ALPINE CONVENTION - Convenzione delle Alpi

Alpine COnVenTiOn 

Reference Guide 

Alpine signals 1 • 2 nd edition


Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention 

www.alpconv.org 

info@alpconv.org 

Office: 

Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15 

A-6020 Innsbruck 

Austria 

Branch office: 

Viale Druso - Drususallee 1 

I-39100 Bolzano - Bozen 

Italy 

Imprint 

Editor: 

Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention 

Responsible for the publication series: 

Marco Onida - Secretary General of the Alpine Convention 

Editing: 

Marcella Morandini 

Igor Roblek 

Graphic Design: 

Werbeagentur Ingenhaeff-Beerenkamp, 6067 Absam (www.i-b.at) 

Print: 

Pinxit Druckerei GmbH, 6067 Absam (www.pinxit.at) 

© Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention, Innsbruck/Bolzano-Bozen, 2010

Alpine Convention 

Reference Guide 


Preface 

The Alpine Convention and its protocols constitute a range of means and measures for the facilitation 

of cooperation among the states of the Alpine Space and for the support of common policies ensuring 

a balance of economic growth and social welfare. It furthermore represents a commitment to the 

protection of special areas and the environment in general. Thus, the Alpine Convention, with a view 

to future generations, contributes significantly to the appreciation and cultivation of the special qualities 

and specific characteristics of the Alpine regions, which are situated in the centre of Europe. 

Alpine Convention – Reference Guide was the first publication by the Permanent Secretariat of the 

Alpine Convention, which was established in 2002. This guide, published in 2003, though not in the 

English language, contained in a single volume all significant acts of law of the Convention along with 

general information on the territory of the Alpine Convention and its population. The reason for the 

present new issue of the volume is the fact that the first edition is by now out of print; moreover, some 

major developments have made necessary an update: in 2006 (at the IX Alpine Conference) two 

declarations, on climate change and on the topic of population and culture in the Alps, were adopted. 

In 2009 (at the X Alpine Conference) an Action Plan on Climate Change in the Alps was adopted. This 

2 nd edition is also the occasion to publish this Reference Guide in English. 

The present publication is intended to make the Alpine Convention and its goals more widely known. 

It aims at being a useful aid to all who, out of professional or personal interest, concern themselves 

with the principles of the Alpine Convention. However, it cannot replace the most comprehensive 

source of information on the Alpine Convention, which is the website www.alpconv.org. Among other 

things, all documents and surveys, which are the products of the intensive Working Groups and 

Platforms activities of the Alpine Convention, along with the comprehensive editions of the Report on 

the State of the Alps are available from there. 

Marco Onida 

Secretary General of the Alpine Convention 

Innsbruck/Bolzano-Bozen 

January 2011 

Alpine signals 1 5 

Preface

Index 

6 

Index Page 

Imprint 2 

Preface 5 

List of maps 7 

Glossary 9 

Contracting Parties 11 

Overview of the Presidencies of the 

Alpine Conference and the Permanent Committee 13 

Overview about the ratification of the Framework Convention, 

the Monaco Protocol and the Implementation Protocols (chronological tables) 15 

Administrative Units of the Alpine Convention 21 

General information about the scope of application of the Alpine Convention 41 

Framework Convention 55 

Protocols 

Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development 65 

Mountain Farming 77 

Conservation of Nature and Landscape Protection 89 

Mountain Forests 103 

Tourism 113 

Soil Conservation 125 

Energy 137 

Transport 149 

Solution of Litigations 163 

Declaration on Population and Culture 169 

Declaration on Climate Change 179 

Action Plan on Climate Change in the Alps 183 

Mechanism for Reviewing Compliance with the 

Alpine Convention and its Implementation Protocols 203 

Rules of Procedure of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (Alpine Conference) 211 

Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Committee of the Conference of the Contracting Parties 217 

Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention – Statute 223 

Official seat agreement with Austria 231 

Official seat agreement with Italy 243 

International Mountain Partnerships 253 

Use of the Logo of the Alpine Convention 265 

Adresses 267 

Alpine signals 1

List of maps Page 

Map 1 

The Alps – Perimeter of the Alpine Convention 42 

Map 2 

The Convention Territory – Administrative areas with a share in the Convention Territory 43 

Map 3 

Population distribution – Population density in the Alpine municipalities 44 

Map 4 

Population development – Population development in the municipalities 46 

Map 5 

Age structure – Age index of the municipalities 49 

Map 6 

Agricultural development – Development of agricultural enterprises 

with more than 1 ha of production land throughout 1980-2000 51 

Map 7 

Transport – Major transalpine transit corridors – 5 year development with modal split 53 


List of maps

Glossary 


Glossary

10 


An International treaty consisting of a Framework 

Convention which sets out the general 

objectives for the protection and sustainable 

development of the Alps and the operating 

rules for the decision-making bodies of the 

Convention, together with various implementation 

protocols which contain specific provisions 

regarding the following issues: Mountain 

farming, Tourism, Spatial planning and sustainable 

development, Transport, Conservation 

of nature and the countryside, Mountain forests, 

Soil conservation and Energy. 

Contracting parties to the Alpine Convention 

Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, 

Principality of Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland 

and the European Union. 

Ratification 

Deed through which a Contracting Party undertakes 

to comply with and implement an international 

treaty, which will become legally 

valid under national law. 

Conference of the Contracting Parties 

(Alpine Conference, Articles 5-7 of 

the Framework Convention) 

The Alpine Conference, consisting of Ministers 

from Alpine countries, acts as the decisionmaking 

body of the Alpine Convention and 

generally meets once every two years. The 

Chairmanship of the Alpine Conference is on a 

rotational basis with one of the Contracting 

Parties taking the Chair for a two-year period. 

