It is a great reward for the National Park Gran Paradiso and the Region Valle d’Aosta, both very proud of their contribution to this fantastic reintroduction project of a particularly emblematic species of the alpine fauna.

 After almost 100 years of efforts both the National Park Gran Paradiso and the Region Valle d’Aosta, very symbolic locations of the nature protection history of the Alps, could celebrate a particular recompense and underline their pride of having actively contributed to this important action, whose aim was no less then to reintroduce to the mountain range a species that was since long absent of the Alps.

Champagne and Iris (that are the names given to the chicks by the scholars of the two valleys Valle di Rhêmes und Valsavarenche) were born in April 2012. Regarding the few individuals of the species present in the Alps this event can be considered as exceptionally, even more since the species is present in the western Alps only since a very short time thanks to the international reintroduction project.  

 Both birth and the successful take off of the young bearded vultures are for the National Park and the Region one of the most encouraging news of the latest bearded vulture protection history. With the salvation of the alpine ibex in the 19th century the National Park has not only ensured the conservation of one of the most symbolic figures of the alpine fauna but it has also laid the foundation for the comeback of the bearded vulture hundred years later, as this species is closely dependent on the food supply provided by a healthy ibex population.

Thus we have come full circle! 

 Between the prestigious Riviera and the high mountains of the Mercantour, this mountainous territory, composed of karst plateaus, gorges, forests and fertile valleys, the Préalpes d'Azur is still relatively unknown. There is a rural culture reigning, around picturesque, alive and convivial villages.

This is one of the territories of France's richest biodiversity; a third of the French flora is present there, the result of thousands of years of interaction between man and nature and always closely linked to the maintenance of pastoral activity.

The crossing of the Mediterranean and Alpine influences, together with an area which was preserved of major developments, make it exceptional. Added to this no less than 2000 caves and 140 km of underground tunnels form the accessible part of the vast underground network, so the Préalpes d'Azur are a real water reserve for the Côte d'Azur.

Historically, people lived by agriculture, forestry and pastoralism. Later, when the perfume industry grows in Grasse, this area lives in the rhythm of fragrant plants culture.  

 Currently, agricultural activity is still present, although fragile; sheep, cows, goats graze the heath-and woodland.

Most villages were built in the Middle Ages and their particularity is the location in height, positioned on rocky headlands.

Witness of the adaptation of human habitations to the marked relief of the territory, they were built this way to ensure also a defensive position.

The silhouette of the ancient villages could be preserved and cultural heritage is considerable: chapel Gratemoine in Séranon, ruined village of Gréolières, medieval church of Mas, architecture with Russian influence in Thorenc etc. Napoleon I crossed the territory on his return from Elba, on the road that now bears his name. 

 The Préalpes d'Azur permit the practice of a whole range of outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, paragliding, climbing, whitewater, caving, via ferrata, summer and winter activities in the stations of Audibergue and Gréolières-the-snow, making it a favorite destination for active visitors.

In March 2012, fulfilling the desire of 45 municipalities, 8 village communities (EPCI), the department of Alpes-Maritimes, the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, state, residents and professionals to work together; the territory has been awarded as Regional Nature Park.

He became the 48th Regional Nature Park of France and the 6th in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, constituting a crucial part of ecological continuity from the Camargue to the Mercantour. 

 Fiche d'identité

With this slogan Bavarian Minister President Seehofer and Minister of the Environment Huber officially inaugurated the “Haus der Berge” (Mountain House) in Berchtesgaden, Germany on 24th May last.

The “Mountain House” is intended as the gateway to the Berchtesgaden National Park . Here you will find information and important advice not only to prepare your visit but also to enhance your experience of the protected area.

The “Mountain House” does not replace a visit to the national park, but is an excellent beginning or ending to hikes in this unique treasure – the only Alpine national park in Germany!

 The extraordinary architecture of the Mountain House, information and educational centre of the Berchtesgaden National Park, is based on a modern exhibition and an outdoor space, whose priority will be to raise awareness of the environment among children and teenagers.

