Political positions of CIPRA

Climate — May 18, 2006

Resolution: Climate Protection and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

The Alpine region is particularly affected by global climate changes, many of which are the result of man’s impact. The Alps are a particularly sensitive region and are affected all the more by the forecast changes such as the rise in annual average temperatures, the increase in extreme meteorological events, summer droughts and melting glaciers. It is CIPRA’s view that climate change represents one of the 21st century’s greatest challenges. Given the above it calls upon the European Union, the bodies of the Alpine Convention, all the Alpine states, the federal provinces, regions and cantons as well as all governmental and non-governmental authorities .. to intensify their climate protection efforts in order to reduce the greenhouse effect; .. to draw up sustainable strategies for dealing with the growing repercussions of climate change.

Nov 18, 2005

Resolution on the role of local government and administration in sustainable development

At a conference on the Role of Local Governments and Administrations in Sustainable Development held in 2005, representatives of the mountain regions of Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Carpathians, the Alps, the Altai and Mongolia adopted a resolution with recommendations aimed at managers involved in the development of mountain areas. In it they called for an exchange of positive experience between different mountain regions, education in sustainable development as a condition for active participation, and also for research and the transfer of technology and methodology. The resolution also contains concrete recommendations on decentralisation and reliable dialogue structures as a basis for sustainable development, sustainable economic development, and the role of local governance in the management of natural resources. It also underscores the importance of information and the role of women in sustainable development. Finally it sets out conditions for the effectiveness of alliances and conventions.

Nature — Nov 15, 2002

Declaration on protected areas in European mountain regions, Chambéry 2002

The Declaration on Protected Areas in European Mountain Regions emphasises the significance of biological and geological resources and water reserves in mountain regions. It stresses the necessity of targeted development and conservation measures as well as regional co-operation. Protected areas can serve as an experimental field for the development of conservation measures. Concrete steps proposed for the period 2003-2005 include the creation, in each European massif, of a mountain co-operation committee with representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations. One of the tasks of the committees is to help disseminate information about models and methods to implement nature conservation and to transfer knowledge from research to improve the management of protected areas and sustainable development. Other important factors include encouraging partnerships, networks and joint projects as well as developing strategies for the active participation of populations.

News on Alpine Politics

Alpine Politics — Aug 26, 2014

Alpine policy put to the test

With the development of a macro-regional strategy Europe’s attention is increasingly turned to the Alps – at least for the present. The CIPRA publication SzeneAlpen focuses on the events.

Alpine Politics — Apr 30, 2014

Improvisational Theatre: Macro-Region for the Alps

Is it a comedy, a farce, or a whodunnit? In any case, the subject matter - an Alpine macro-region - is controversial and the cast high-powered. Inspired by the EU, Alpine countries and regions take to the stage while the Alpine Convention assumes the role of input provider.

Point of view: who will fill the macro-regional Alpine house with life?

Alpine Politics — Jan 29, 2014

alpMedia

Point of view: who will fill the macro-regional Alpine house with life?

Just as in the building of a house, the inhabitants are the most important persons involved in the Alpine macro-region. But, eight weeks after the start of the process, states and regions have yet to indicate to the representatives of civil society whether they may contribute. R.S.V.P.

Alpine Politics — Dec 13, 2013

alpMedia | Schaan, LI

We are the macro-region Alps

On 19 December 2013 the European Council will decide whether there should be a European strategy for the Alpine space. States and regions have been working for months on an appropriate proposal - while excluding representatives of civil society. Why the alpine macro-region needs the science, NGOs and municipalities.

Point of view of CIPRA

Point of view: Winter Games need to face reality

Tourism & Leisure — Feb 04, 2026

Vanda Bonardo, CIPRA Italy

Point of view: Winter Games need to face reality

Major events promise modernity, revitalisation and global visibility. In the Alps, however, these promises are now being made in territories marked by the climate crisis, depopulation and, at the same time, growing tourist pressure. Looking closely at Milan-Cortina 2026, what emerges is not only a celebration of sport, but one of the largest public and infrastructure investment programmes ever concentrated in the Alpine area – with effects that are set to continue well beyond the time of the competitions, says Vanda Bonardo, president of CIPRA Italy.

Water — Oct 28, 2025

Anna Mehrmann and Maya Mathias, CIPRA International

Point of view: Every drop counts

Discussing, eating and laughing together, forging ideas, identifying problems, discovering projects and meeting inspiring people: commitment is contagious, according to Anna Mehrmann and Maya Mathias from CIPRA International, who organised the second Liechtenstein Future Forum Alps on the topic of water in 2025.

Point of view: Holidays have a lasting impact

People — May 07, 2025

Magdalena Holzer, CIPRA International

Point of view: Holidays have a lasting impact

Holidays mean time out, a change of scenery, relaxation. But where and how we spend our holidays doesn’t just affect us; it also has an impact on other people, regions, the climate and nature. Magdalena Holzer, project manager at CIPRA International, is convinced that travelling is a decision that brings with it with great responsibility.