Permanent Committee 

(Article 8 of the Framework Convention) 

Consisting of the delegations of the senior officials 

of the Contracting Parties, this is the 

executive body of the Convention. Normally it 

meets twice a year. 

Permanent Secretariat 

(Article 9 of the Framework Convention 

and Decision VII/2 of the Alpine 

Conference) 

Established in 2002, this supports the operations 

of the bodies in the Convention, coordinates 

Alpine research and performs public re- 

Alpine signals 1 

lations activities. Its main base is in Innsbruck, 

with an operational annex at Bolzano. 

Observers 

(Article 5(5) of the Framework 

Convention) 

Governmental and nongovernmental international 

organisations participating in the meetings 

of the bodies of the Alpine Convention 

without voting rights. 

Multiyear work schedule of the Alpine 

Conference 

Document for the Contracting Parties and the 

bodies of the Convention containing the guidelines 

and specific priorities on which to 

concentrate their actions over a certain period 

of time. 

Working groups of the Alpine Convention 

(Article 6 (e) of the Framework 

Convention) 

Working groups established for coordinating 

activities by the Contracting Parties and to 

develop measures in areas of specific interest 

to the Convention. 

Compliance Committee 

(Decision VII/4 of the Alpine Conference) 

Established in 2002 to monitor that the provisions 

of the Convention and its protocols are 

correctly implemented. 

SOIA 

(Article 3 of the Framework Convention) 

System for the Observation and Information 

on the Alps: consisting of a database and 

network for coordination of research on Alpine 

issues. 

Report on the State of the Alps 

A scientific report prepared by the Permanent 

Secretariat on issues of particular interest to 

the Convention.

Contracting Parties 


Contracting Parties

12 


Republic of Austria 

French Republic 

Federal Republic of Germany 

Italian Republic 

Principality of Liechtenstein 

Principality of Monaco 

Republic of Slovenia 

Swiss Confederation 

European Union

Overview of the Presidencies of the 

Alpine Conference and the Permanent Committee 


Overview of the Presidencies

14 

Period Country Alpine Conference 

1989 – 1991 Austria Salzburg, 7.11.1991 

1991 – 1994 France Chambéry, 20.12.1994 

1994 – 1996 Slovenia Brdo, 27.2.1996 

1996 – 1998 Slovenia Bled, 16.10.1998 

1998 – 2000 Switzerland Lucerne, 31.10.2000 

2000 – 2002 Italy Merano / Meran, 19-20.11.2002 

2002 – 2004 Germany Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 16.11.2004 

2004 – 2006 Austria Alpbach, 9.11.2006 

2006 – 2009 France Evian, 12.3.2009 

2009-2011 Slovenia Brdo pri Kranju, 8-9.3.2011 


Overview about the ratification of the 

Framework Convention, the Monaco Protocol 

and the Implementation Protocols 


Overview: Ratification

16 

Framework Convention 

Overview about the ratification 


Deposit of the Entry into force 

Country Signature Ratification Document publication 

instrument of ratification 

A 07.11.1991 08.02.1994 Bundesgesetzblatt Nr. 477/1995 vom 21.07.1995 08.02.1994 06.03.95 

Bundesblatt BBl 1997 IV 657 (d) 

CH 07.11.1991 16.12.1998 

FF 1997 IV 581 (f) 28.01.1999 28.04.99 

D 07.11.1991 29.09.1994 Bundesgesetzblatt Teil II Nr. 46/1994 vom 8.10.1994 05.12.1994 06.03.95 

F 07.11.1991 30.11.1995 Journal officiel Nr. 95 1270 vom 7.12.1995 15.01.1996 15.04.96 

FL 07.11.1991 21.04.1994 Liechtensteinisches Landesgesetzblatt 1995/Nr.186 28.07.1994 06.03.95 

Legge n. 403 vom 14.10.1999; 

Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 262 dell’8 novembre 1999 – 27.12.1999 27.03.00 

Supplemento Ordinario n. 194 

I 07.11.1991 14.10.1999 

Ordonnance Souveraine n. 14.082 en date du 

21 juillet 1999 publiée au journal de Monaco 22.12.1998 22.03.99 

le 30 juillet 1999 

MC 20.12.1994 22.12.1998 

Uradni list Republike Slovenije (Mednarodne pogodbe) 22.05.1995 22.08.95 

SLO 29.03.1993 22.03.1995 

Nr. 19/Beilage Nr. 5 vom 31.3.1995 

EU 07.11.1991 26.02.1996 

Official Journal of the European Union 04.03.1996 14.04.98 

Nr. L61/31-36 - 12.3.1996

Alpine Convention Monaco Protocol 

Alpenkonvention Monacoprotokoll 

Convention alpine Protocole de Monaco 

Convenzione delle Alpi Protocollo di Monaco 

Alpska konvencija Protokol Monaco 

Country Signature Ratification Entry into force 

Staat Unterzeichnung Ratifizierung In-Kraft-Treten 

Etat Signature Ratification Entrée en application 

Stato Firma Ratifica Entrata in applicazione 

Država Podpis Ratifikacija Začetek veljave 

A 20.12.94 08.07.97 22.03.99 

CH 20.12.94 18.01.99 28.04.99 

D 20.12.94 22.12.98 22.03.99 

F 20.12.94 13.04.95 22.03.99 

FL 20.12.94 16.03.95 22.03.99 

I 20.12.94 

MC 20.12.94 26.01.95 22.03.99 

SLO 20.12.94 22.05.95 22.03.99 

EU 20.12.94 14.01.98 22.03.99 



18 


Overview about the ratifications of the implementation protocols 

(November 2010) 