Dr. Michael Vogel, Director of the National Park and president of the Alpine Network of Protected Areas (ALPARC) thus has at his disposal, after almost 10 years of planning and construction, one of the most excellent visitor centres in the Alpine protected areas, and Bavaria gains one more attraction.  

 For more information :

• Website Haus der Berge (in German only)

• Communiqué de presse du StMUG (in German only)

The First European Nature Park Opened on Thursday 6th June 2013, in Tende (Alpes Maritimes), France

It unites the Mercantour National Park (F) and the Alpi Marittime National Park (I) by means of the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC).

This park is the end product of 30 years of trans-border collaboration, 26 years of twinning, several simultaneous European programmes and a project of common listing in the UNESCO World Heritage encouraged by its recent inscription on the indicative lists of the two countries.

Some key figures from Mercantour – Alpi Marittime:

• 1, 000, 000 visitors per year in the two parks

• The inventory of its biodiversity has made it possible to increase the number of species recorded from 3,500 to more than 8,000 since 2006

• 40, 000 cave drawings from the Bronze Age in the Vallée des Merveilles

• 25, 000 inhabitants

• 2, 425 km² surface area  

Link

Commun Website Mercantour - Alpi Martittime

 The National Park Mercantour , the Nature Park Alpi Marittime and the River Park Gesso e Stura created together the

Trans-border Platform of Environmental Education

within the framework of the Integrated Trans-border Plan (PIT) financed by the ALCOTRA European programme of trans-border coordination. The aim of this platform is to allow effective trans-border coordination between all the players of the trans-border territory. Its vocation is to facilitate working in this network and make available a larger number of tools and teaching resources.

As the high point, there is a space essentially devoted to teachers. To access this platform, simply go to the following site: www.edu.marittimemercantour.eu

For more information contact Elena Maselli (In charge of teaching/EEDD of the Mercantour National Park)  

Pour préserver la traditionnelle COEXISTENCE DE L’HOMME ET DE LA NATURE et pour garantir la conservation des précieuses caractéristiques naturelles et culturelles de la vallée de Logar (Logarska Dolina) dans le futur, un décret a proclamé en 1987 la création du Parc paysager Logarska Dolina.

Un parc naturel est un paysage protégé dans lequel l’interaction entre l’Homme et la nature a produit, au fil du temps, un espace au fort caractère et avec des valeurs écologiques, biologiques, culturelles et paysagères remarquables.

La vallée de Logar a été protégée en tant que parc paysager en 1987 par un décret de proclamation des monuments naturels, culturels et historiques de la commune de Mozirje.

En 1992, les habitants de la région ont fondé la LOGAR VALLEY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY et obtenu de la municipalité locale le droit de prendre en charge la gestion du parc. Des taxes ont été instaurées sous forme d'une contribution à l'entretien de la vallée et de frais de parking; c'est la seule source publique de financement.

Aujourd'hui, le parc dispose d'un service pour la nature, de services de base et d’une infrastructure touristique (entretenue régulièrement), d’un système d'information pour les visiteurs, d’attractions touristiques durables (hiver et été) et d’un certain nombre de sites bien gérés d'intérêt naturel et culturel.

Logar Valley Lc. (Logarska Dolina d.o.o) dispose de 3 employés (garde-moniteur, agent de centre d'information et chef de projet).

Le territoire du Parc paysager Logarska Dolina se situe entièrement sur la commune de Solčava et s’étend jusqu’aux limites des communes de Jezersko, Kamnik et Luče (toutes localisées sur le Mont Ojstrica).

Le parc a une frontière commune avec l’Autriche (Gemeinde Bad Eisenkappel). L’espace protégé couvre la totalité du vallon glaciaire Logar et est une des sept vallées glaciaires des Alpes Kamnik-Savinja qui s’ouvrent vers le nord.

Il s’étend sur ses plus hauts sommets (Ojstrica 2350 m, Planjava 2394 m, Turska gora 2252 m, Koroška Rinka 2433 m, Mrzla gora 2203 m) et ses parois rocheuses (Okrešelj, Klemenča jama) puis serpente jusqu’au fond de la vallée, qui se termine par une moraine glaciaire au nord.

La rivière Savinja prend sa source dans la vallée de Logar, d’abord sous la forme des chutes du Rinka, qui disparaissent ensuite sous terre puis refont surface dans la partie basse de la vallée, en tant que rivière Črna. Cette dernière rejoint ensuite le Jezera pour devenir la rivière Solčava.

Il y a plus de 40 sites d'intérêt naturel enregistrés à Logarska Dolina, parmi lesquels des chutes d'eau, des aiguilles rocheuses, grottes, abris sous roche, blocs erratiques, des arbres de dimensions énormes, de la flore et de la faune. Le Rinka est l'une des plus hautes cascades de Slovénie (90 m).

La flore diversifiée du parc comprend notamment la rare orchidée renouée (Cypripedium calceolus), plus grande orchidée de Slovénie, et plusieurs espèces de plantes endémiques, dont la Céraiste des Alpes

juliennes (Cerastium julicum), Allium kermesinum (ail des Alpes kamniques) et Leucanthemum lithopolitanicum (marguerite des Alpes kamniques).

L'Aigle royal (Aquila chrysaetos) niche dans la zone plus large autour de Logar Dolina et la vallée abrite aussi le Faucon pèlerin (Falco peregrines).

Le sentier 7 KM Logarska Valley offre un parcours nécessitant environ deux heures de marche, un peu plus avec un guide (avec explications); sinon il est aussi possible de choisir un parcours plus court plus bas dans la vallée, à environ 730m d’altitude.

Fiche d'identité

 It is still possible to register for the 2nd International Workshop “Mountain Environmental Education in Alpine protected areas” until the 30th of September and within the limit of available places.

This workshop takes place the 17th,18th and 19th of October 2012 in the Hohe Tauern National Park in Mallnitz (Austria). Please find bellow the final program, practical information and news about the inscription.  

The meeting will focus on the topic "Youth in mountain regions": How can we strengthen the connection between young people and the Alpine protected areas?

Other issues will also be discussed, often more technical aspects, in small groups within parallel sessions:

• Management of visitor centres,
• Funding and sponsorship of activities or institutions,
• Common educational values, identity and culture of the Alpine regions

The topics and the program, attached below, were developed in discussions with members of ALPARCs working group "Education and awareness raising" and members of the Reema. This workshop aims to answer to the expectations of the responsible persons for environmental education in the Alpine protected areas.
For further information please look at the attached document or send an email to Marie Stoeckel .

Liens

• Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
• REEMA Alpine Network for Mountain Environmental Education (France)          

 The new International Steering Committee (ISC) was elected during the ALPARC General Assembly held on 7th September 2012 at Poschiavo in Switzerland.

Michael Vogel, director of the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany was re-elected to the chair of CPI until the next General Assembly which will mark the creation of the new ALPARC association. He will be supported in his work by two deputy chairmen: Alain Brandeis, director of the Mercantour National Park in France, who has already held this post for the past year, and Massimo Bocca, director of the Mont Avic Regional Nature Park . All three were elected unanimously.

The ISC comprises 16 members and an observer representing the protected areas in the 8 Alpine countries. It defines the general outlook underscoring the cooperative work on the basis of the priorities and requirements of the protected areas. Every two years, it draws up the ALPARC works programme, which is subsequently approved by the Permanent Committee of the Alpine convention .

As protected Alpine area, you may contact one of your national representatives directly for any further information or request.

A full list of CPI members is available from this link . 

 The Alpine Week 2012 was held from 5 to 8 September in the Valposchiavo in Switzerland. The theme chosen for this year was “Renewable Alps”. For the first time in the history of the Alpine convention, the Alpine conference, which brings together the Ministers of the signatory states, took place during the Alpine Week.

The Alpine Week is one of the most important events for sustainable development within the Alpine range, bringing together French, Italian, Swiss, German, Austrian, Slovene and Liechtensteiner protagonists of all the major Alpine research networks (ISCAR ), districts (Alliance in the Alps ), NGOs (CIPRA ), protected areas (ALPARC ) and alpine clubs (CAA ). 

 At the centre of the week: the Alps and their protagonists. The aim: to inject new energy into existing initiatives for sustainable development in the Alps and encourage new ones. The idea of having the Alpine protagonists and representatives of the signatory states to the Alpine convention together under one roof proved a fruitful one. This meeting, has made it possible to encourage the emergence of new solutions and dynamics in mountain partnerships.

