ALPARC is grateful for a successful year 2024, entering 2025 with two new members: The National Park Val Grande (IT) and the Nature Park Val Calanca (CH).
The ecological integrity of the Val Grande has always been preserved by the steep and rocky mountains that surround it. In 1967, the area of the Pedum massif was declared an integral nature reserve, the first in the Italian Alps. Later, the state acquired a large part of the Val Grande area, while the 'Carabinieri' of the parks were responsible for its management and supervision. The national park was established in the 1980s thanks to the initiative of the local authorities, the commitment of the Piedmont Region and the Ministry of the Environment. Located in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Piedmont, the park, which was officially established in 1992 and expanded in 1998 and 2023, now covers an area of 170 km².
The park is home to the largest wilderness area in Italy, making it an important agent in the conservation of the natural wealth of the Alps.
With an area of 139 km², the Val Calanca is the least densely populated nature park in Switzerland and the only one in the Italian-speaking region. It is located in the canton of Graubünden, well protected by high mountain ranges and far away from transit traffic. The valley stretches from the valley floor at 502 m above sea level to the summit of the Puntone dei Fraciòn at 3,202 m above sea level. These enormous differences in altitude in a small area create an extraordinarily diverse flora and fauna as well as valuable biotopes. There are several floodplains along the Calancasa river that are included in the inventory of amphibian spawning grounds of national importance. Other features of the nature park are its wild, intact nature, traditional settlements made of stone and wood, well-preserved mule tracks, architecture and art from several centuries and excellent local products.
We are delighted to welcome these parks to the Alpine Network of Protected Areas and look forward to a successful cooperation in the years to come! With the addition of these two parks, ALPARC now counts a total of 54 members representing 64 Alpine protected areas working together for the preservation of the Alps.
Photo 1: National Park Val Grande ©Nicola Fedeli
Photo 2: Nature Park Val Calanca ©parcovalcalanca