Country A CH D F FL I MC SLO EU 

Protocol 

Protokoll 

Protocole 

Protocollo 

Protokol 

Environmental protection 

and landscape management 

Raumplanung und nachhaltige S 31.10.00 16.10.98 20.12.94 20.12.94 16.10.98 20.12.94 20.12.94 20.12.94 20.12.94 

Entwicklung R 10.07.02 12.07.02 12.05.05 18.04.02 28.11.03 

Aménagement du territoire et D 14.08.02 18.09.02 11.07.05 11.06.02 27.01.03 28.01.04 

développement durable E 18.12.02 18.12.02 11.10.05 18.12.02 27.04.03 28.04.04 

Pianificazione territoriale e sviluppo 

sostenibile 

Urejanje prostora in trajnostni 

razvoj 

Mountain farming 

Berglandwirtschaft S 31.10.00 16.10.98 20.12.94 20.12.94 16.10.98 20.12.94 20.12.94 20.12.94 20.12.94 

Agriculture de montagne R 10.07.02 12.07.02 18.04.02 28.11.03 27.06.06 

Agricoltura di montagna D 14.08.02 18.09.02 15.11.02 11.06.02 28.01.04 06.07.06 

Hribovsko kmetijstvo E 18.12.02 18.12.02 15.02.03 18.12.02 28.04.04 06.10.06 

Land use planning 

and sustainable development 

Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege S 31.10.00 16.10.98 20.12.94 20.12.94 16.10.98 20.12.94 20.12.94 20.12.94 20.12.94 

Protection de la nature et entretien R 10.07.02 12.07.02 12.05.05 18.04.02 25.10.04 28.11.03 

des paysages D 14.08.02 18.09.02 11.07.05 11.06.02 08.11.04 28.01.04 

Protezione della natura e tutela E 18.12.02 18.12.02 11.10.05 18.12.02 08.02.05 28.04.04 

del paesaggio 

Varstvo narave in urejanje krajine

Mountain forests 

Bergwald S 31.10.00 16.10.98 27.02.96 27.02.96 16.10.98 27.02.96 27.02.96 27.02.96 

Forêts de montagne R 10.07.02 12.07.02 12.05.05 18.04.02 28.11.03 

Foreste montane D 14.08.02 18.09.02 11.07.05 11.06.02 28.01.04 

Gorski gozd E 18.12.02 18.12.02 11.10.05 18.12.02 28.04.04 

Tourism 

Tourismus S 31.10.00 16.10.98 16.10.98 02.12.98 16.10.98 08.02.01 16.10.98 16.10.98 09.01.06 

Tourisme R 10.07.02 12.07.02 12.05.05 18.04.02 28.11.03 27.06.06 

Turismo H 14.08.02 18.09.02 11.07.05 11.06.02 27.01.03 28.01.04 06.07.06 

Turizem E 18.12.02 18.12.02 11.10.05 18.12.02 27.04.03 28.04.04 06.10.06 

Soil conservation 

Bodenschutz S 31.10.00 16.10.98 16.10.98 02.12.98 16.10.98 31.10.00 16.10.98 16.10.98 09.01.06 

Protection des sols R 10.07.02 12.07.02 12.05.05 18.04.02 28.11.03 27.06.06 

Difesa del suolo D 14.08.02 18.09.02 11.07.05 11.06.02 27.01.03 28.01.04 06.07.06 

Varstvo tal E 18.12.02 18.12.02 11.10.05 18.12.02 27.04.03 28.04.04 06.10.06 

Energy 

Energie S 31.10.00 31.10.00 16.10.98 02.12.98 08.04.02 08.02.01 16.10.98 09.01.06 

Energie R 10.07.02 12.07.02 12.05.05 18.04.02 28.11.03 27.06.06 

Energia D 14.08.02 18.09.02 11.07.05 11.06.02 28.01.04 06.07.06 

Energija E 18.12.02 18.12.02 11.10.05 18.12.02 28.04.04 06.10.06 

Transport 

Verkehr S 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 06.08.02 12.10.06 

Transports R 10.07.02 12.07.02 12.05.05 18.04.02 28.11.03 

Trasporti D 14.08.02 18.09.02 11.07.05 11.06.02 28.01.04 

Promet E 18.12.02 18.12.02 11.10.05 18.12.02 28.04.04 

Solution of litigations 

Beilegung von Streitigkeiten S 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 31.10.00 06.08.02 

Règlement des différends R 10.07.02 12.07.02 18.04.02 28.11.03 

Composizione delle controversie D 14.08.02 18.09.02 15.11.02 11.06.02 27.01.03 28.01.04 

Reˇsevanje sporov E 18.12.02 18.12.02 15.02.03 18.12.02 27.04.03 28.04.04 

SLO = Slovenia 

EU = European Union 

F = France 

FL = Liechtenstein 

I = Italy 

MC = Monaco 

E = Entry into force 

A = Austria 

CH = Switzerland 

D = Germany 

S = Signature 

R = Ratification 

D = Deposit of the ratification document 



Administrative Units of the Alpine Convention 


Administrative Units

Scope of application of the Alpine Convention


24 

LIST OF ADMInISTRATIVE UnITS OF ThE ALPInE COnVEnTIOn In 

ThE REPUbLIC OF AUSTRIA 

Federal state of 

VORARLbERG 

all municipalities 

Fe d e r a l s t a t e o f T Y R O L 



CARInThIA 



SALZbURG 

Salzburg (town area) 

