The nature parks located in the Bavarian–Austrian border region Naturpark Ammergauer Alpen, Naturpark Karwendel, Naturpark Nagelfluhkette, Naturpark Tiroler Lech, and Naturpark Weißbach together with ALPARC CENTR'ALPS are implementing a joint cross-border socio-ecological monitoring system within the Nature Park Management 2030+ project. This system not only records changes in the conservation quality of the cultural landscape, but also considers the underlying social drivers of these changes and provides recommendations for action.
The first project meeting of 2026 took place on 16 March 2026 at Naturpark Tiroler Lech in Elmen (Austria). All project partners from the five participating nature parks as well as ALPARC CENTR’ALPS were represented. The meeting focused on reporting and financial accounting for the first reporting period, the current status of the work packages, and upcoming project steps.
Key components of the landscape monitoring system are already operational and are being used by the nature parks. For example, it is possible to record observations via mobile devices and store them in a shared GIS database with associated information. Current functionality includes landscape monitoring with photo documentation, species recording - particularly of neophytes - information on actors using the areas, and mapping of park infrastructure such as visitor information points or monitoring equipment. The socio-ecological monitoring system is being continuously developed with the aim of ensuring broad applicability across different protected areas.
At present, particular focus is placed on integrating remote sensing data. Regular coordination meetings are being held with the technical provider, currently focusing on land-use classification. In parallel, both the QGIS-based socio-ecological monitoring solution and the Karwendel app are still being operated separately, although integration of the systems remains a long-term goal. Ultimately, the monitoring is intended to be expanded to additional protected areas. The system is already advanced enough to be used by personnel trained in QGIS. For interested nature parks, the standardized workflow - including data entry and documentation - may be of particular relevance. Dissemination of information is initially planned via umbrella organizations and networks.
From 2027 onwards, additional interested protected areas are expected to be integrated into the monitoring system. The nature park Nagelfluhkette is taking a leading role in further developing landscape monitoring into a comprehensive park management app. In addition to landscape monitoring, a decision-support tool for management measures is also being developed. A key focus is the transferability of the system to other protected areas. Another important component is the qualitative description of stakeholders. Relevant actors - such as farmers - are categorized, spatially mapped, and logically linked to the corresponding areas, always in compliance with data protection requirements.
To capture the social dimension of monitoring, a visitor survey on perceptions of the cultural landscape is planned for summer 2026 across the participating nature parks. Following a successful pre-test and the selection of suitable questions, an offline tablet-based solution is currently being developed. The goal is to conduct approximately 100 surveys per park. It is taken into account that the survey location significantly influences the target groups reached. In addition to data collection, the monitoring system is also intended to support concrete measures and identify needs. Proven examples include conservation plans for alpine pastures, volunteer engagement, and public outreach activities. ALPARC CENTR’ALPS continuously accompanies the project and supports making the monitoring system as universally applicable - and thus accessible to other protected areas - as possible.
ALPARC CENTR'ALPS is also responsible for internal and external communication of the project. The socio-ecological monitoring system was already presented at a network meeting at the end of April. In addition, regular updates on the project are shared via ALPARC channels. The next project meeting is scheduled for October 2026. By then, the first visitor surveys are expected to have been completed. The long-term goal is to build a knowledge repository on nature park areas over many years.
© D. Greiderer, ALPARC CENTR'ALPS
This project is co-financed by the European Union. ALPARC is co-financed within this project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUKN).