News
A public-shared sustainable energy action plan
The Natural Regional Park of Queyras (France, PACA region) launched its own sustainable energy action plan in May 2013. Its primary objective is to be shared among citizens and local stakeholders.
Launch of the International Connectivity Conservation Network
Connecting habitats around the world requires the commitment of a great number of individuals. To help these persons in their work, the World Commission on Protected Areas has established the International Connectivity Conservation Network.
Alps and beyond: better corridors towards the Carpathians and the Mediterranean region
Ecological networks are important within certain geographical areas, such as the Alps, and also with neighbouring regions. Several projects are working to ensure that the Alps are better connected with their surroundings. Major steps have been undertaken in the Alps-Carpathians corridor and in the area connecting the Alps with the Mediterranean region.
Natural forests for woodpeckers, beetles and bats
The new Austrian project, "Network Natural Forests", intends to contribute to the protection of biodiversity by connecting its forest habitats via two elements: close-to-nature stepping stones and the co-operation of different protected areas.
Nature-friendly tourism and connected habitats in the Rhaetian Triangle
Supporting the implementation of an ecological network continues to be a major issue in the Swiss region of the Lower Engadine. The new "Colliar" project intends to improve co-operation on regional initiatives by different sectors.
Better ecological corridors and fewer accidents involving animals on Swiss roads
The Federal Council has drawn positive conclusions as regards the status of ecological corridors in Switzerland. A pilot project has tested how to successfully reduce collisions between animals and cars. The upcoming research field of landscape genetics provides new insights for the planning and implementation of ecological networks.
France paves the way for its green and blue infrastructure
After more than a year of discussions, France officially established its "trame verte et bleue" ecological network with the publication of a decree at the end of 2012. This Alpine country now has legal rules on how to define and implement its green and blue infrastructure.
Win-win for nature, economy and society: more green infrastructure throughout Europe
Since May the countries of the European Union have received guidelines on how to promote green infrastructure. The European Commission has adopted its strategy on this topic with the aim of better integrating natural processes into spatial planning and strengthening the benefits of intact ecosystems for the economy and society. In addition, Natura2000 and Emerald sites have been further recognized as major elements in an ecological network.
Alpine Convention strengthens co-operation between neighbouring countries
With its new presidency, the "Ecological Network" Platform of the Alpine Convention is now continuing its work. In focus over the next two years are cross-border co-operation between neighbouring states and activities in the pilot regions.
The cameras are rolling for hermits and fire salamanders
What can be done to preserve the diversity of plant and animal species in the Alps? CIPRA provides some answers in the short film "For hermits and fire salamanders - How municipalities connect habitats in the Alps". The film can be seen online and at different locations in the Alps.
Ecological Continuum in the Alps: from 50 questions to a few concerted actions
How will demographic change affect the future of the ecological continuum? And which indicators of species and habitats can be used to assess an ecological network? These are just two of the 50 questions put together by scientists, politicians and environmentalists from all the Alpine lands.
Claire Simon takes up post as CIPRA Executive Director
CIPRA International is getting a new Executive Director. Claire Simon, 35, holds dual French-German nationality and is the first woman in 60 years to lead the organisation. Nor is that the only first.
Commitment to networks for nature
CIPRA has produced a short film to show what can be done at the local level to preserve biodiversity. The spotlight on the actors in the municipalities is a source of great encouragement and strengthens them in their commitment. Let the film roll!
Young Alps
Everyone’s talking about the future. But usually without involving those to whom it actually belongs. CIPRA supports young people in articulating their hopes and demands.
What counts for the diversity of Alpine species
An international team of researchers has decided on the 50 most important questions for the connecting of habitats in the Alpine regions. Research, support and projects should thus now all be singing in unison. What really counts for the Alpine space?
Stage is set for hermits and fire salamanders
What can be done to preserve the diversity of plant and animal species in the Alps? CIPRA provides some answers in the short film "For hermits and fire salamanders - How municipalities connect habitats in the Alps".
Protected areas form their own association
ALPARC, the Alpine Network of Protected Areas, has split from the permanent secretariat of the Alpine Convention to form its own association - in order to ensure better implementation of the Alpine Convention.
Kick-off for recharge.green project: connecting energy and nature
Concrete dams, wind turbines, tree plantations: there is often a conflict between energy production and nature conservation. The recharge.green project, now being implemented throughout the Alps, intends to give landscapes a value. A solution to the dilemma?
Bolzano sent the proposal for FP7-Smartcities-2013
The participation to the FP7 call for proposals might represent an opportunity to further enhance the activities of Bolzano towards carbon neutrality.
Out for gigantic Brenner wind farm
It was supposed to have been the highest wind farm in the Alps. Now a court has revoked the building permit for the wind turbines on the Sattelberg Mountain - referring also to the Alpine Convention in the grounds for its decision.
Wolves: France wants to shoot them while Switzerland celebrates new-borns
In Switzerland they are celebrating the first new generation of wolves. But where should these wolves go? A national park in the south of France has initiated a debate on this topic - with consequences for the Alps.
National park under discussion
The Vanoise National Park in Savoy has a new charter. Representatives from the worlds of politics, economics and civil society have been working on it for over five years. Environmental groups have given it their support, but criticise its limited impact. The municipalities are nevertheless reluctant to sign up to it.
The northern bald ibis - welcome back to the wild!
Jazu is back. Last autumn he became the first wild northern bald ibis for 400 years to leave his breeding ground near Burghausen, Bavaria: in summer he found his own way back from Tuscany.
Connectivity video clip for mayors
Municipalities can collaborate in the improvement of ecological networks in many different ways. Therefore CIPRA wants to convince mayors for this topic with the help of a video clip.
Connectivity analysis for cross-border areas in the Alps
Which cross-border areas between Alpine countries are most relevant for further connectivity activities? To answer this question the Platform Ecological Network of the Alpine Convention has contracted an analysis.
Indicators on evaluating the progress of the Alpine ecological network
The establishment of the Alpine Ecological Network is a long process. In order to evaluate the progress, the Platform Ecological Network of the Alpine Convention has developed a set of indicators.
Econnect's drive living on in recharge.green
Ecological connectivity in the Alps can only be maintained if the production of renewable energy is managed in line with nature protection. Some of the Econnect partners seized the opportunity given by the last call of the Alpine Space Programme to work out a project on this issue. They were successful and "recharge.green" is about to start on 1st October.
Northeast Asia inspired by the Alpine Ecological Network
In South Korea, China and Japan activities have been started in favour of ecological connectivity. The major protected areas of these countries, the Ministry for environment of South Korea and other key stakeholders have been convinced by the importance of connected habitats thanks to the successful initiatives in the Alps.
The French ecological network becomes regional
The main aim of the French "Green and Blue Infrastructure" ("Trame Verte et Bleue" - TVB) is to stop biodiversity loss. The ecological network is in addition a powerful tool for spatial planning. The two Alpine regions Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur have started to set up this new planning tool.
Financial boost to Bavaria's Ecological Network
2 million Euro will help to further develop the ecological network in Bavaria, "BayernNetzNatur". The environment Ministry gives this additional funding to at least one new nature protection project in each of Bavaria's seven provinces for 2013 and 2014.