District of Hallein 

Abtenau 

Adnet 

Annaberg im Lammertal 

Golling an der Salzach 

Hallein 

Krispl 

Kuchl 

Oberalm 

Puch bei Hallein 

Rußbach am Paß Gschütt 

Sankt Koloman 

Scheffau am Tennengebirge 

Vigaun 

District 

Salzburg/Surrounding Area 

Anif 

Ebenau 

Elsbethen 

Eugendorf 

Faistenau 

Fuschl am See 

Grödig 

Großgmain 

Hallwang 

Henndorf am Wallersee 

Hintersee 

Hof bei Salzburg 

Koppl 

Neumarkt am Wallersee 

Plainfeld 

Sankt Gilgen 


Strobl 

Thalgau 

Wals-Siezenheim 

District of Sankt Johann im 

Pongau 

Altenmarkt im Pongau 

Bad Hofgastein 

Badgastein 

Bischofshofen 

Dorfgastein 

Eben im Pongau 

Filzmoos 

Flachau 

Forstau 

Goldegg 

Großarl 

Hüttau 

Hüttschlag 

Kleinarl 

Mühlbach am Hochkönig 

Pfarrwerfen 

Radstadt 

Sankt Johann im Pongau 

Sankt Martin am Tennengebirge 

Sankt Veit im Pongau 

Schwarzach im Pongau 

Untertauern 

Wagrain 

Werfen 

Werfenweng 

District of Tamsweg 

Göriach 

Lessach 

Mariapfarr 

Mauterndorf 

Muhr 

Ramingstein 

Sankt Andrä im Lungau 

Sankt Margarethen 

im Lungau 

Sankt Michael im Lungau 

Tamsweg 

Thomatal 

Tweng 

Unternberg 

1) According to the Federal Official Journal (of the Republic of Austria) 

III vol. 18/1999 from 01.28.1999. 

Weißpriach 

Zederhaus 

District of Zell am See 

Bramberg am Wildkogel 

Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße 

Dienten am Hochkönig 

Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße 

Hollersbach im Pinzgau 

Kaprun 

Krimml 

Lend 

Leogang 

Lofer 

Maishofen 

Maria Alm am Steinernen 

Meer 

Mittersill 

Neukirchen am Großvenediger 

Niedernsill 

Piesendorf 

Rauris 

Saalbach-Hinterglemm 

Saalfelden am Steinernen 

Meer 

Sankt Martin bei Lofer 

Stuhlfelden 

Taxenbach 

Unken 

Uttendorf 

Viehhofen 

Wald im Pinzgau 

Weißbach bei Lofer 

Zell am See 


UPPER AUSTRIA 

District of Gmunden 

Altmünster 

Bad Goisern 

Bad Ischl 

Ebensee 

Gmunden

Gosau 

Grünau im Almtal 

Gschwandt 

Hallstatt 

Kirchham 

Obertraun 

Pinsdorf 

Sankt Konrad 

Sankt Wolfgang 

im Salzkammergut 

Traunkirchen 

Scharnstein 

District of Kirchdorf an der 

Krems 

Edlbach 

Grünburg 

Hinterstoder 

Inzersdorf im Kremstal 

Micheldorf in Oberösterreich 

Molln 

Oberschlierbach 

Rosenau am Hengstpaß 

Roßleithen 

Sankt Pankraz 

Spital am Pyhrn 

Steinbach am Ziehbach 

Steinbach an der Steyr 

Vorderstoder 

Windischgarsten 

District of Steyr-Land 

Gaflenz 

Garsten 

Großraming 

Laussa 

Losenstein 

Maria Neustift 

Reichraming 

Sankt Ulrich bei Steyr 

Ternberg 

Weyer Land 

Weyer Markt 

District of Vöcklabruck 

Attersee 

Aurach am Hongar 

Innerschwand 

Mondsee 

Nußdorf am Attersee 

Oberhofen am Irrsee 

Oberwang 

Sankt Georgen im Attergau 

Sankt Lorenz 

Schörfling am Attersee 

Seewalchen am Attersee 

Steinbach am Attersee 

Straß im Attergau 

Tiefgraben 

Unterach am Attersee 

Weißenkichen im Attergau 

Weyregg am Attersee 

Zell am Moos 


LOWER AUSTIRA 

Waidhofen an der Ybbs 

(town area) 

