary targets of this disturbance. Many scientific studies have clearly demonstrated this impact (see the workshop presentations of Friday 4th March). So, how can winter sports activities be reconciled with the preservation of wildlife? How can those who practise such activities be made aware of this reality? Is coexistence possible and under what conditions?
A large variety of initiatives across the Alps
Currently, different initiatives, from national to local level, are being undertaken across the Alps. They relate to monitoring studies and methods, management measures or awareness raising campaigns for those who practise winter sports. Even if they come from different spheres, those stakeholders concerned today acknowledge the extent of the problem and its potential development, a factor that calls for action on different fronts.
A selection of current studies and initiatives was presented and discussed during the international “Wildlife and winter sport activities” workshop. This workshop was the first of its kind and brought together a large number of participants (around 50), coming from different fields across the Alpine arc (6 countries were represented): governments, Alpine Clubs, scientists, environmental NGOs and, of course, the protected areas. For those taking part it was an opportunity to present their at times creative initiatives, to discuss practices and to pool knowledge, experiences and ideas.
As for the initiatives, there have been large-scale awareness-raising campaigns such as the “Respektiere Deine Grenzen” campaign (“Respect your Limits”) which has been carried out by the Voralberg (AT) federal state government for more than 10 years now, or the “Respecter c’est protéger” (“To Respect is to Protect”) campaign, an adaptation of that campaign at a national level in Switzerland and supported by the Swiss Alpine Club and the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN. These two campaigns stand out by their political will to support this approach using significant means. Herbert Erhart from the Vorarlberg region explains: “We have chosen to say: Yes, nature is worth these efforts”.
On the other hand, diverse initiatives are being carried out in the Alpine protected areas in their own territories, bringing in other different local stakeholders. Examples of this are the Gesäuse National Park (Styria, AT), the Triglav National Park (SI), the Mont Avic Nature Park (IT), the transborder Nagelfluhkette Nature Park (Bavaria/Vorarlberg, DE/AT) and the Bauges RNP: management of visitors by marking out and demarcating quiet areas is generally accompanied by awareness-raising actions targeting different types of activity (see presentations of Thursday 3rd March). The workshop has proved that the protected areas play a key role in the development of these measures in the Alps as they are at one and the same time mediators in approaches to governance and pilot regions for innovative practices which can spread beyond the parks themselves.
During the workshop there was an opportunity to see a local measure implemented by the Bauges RNP: the setting up of a perimeter of protection for the wintering areas of the black grouse at the Col de Chérel.
A single will: one common approach for the Alps
It is clear that, for the moment, approaches and initiatives are scattered over the Alpine territory, developed and carried out in very assorted ways. Some territories have made more progress than others with respect to the different lines of intervention: monitoring, management of visitors and awareness-raising. In Italy, for example, awareness-raising campaigns and actions remain limited. Nonetheless the problem is the same throughout the Alpine arc.
So, the delegates identified one central need during the discussions: the need to pool experiences and advances and develop a common approach on an Alpine level, from monitoring to visitor management to a common form of communication, while at the same time mobilising the different stakeholders and interested parties. Such a project would guarantee greater visibility of the issue, awareness-raising of greater impact and a better quality of management throughout the Alps. A common approach would moreover contribute to more coherence and cohesion in the Alpine arc.
A first step in this direction was taken during the workshop: delegates expressed their wish to set up a working group on this theme in order to work in networks on an international scale, go into some ideas in depth and develop a common project.
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to all the delegates for attending and for the rich, animated exchanges and discussions! Thanks also to the Bauges RNP and Asters teams for organising the workshop, and in particular to the Bauges RNP for hosting the event in their territory.
Alpine protected areas contributing
The Gesäuse National Park (Styria, AT), The Triglav National Park (SI), the Mont Avic Regional Park (IT), the transborder Nagelfluhkette Nature Park (Bavaria /Vorarlberg, DE/AT), the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park (FR), ASTERS Conservatory natural areas of Haute Savoie (FR)
To read the full report on the workshop, see below:
This section includes the part 2/2 of the Powerpoint presentations shown during the Workshop Wildlife and winter sport activities " Your space of freedom - my living space" that took place the 3rd and 4th of March 2016 in Lescheraines, Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park (France)