During the numerous thematic sessions held in parallel (about 30 in all), the participants at the Alpine Week were able to discover a wide range of sustainable initiatives in the Alps and explore themes as varied as the young, schooling, governance, carbon neutrality, mobility, architecture, light pollution, landscape, agriculture, businesses, tourism, immigration and the brown bear. 

A great success, therefore, thanks also to the committed involvement of the Valposchiavo region which, with its numerous assets, succeeded in creating an auspicious and exemplary framework for the theme of renewable Alps. 

Around 50 people met on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September 2012 at Poschiavo (CH) for the General Assembly of the ALPARC network, providing the opportunity for its president, Michael Vogel, to present the latest developments in the structure of the ALPARC network, and to initiate its transition towards a future ALPARC association.

The presentation of the new statutes of the ALPARC association

After the speech given by President Michael Vogel, in which he stressed the importance of the work of the ALPARC network in alpine international cooperation, the afternoon of Thursday 6 September was dedicated to the presentation of the new statutes for the future ALPARC association. 

ALPARC needs a legal basis and structure in order to be able to implement larger shared projects, but also and above all in order to give a greater image and international weight to the protected areas of the Alps. The principal leitmotiv, however, remains the provision of concrete, efficient and grounded contributions towards the application of the Alpine Convention and its protocols, especially as regards the “Protection of nature and safeguarding of landscapes”.

 Due to a first transmission of the statutes in July, all members had the possibility to present their remarks and observations. During the General Assembly, a general accordance could be found about the new ALPARC statutes. For certain countries, the entry to the new association needs to clarify administrative procedures, which should be resolved before 2013.

At the end of the discussions, the members were invited to share an Alpine aperitif and so discover and taste some of the specialities of the Alps. In the evening, they were invited to the screening of the new “For the Alpes” Multivision .

Information: ALPARC currently enjoys the support of numerous financial partners: the French ministry for Ecology, Sustainable development and Energy, the two French Alpine regions – PACA and Rhône Alpes – DATAR, the town of Chambéry, together with the German BMU ministry, the Swiss Confederation, the principalities of Monaco and Liechtenstein and the MAVA and Heidehof Foundations, as well as the European Union.

The 2011-2012 activities report and the new programme of projects for 2013

The morning of Friday 7 September was dedicated to the presentation of the actions undertaken in2011-2012 . Organised in the form of a World café, the discussion and exchanges saw the emergence of new perspectives and avenues for the actions to be effected in forthcoming years. This was followed by the presentation of the new programme of projects for the transitional year of 2013 (see below).

A common declaration for Alpine protected areas

The afternoon of the Friday, 7 September, was marked by a common declaration from the protected areas present at the General Assembly indicating their desire to create an ALPARC – Alpine Network of Protected Areas:

“Aware of the ecological, economic and social stakes, and appealing for a better coordination and coordination of the actions implemented throughout the Alps, the protected Alpine areas and territorial communities signing the present declaration have decided to pool their reflections in order to create the ‘ALPARC – Alpine Network of Protected Areas’ association, a tool of Alpine cooperation”.

This declaration marks the first step towards the new association, which should become established in law during the course of 2013. 

 The "For the Alps" multivision is an ALPARC project undertaken in conjunction with 20 network partners. It was created by Alex Rowbotham (AGR Digital Media) and set to original music by Sandro di Stefano. The production contains over 400 original photographs, most of which were taken by staff from the Alpine parks.

The media experience was premiered on 24 May 2012, the European Day of Parks. Over the summer, it was screened by our partners in six Alpine countries. The multivision production was then presented as part of AlpWeek 2012, which was held this September in Poschiavo (Switzerland).The multivision production is now available for use by all protected area managers in the ALPARC network.

Want to find out more about multivision?

Visit the website : multivision.alparc.org 

 Director : Alex Rowbotham, AGR Digital Media, www.agrfoto.com

Original music composed by : Sandro Di Stefano

An ALPARC production

Original work designed by 20 partners from 6 Alpine countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland

Nearly all photographs were taken by staff from the Alpine protected areas

Running time: 23 minutes

Available in 5 languages: English, French, German, Italian and Slovenian

The production will touch any and everyone. 