District of Amstetten 

Allhartsberg 

Ertl 

Hollenstein an der Ybbs 

Opponitz 

Sankt Georgen am Reith 

Sankt Peter in der Au 

Seitenstetten 

Sonntagberg 

Ybbsitz 

District of Baden 

Alland 

Altenmarkt an der Triesting 

Bad Vöslau 

Baden 

Berndorf 

Enzesfeld-Lindabrunn 

Furth an der Triesting 

Heiligenkreuz 

Hernstein 

Hirtenberg 

Klausen-Leopoldsdorf 

Pfaffstätten 

Pottenstein 

Sooß 

Weissenbach an der Triesting 

District of Lilienfeld 

Annaberg 

Eschenau 

Hainfeld 

Hohenberg 

Kaumberg 

Kleinzell 

Lilienfeld 

Mitterbach am Erlaufsee 

Ramsau 

Rohrbach an der Gölsen 

Sankt Aegyd am Neuwalde 

Sankt Veit an der Gölsen 

Traisen 

Türnitz 

District of Melk 

Texingtal 

District of Mödling 

Breitenfurt bei Wien 

Gaaden 

Gießhübl 

Gumpoldskirchen 

Hinterbrühl 

Kaltenleutgeben 

Laab im Walde 

Mödling 

Perchtoldsdorf 

Wienerwald 

District of Neunkirchen 

Altendorf 

Aspang-Markt 

Aspangberg-Sankt Peter 

Breitenstein 

Buchbach 

Edlitz 

Enzenreith 

Feistritz am Wechsel 

Gloggnitz 

Grafenbach-Sankt Valentin 

Grimmenstein 

Grünbach am Schneeberg 

Kirchberg am Wechsel 

Mönichkirchen 

Natschbach-Loipersbach 

Otterthal 

Payerbach 

Pitten 

Prigglitz 

Puchberg am Schneeberg 

Raach am Hochgebirge 

Reichenau an der Rax 

Sankt Corona am Wechsel 

Scheiblingkirchen-Thernberg 

Schottwien 

Administrative Units 

Alpine signals 1 25

26 

Schrattenbach 

Schwarzau im Gebirge 

Seebenstein 

Semmering 

Ternitz 

Thomasberg 

Trattenbach 

Vöstenhof 

Warth 

Wartmannstetten 

Willendorf 

Wimpassing im Schwarzatale 

Würflach 

Zöbern 

District of Sankt Pölten 

(surroundings) 

Altlengbach 

Asperhofen 

Brand-Laaben 

Eichgraben 

Frankenfels 

Grünau 

Kasten bei Böheimkirchen 

Kirchberg an der Pielach 

Loich 

Maria-Anzbach 

Michelbach 

Neulengbach 

Neustift-Innermanzing 

Pyhra 

Rabenstein an der Pielach 

Schwarzenbach an der 

Pielach 

Stössing 

Wilhelmsburg 

District of Scheibbs 

Gaming 

Göstling an der Ybbs 

Gresten 

Gresten-Land 

Lunz am See 

Puchenstuben 

Randegg 

Reinsberg 

Sankt Anton an der Jeßnitz 

Sankt Georgen an der Leys 

Scheibbs 

Steinakirchen am Forst 

Wang 


District of Tulln 

Königstetten 

Sieghartskirchen 

Tulbing 

Zeiselmauer 

Sankt Andrä-Wördern 

District of Wiener Neustadt 

(surroundings) 

