The project "Renewable energies in Alpine parks" was carried out by the Académies suisses des sciences and co-financed by the l’Office fédéral de l’environnement (OFEV).

The term "park" has been chosen as a general term in all Alpine countries and refers to areas with a label linked to nature and landscape protection or sustainable development. Some examples include but are not limited to national parks,UNESCO biosphere reserves, natural sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and regional nature sites. In Austria, Germany, Italy and France, the term "protected areas" is often used as an equivalent.

On the basis of a total of 21 parks surveyed in the Alpine countries, this report shows the conflicts between the protection and use of renewable energy production. It also proposes possible solutions to these conflicts. Participating parks include 13 regional nature parks, 3 biosphere reserves, 4 national parks and one UNESCO World Heritage Site in the countries of Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy and France.

What is the best way to manage biodiversity when facing new global phenomena (such as climate change) with a restricted budget? Is it always necessary to manage nature? If yes, how can it be managed in the most effective way? What should be the priorities? What criteria should be followed? Who decides on these criteria?

These are the core questions that this brochure tries to answer.

The goals of this brochure are to contribute to and participate in the debate on biodiversity and climate change in a wider and more critical way. It also aims to share experiences in the field of biodiversity protection and management of wild fauna in the Alpine area.

This brochure is divided into 4 main sections:

1. Scientific research
2. Interviews 
3. Zoom on
4. Tools

Ecological network for more biodiversity in the Alps

This thematic brochure was elaborated under the framework of a cooperation project with the CNPA and is a result of the international colloquium "Large carnivores: management, research and public relation strategies of the protected areas" in the Nizke Tatry National Park / Slovakia (2nd - 4th July 2009).

This brochure summarizes all the activities led under the framework of Alpine-Carpathian cooperation since 2001 which set up the framework for  international cooperation with the newly established CNPA - Carpathian Network of Protected Areas.

It is complemented by a CD with all the publications edited for the CNPA as well as a report from the first CNPA Conference, held in September 2008. 

This brochure presents the Carpathian Network of Protected Areas.

Municipalities' contributions to improving ecological connectivity.

The catalogue lists the various Alpine Network publications such as:

• conference proceedings
• specialist subjects
• bulletins
• educational material
• book of Alpine stories and legends;
• special items (e.g. a map of Alpine protected areas and the 'Mountains and Myths' exhibition)