How to use multivision

High-definition files are already available for you to download from the dedicated multivision website . You will need to register in order to access the files (Sign in > Register). Once your registration has been approved (you will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours), you will be able to access the private download area.
You can access: 

• the multivision files in .exe and .mp4 format, in three different resolutions and three different language versions (F, D, I, S / F, D, I, E /S, D, I, E)
• the technical manual which explains what equipment you will need (computer, projector, etc.)
• customisable posters (in five languages) which you can use to advertise screenings
• press releases in five languages
• multivision postcards for you to print and hand out to the audience (includes a web address where viewers can watch the multivision presentation again online).

 If you are planning a screening in your area, please notify ALPARC and enter the details on the multivision website. Simply sign in to publish details of your event using the online calendar .

Coming soon

For the Alps will also be available in DVD and Blu-ray format by the end of 2012. A free copy will be sent to all Alpine protected areas.The low-definition version is ideal for use with DVD players and will complement the high-definition versions (.exe and .mp4 files) suitable for large screens.

All the Alpine protected areas are invited to make the most of this collaborative project by including it in their programming for 2013.

If you have any questions, please contact Marie Stoeckel, +33 (0)4 79 26 55 00 or multivision@alparc.org

Financing: The multivision productions was co-financed by the partner protected areas who helped to create it (listed here )and by: 

 In the context of the ALPARC “Mountain Environmental Education” Working Group, Alpine Protected Areas (APA) Education project leaders met in Mallnitz in the Hohe Tauern National Park from 17th to 19th October 2012. This second international meeting was organised by ALPARC in partnership with the REEMA and the host park.

This second international meeting was organised by ALPARC in partnership with the REEMA and the host park. It was an opportunity to exchange ideas on different perceptions of mountains and the Alps, to enhance practices and to consolidate ties.

Several leads for common projects throughout the Alpine arc emerged from this workshop which showed once again the complementary nature of the partnership between the REEMA and ALPARC.  

“In Austria you immediately feel richer ………..in mountain culture”

"Hans Keuschnig and Birgit Wirnsberger, from the Hohe Tauern National Park, gave us a very warm welcome in their magnificent Centre de visiteurs BIOS (Besucherzentrum BIOS) in Mallnitz. Common goals and the first lines of collective action in this field were defined thanks to presentations of experiences concerning young people and mountains, a forum about tools to help them to find out about the alpine heritage and collective thinking around the relationship between young people and mountains today.
But how can we not mention the discovery of local products from each park taking part, the magnificent visit to the “BIOS” National Park Centre, the beautiful excursion in the Seebachtal during which Michael Knollseisen, a park ranger, let us observe a couple of bearded vultures……. in short, everything that makes the meetings of the alpine protected areas in Europe so rewarding.
As always, Isabelle Roux for the REEMA and Marie Stoeckel and Guido Plassmann for ALPARC together led this three-day workshop in masterly fashion, combining depth of collective thinking and human warmth during this precious time spent together. German, Italian, French and Slovene resounded in unison with help from English , of course, but beautifully united and whose fruits you will discover in the information about the 2013/2014 programme which will be proposed to the administrators of the Alpine protected areas.
To close, a visit to Mitterstill allowed all the education project leaders to discover a new way of going over passes with cars on goods wagons and, above all, a fantastic second Visitor Centre in the National Park , as recent, ambitious and spectacular as it is educational.
A magnificent synthesis of our work, these two visitor centres combine the most modern technology and supports to put across the cultural, natural and landscape heritage of the Alps. What a lesson!"

Claude Dautrey - Parc national des Ecrins, participant

Join the “Mountain Environmental Education” Working Group

If you are in charge of environmental education in an alpine protected area and are interested in the work of this group open to all, do not hesitate to contact Marie Stoeckel so that your name can be added to the list of group members and you can access the shared documents and results of these meetings.

Link(s) :

• Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
• REEMA Alpine Network for Mountain Environmental Education (France)