Bad Fischau-Brunn 

Bad Schönau 

Ebenfurth 

Erlach 

Gutenstein 

Hochneukirchen-Gschaidt 

Hochwolkersdorf 

Hohe Wand 

Hollenthon 

Katzelsdorf 

Kirchschlag in der Buckligen 

Welt 

Krumbach 

Lanzenkirchen 

Lichtenegg 

Markt Piesting 

Matzendorf-Hölles 

Miesenbach 

Muggendorf 

Pernitz 

Rohr im Gebirge 

Bromberg 

Schwarzenbach 

Waidmannsfeld 

Waldegg 

Walpersbach 

Wiesmath 

Winzendorf-Muthmannsdorf 

Wöllersdorf-Steinabrückl 

District of Wien-Umgebung 

Gablitz 

Klosterneuburg 

Mauerbach 

Pressbaum 

Purkersdorf 

Tullnerbach 

Wolfsgraben 

Federal state of STYRIA 

District of Bruck an der Mur 

Aflenz Kurort 

Aflenz Land 

Breitenau am Hochlantsch 

Bruck an der Mur 

Etmißl 

Frauenberg 

Gußwerk 

Halltal 

Kapfenberg 

Mariazell 

Oberaich 

Parschlug 

Pernegg an der Mur 

Sankt Ilgen 

Sankt Katharein an der 

Laming 

Sankt Lorenzen im Mürztal 

Sankt Marein im Mürztal 

Sankt Sebastian 

Thörl 

Tragöß 

Turnau 

District of Deutschlandsberg 

Aibl 

Freiland bei Deutschlandsberg 

Bad Gams 

Garanas 

Greisdorf 

Gressenberg 

Großradl 

Kloster 

Marhof 

Osterwitz 

Sankt Oswald ob Eibiswald 

Schwanberg 

Soboth 

Trahütten 

Wernersdorf 

Wielfresen 

District of Graz-Umgebung 

Attendorf 

Deutschfeistritz 

Eisbach 

Frohnleiten 

Gratkorn

Gratwein 

Großstübing 

Gschnaidt 

Hitzendorf 

Judendorf-Straßengel 

Peggau 

Röthelstein 

Rohrbach-Steinberg 

Rothleiten 

Sankt Bartholomä 

Sankt Oswald bei Plankenwarth 

Sankt Radegund bei Graz 

Schrems bei Frohnleiten 

Semriach 

Stattegg 

Stiwoll 

Thal 

Tulwitz 

Tyrnau 

Übelbach 

Weinitzen 

District of Hartberg 

Dechantskirchen 

Friedberg 

Grafendorf bei Hartberg 

Greinbach 

Kleinschlag 

Mönichwald 

Pinggau 

Pöllau 

Pöllauberg 

Puchegg 

Rabenwald 

Riegersberg 

Rohrbach an der Lafnitz 

Saifen-Boden 

Sankt Jakob im Walde 

Sankt Lorenzen am Wechsel 

Schachen bei Vorau 

Schäffern 

Schlag bei Thalberg 

Schönegg bei Pöllau 

Sonnhofen 

Stambach 

Stubenberg 

Vorau 

Vornholz 

Waldbach 

Wenigzell 

District of Judenburg 

Amering 

Bretstein 

Eppenstein 

Fohnsdorf 

Hohentauern 

Judenburg 

Sankt Wolfgang-Kienberg 

Sankt Anna am Lavantegg 

Maria Buch-Feistritz 

Obdach 

Oberkurzheim 

Oberweg 

Oberzeiring 

Pöls 

Pusterwald 

Reifling 

Reisstraße 

Sankt Georgen ob Judenburg 

Sankt Johann am Tauern 

Sankt Oswald-Möderbrugg 

Sankt Peter ob Judenburg 

Unzmarkt-Frauenburg 

Weißkirchen in Steiermark 

Zeltweg 

District of Knittelfeld 

Apfelberg 

Feistritz bei Knittelfeld 

Flatschach 

Gaal 

Großlobming 

Kleinlobming 

Knittelfeld 

Kobenz 

Rachau 

Sankt Lorenzen bei Knittelfeld 

Sankt Marein bei Knittelfeld 

Sankt Margarethen bei 

Knittelfeld 

Seckau 

Spielberg bei Knittelfeld 

District of Leibnitz 

Oberhaag 

Schloßberg 

District of Leoben 

Eisenerz 

Gai 

Hafning bei Trofaiach 

Hieflau 

Kalwang 

Kammern im Liesingtal 

Kraubath an der Mut 

Leoben 

Mautern in der Steiermark 

Niklasdorf 

Proleb 

Radmer 

Sankt Michael in Obersteiermark 

Sankt Peter-Freienstein 

Sankt Stefan ob Leoben 

Traboch 

Trofaiach 

Vordernberg 

Wald am Schoberpaß 

District of Liezen 

Admont 

Aich 

Aigen im Ennstal 

Altaussee 

Altenmarkt bei Sankt Gallen 

Ardning 

Bad Aussee 

Donnersbach 

Donnersbachwald 

Gaishorn am See 

Gams bei Hieflau 

Gössenberg 

Gröbming 

Großsölk 

Grundlsee 

Hall 

Haus 

Irdning 

Johnsbach 

Kleinsölk 

Landl 

Lassing 

Liezen 

Michaelerberg 

Mitterberg 

Bad Mitterndorf 

Niederöblarn 

Öblarn 

Oppenberg 

Palfau 

Pichl-Preunegg 

Pichl-Kainisch 

Pruggern 



28 

Pürgg-Trautenfels 

Ramsau am Dachstein 

Rohrmoos-Untertal 

Rottenmann 

Sankt Gallen 

Sankt Martin am Grimming 

Sankt Nikolai im Sölktal 

Schladming 

Selzthal 

Stainach 

Tauplitz 

Treglwang 

Trieben 

Weißenbach an der Enns 

Weißenbach bei Liezen 

Weng bei Admont 

Wildalpen 

Wörschach 

District of Mürzzuschlag 

Allerheiligen im Mürztal 

Altenberg an der Rax 

Ganz 

Kapellen 

Kindberg 

Krieglach 

Langenwang 

Mitterdorf im Mürztal 

Mürzhofen 

Mürzsteg 

Mürzzuschlag 

Neuberg an der Mürz 

Spital am Semmering 

Stanz im Mürztal 

Veitsch 

Wartberg im Mürztal 

District of Murau 

Dürnstein in der Steiermark 

Falkendorf 

Frojach-Katsch 

Krakaudorf 

Krakauhintermühlen 

Krakauschatten 

Kulm am Zirbitz 

Laßnitz bei Murau 

Mariahof 

Mühlen 

Murau 

Neumarkt in Steiermark 

Niederwölz 

Oberwölz Stadt 


Oberwölz Umgebung 

Perchau am Sattel 

Predlitz-Turrach 

Ranten 

Rinegg 

Sankt Blasen 

Sankt Georgen ob Murau 

Sankt Lambrecht 

Sankt Lorenzen bei Scheifling 

Sankt Marein bei Neumarkt 

Sankt Peter am Kammersberg 

Sankt Ruprecht ob Murau 

Scheifling 

Schöder 

Schönberg-Lachtal 

Stadl an der Mur 

Stolzalpe 

Teufenbach 

Triebendorf 

Winklern bei Oberwölz 

Zeutschach 

District of Voitsberg 

Bärnbach 

Edelschrott 

Gallmannsegg 

Geistthal 

Gößnitz 

Graden 

Hirschegg 

Kainach bei Voitsberg 

Köflach 

Kohlschwarz 

Krottendorf-Gaisfeld 

Ligist 

Maria Lankowitz 

Modriach 

Pack 

Piberegg 

Rosental an der Kainach 

Salla 

Sankt Johann-Köppling 

Sankt Martin am Wölimißberg 

Södingberg 

Stallhofen 

Voitsberg 

District of Weiz 

Anger 

Arzberg 

Baierdorf bei Anger 

Birkfeld 

Feistritz bei Anger 

Fischbach 

Fladnitz an der Teichaem 

Floing 

Gasen 

Gschaid bei Birkfeld 

Gutenberg an der Raabklamm 

Haslau bei Birkfeld 

Hohenau an der Raab 

Koglhof 

Mortantsch 

Naas 

Naintsch 

Neudorf bei Passail 

Passail 

Puch bei Weiz 

Ratten 

Sankt Kathrein am Hauenstein 

Sankt Kathrein am Offenegg 

Stenzengreith 

Strallegg 

Thannhausen 

Waisenegg 


bURGEnALnD 

District of Mattersburg 

Forchtenstein 

Marz 

Mattersburg 

Sieggraben 

Wiesen 

District of Oberpullendorf 

Kobersdorf 

Lockenhaus 

Markt Sankt Martin 

Pilgersdorf 

District of Oberwart 

Bernstein 

Mariasdorf 

Markt Neuhodis 

Stadtschlaining 

Unterkohlstätten 

Weiden bei Rechnitz 

Wiesfleck

LIST OF ADMInISTRATIVE UnITS OF ThE ALPInE COnVEnTIOn 

In ThE FREnCh REPUbLIC 

According to Decree No. 85-997 from 20 

September 1985, with regard to the Southern 

Alps the Alpine Convention encompasses: 

