Partners of the Alpine Network of Protected Areas (ALPARC):

The measure catalogue has been elaborated in the frame of the Ecological Continuum Initiative.

It lists 69 exemplary measures from all Alpine countries that can contribute to the implementation of ecological networks. The measures show how areas or structures can be created, conserved or restored so that they can play a role as connecting elements within an ecological network.

The measure catalogue has been developed as an instrument to be used by the pilot regions of the Continuum and the ECONNECT projects. Nevertheless it can and should be used by other regions and actors in and outside the Alps who want to improve ecological connectivity.

The catalogue gives examples and ideas and practical information such as contact persons and references. Additionally, an evaluation of economic and ecological aspects has been done for each measure. The catalogue also gives an overview on the sectors and fields that are important when it comes to improving ecological connectivity.

An excel table with summarised descriptions of all measures is part of the catalogue. It can be used as a database in order to select single measures that are suitable for different situations. Macros need to be activated when using the database.

Germany's Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) is presenting a brochure on the inaugural meeting of the Ecological Network Platform under the Alpine Convention. The meeting was held in Munich/D on 29 March 2007 under the heading "Establishing an Alpine Ecological Network". The proceedings, which have now been published, contain in particular reports from the individual Alpine states and presentations of selected project examples of ecological networking from Germany, France and Austria.

Available in English only.

This poster about the activities of the Platform "Ecological networks" of the Alpine Convention was presented at the 9th Conference of parties of the CBD in Bonn/D in May 2008.

Ecological network for more biodiversity in the Alps

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

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.