An example of how trans-Alpine meetings can mark the beginning of beautiful new partnerships.

The 2008 AlpWeek held in Argentière la Bessée in France entitled "innovating (in) the Alps" provided an opportunity to compare a range of innovative Alpine initiatives, including the Achental Eco-Model (Germany).

Following the presentation, news of the Achental model for sustainable tourism and energy reached the ears of the Trièves regional land-use planning body (SAT) in France. The two areas got together and two years later are now partners in the EU BioRegions project, which was launched in May 2010 as part of the Intelligent Energy Europe programme.
Eleven partners from different rural areas in Europe are involved in the project, which focuses on identifying and sharing methods and good practice. The project seeks to promote the development of so-called bioregions – areas that aim to obtain at least one-third of their energy needs from local and sustainable bioenergy sources.

This is just one example among many which proves that our international thematic events bring together stakeholders from different Alpine regions and can genuinely enhance cooperation and practical action on the ground.

For more information about the BioRegions project, go to http://www.bioregions.eu/

Source: CIPRA France