- the département of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, 

- the département of Hautes-Alpes, 

- those cantons whose territories within the 

département of Alpes Maritimes have completely 

or in part been classified as mountain 

areas, except for the municipalities of Menton 

and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and the départements 

of Var and Vaucluse, 

- the district of Barjois in the département of 

Var, and the canton of Cadenet in the département 

of Vaucluse 

According to Decree No. 85-996 from 20 

September 1985, with regard to the Northern 

Alps the Alpine Convention encompasses: 

- the département of Savoie, 

- the département of Haute-Savoie, 

- the district of Grenoble in the département of 

Isére, the canton of Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine, 

and those municipalities of the cantons of 

Pont-de-Beauvoisin and Virieur-sur-Bourbre 

which have completely or in part been classified 

as mountain areas 

- in the département of Drôme, the district of 

Die and those cantons of the districts of 

Nyons and Valence with areas completely or 

in part classified as mountain areas, except 

for the cantons of Crest-Nord and Sud, Bourgde-Péage 

and Chabeuil, in which the mountains 

are restricted to municipalities completely 

or in part classified as mountain areas. 


In ThE FEDERAL REPUbLIC OF GERMAnY 

The following towns and counties directly 

subordinate to a region as opposed to a 

district are part of the Bavarian Alps: 

Towns 

Kempten (Allgäu) 

Kaufbeuren 

Rosenheim 

Counties 

Lindau (Bodensee) 

Oberallgäu 

Ostallgäu 

Weilheim-Schongau 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen 

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen 

Miesbach 

Rosenheim 

Traunstein 

Berchtesgadener Land 



30 

LIST OF ADMInISTRATIVE UnITS (MUnICIPALITIES) OF ThE ALPInE 

COnVEnTIOn In ThE ITALIAn REPUbLIC 

LIGURIA 

Province of Imperia 

Airole 

Apricale 

Aquila di Arroscia 

Armo 

Aurigo 

Badalucco 

Bajardo 

Borghetto d'Arroscia 

Borgomaro 

Caravonica 

Carpasio 

Castel Vittorio 

Ceriana 

Cesio 

Chiusanico 

Chiusavecchia 

Cosio di Arroscia 

Diano Arentino 

Diano San Pietro 

Dolceacqua 

Dolcedo 

Isolabona 

Lucinasco 

Mendatica 

Molini di Triora 

Montalto Ligure 

Montegrosso Pian Latte 

Olivetta San Michele 

Perinaldo 

Pietrabruna 

Pieve di Teco 

Pigna 

Pontedassio 

Pornassio 

Prelà 

Ranzo 

Rezzo 

Rocchetta Nervina 

Triora 

Vasia 

Vessalico 

Villa Faraldi 


Province of Savona 

Altare 

Arnasco 

Balestrino 

Bardineto 

Boissano 

Bormida 

Calice Ligure 

Calizzano 

Casanova Lerrone 

Castelbianco 

Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena 

Cengio 

Cisano sul Neva 

Erli 

Garlenda 

Giustenice 

Magliolo 

Mallare 

Massimino 

Millesimo 

Murialdo 

Nasino 

Onzo 

Orco Feglino 

Ortovero 

Osiglia 

Pallare 

Plodio 

Quiliano 

Rialto 

Roccavignale 

Stellanello 

Testico 

Toirano 

Tovo San Giacomo 

Vendone 

Vezzi Portio 

Villanova d'Albenga 

Zuccarello 

PIEMOnTE 

Province of Biella 

Ailoche 

Andorno Micca 

Biella 

Bioglio 

Callabiana 

Camandona 

Camburzano 

Campiglia Cervo 

Caprile 

Casapinta 

Cerreto Castello 

Coggiola 

Cossato 

Crevacuore 

Crosa 

Curino 

Donato 

Graglia 

Lessona 

Magnano 

Mezzana Mortigliengo 

Mosso Miagliano 

Mongrando 

Muzzano 

Netro 

Occhieppo Inferiore 

Occhieppo Superiore 

Pettinengo 

Piatto 

Piedicavallo 

Pollone 

Portula 

Pralungo 

Pray 

Quaregna 

Quittengo 

Ronco Biellese 

Rosazza 

Sagliano Micca 

Sala Biellese 

San Paolo Cervo 

Selve Marcone Soprana 

Sordevolo 

Sostegno 

Strona 

Tavigliano 

Ternengo 

Tollegno 

Torrazzo 

Trivero 

Valdengo 

Vallanzengo 

Valle Mosso 

Valle San Nicolao

Veglio 

Vigliano Biellese 

Zimone 

Zubiena 

Zumaglia 

Province of Cuneo 

Acceglio 

Aisone 

Albaretto della Torre 

Alto 

Argentera 

Arguello 

Bagnasco 

Bagnolo Piemonte 

Barge 

Battifollo 

Bellino 

Belvedere Langhe 

Benevello 

Bergolo 

Bernezzo 

Bonvicino 

Borgomale 

Borgo San Dalmazzo 

Bosia 

Bossolasco 

Boves 

Briaglia 

Briga Alta 

Brondello 

Brossasco 

Busca 

Camerana 

Canosio 

Caprauna 

Caraglio 

Cartignano 

Casteldelfino 

Castellar 

Castelletto Uzzone 

Castellino Tanaro 

Castelmagno 

Castelnuovo di Ceva 

Castino 

Celle di Macra 

Cerreto Langhe 

Cervasca 

Ceva 

Chiusa di Pesio 

Cigliè 

Cissone 

Cortemilia 

Cossano Belbo 

Costigliole Saluzzo 

Cravanzana 

Crissolo 

Demonte 

Dronero 

Elva 

Entracque 

Envie 

Feisoglio 

Frabosa Soprana 

Frabosa Sottana 

Frassino 

Gaiola 

Gambasca 

Garessio 

Gorzegno 

Gottasecca 

Igliano 

Isasca 

Lequio Berria 

Lesegno 

Levice 

Limone Piemonte 

Lisio 

Macra 

Magliano Alpi 

Mango 

Marmora 

Marsaglia 

Martiniana Po 

Melle 

Moiola 

Mombarcaro 

Mombasiglio 

Monastero di Vasco 

Monasterolo Casotto 

Monesiglio 

Montaldo di Mondovì 

Montemale di Cuneo 

Monterosso Grana 

Montezemolo 

Murazzano 

Niella Belbo 

Niella Tanaro 

Nucetto 

Oncino 

Ormea 

Ostana 

Paesana 

Pagno 

Pamparato 

Paroldo 

Perletto 

Perlo 

Peveragno 

Pezzolo Valle Uzzone 

Pianfei 

Piasco 

Pietraporzio 

Pontechianale 

Pradleves 

Prazzo 

Priero 

Priola 

Prunetto 

Revello 

Rifreddo 

Rittana 

Roaschia 

Roascio 

Robilante 

Roburent 

Roccabruna 

Rocca Cigliè 

Roccaforte Mondovì 

Roccasparvera 

Roccavione 

Rocchetta Belbo 

Rossana 

Sale delle Langhe 

Sale San Giovanni 

Saliceto 

Sambuco 

Sampeyre 

San Benedetto Belbo 

San Damiano Macra 

Sanfront 

San Michele Mondovì 

Scagnello 

Serravalle Langhe 

Somano 

Stroppo 

Torre Bormida 

Torre Mondovì 

Torresina 

Trezzo Tinella 

Valdieri 

Valgrana 

Valloriate 

Valmala 

Venasca 

Vernante 

Verzuolo 

Vicoforte 

Vignolo 

Villanova Mondovì 

Villar San Costanzo 

Vinadio 

Viola 



32 

Province of Novara 

Ameno 

Armeno 

Colazza 

Massino Visconti 

Miasino 

Nebbiuno 

Pella 

Pettenasco 

Pisano 

Pogno 

San Maurizio d'Opaglio 

Province of Torino 

Ala di Stura 

Alice Superiore 

Almese 

Alpette 

Andrate 

Angrogna 

Avigliana 

Balangero 

Balme 

Bardonecchia 

Bibiana 

Bobbio Pellice 

Borgiallo 

Borgone Susa 

Bricherasio 

Brosso 

Bruzolo 

Bussoleno 

Cafasse 

Canischio 

Cantalupa 

Cantoira 

Caprie 

Carema 

Caselette 

Castellamonte 

Castelnuovo Nigra 

Ceres 

Ceresole Reale 

Cesana Torinese 

Chialamberto 

Chianocco 

Chiesanuova 

Chiomonte 

Chiusa di San Michele 

Cintano 

Claviere 

Coassolo Torinese 


Coazze 

Colleretto Castelnuovo 

Condove 

Corio 

Cumiana 

Cuorgnè 

Exilles 

Fenestrelle 

Fiorano Canavese 

Forno Canavese 

Frassinetto 

Frossasco 

Germagnano 

Giaglione 

Giaveno 

Givoletto 

Gravere 

Groscavallo 

Ingria 

Inverso Pinasca 

Issiglio 

La Cassa 

Lanzo Torinese 

Lemie 

Levone 

Locana 

Lugnacco 

Luserna San Giovanni 

Lusernetta 

Massello 

Mattie 

Meana di Susa 

Meugliano 

Mezzenile 

Mompantero 

Monastero di Lanzo 

Moncenisio 

Noasca 

Nomaglio 

Novalesa 

Oulx 

Pecco 

Perosa Argentina 

Perrero 

Pertusio 

Pessinetto 

Pinasca 

Pinerolo 

Piossasco 

Pomaretto 

Pont-Canavese 

Porte 

Pragelato 

Prali 

Pramollo 

Prarostino 

Prascorsano 

Pratiglione 

Quassolo 

Quincinetto 

Reano 

Ribordone 

Rivara 

Roletto 

Ronco Canavese 

Rorà 

Roure 

Rubiana 

Rueglio 

Salbertrand 

Salza di Pinerolo 

San Colombano Belmonte 

San Didero 

San Germano Chisone 

San Giorio di Susa 

San Pietro Val Lemina 

San Secondo di Pinerolo 

Sangano 

Sant'Ambrogio di Torino 

Sant'Antonino di Susa 

Sauze di Cesana 

Sauze d'Oulx 

Sestriere 

Settimo Vittone 

Sparone 

Susa 

Tavagnasco 

Torre Pellice 

Trana 

Trausella 

Traversella 

Traves 

Usseaux 

Usseglio 

Vaie 

Val della Torre 

Valgioie 

Vallo Torinese 

Valperga 

Valprato Soana 

Varisella 

Venaus 

Vico Canavese 

Vidracco 

Villar Dora 

Villar Focchiardo

Villar Pellice 

Villar Perosa 

Vistrorio 

Viù 

Province of Verbano Cusio 

Ossola 

Antrona Schieranco 

Anzola d'Ossola 

Arizzano 

Arola 

Aurano 

Baceno 

Bannio Anzino 

Baveno 

Bee 

Beura-Cardezza 

Bognanco 

Brovello-Carpugnino 

Calasca-Castiglione 

Cambiasca 

Cannero Riviera 

Cannobio 

Caprezzo 

Casale Corte Cerro 

Cavaglio-Spoccia 

Ceppo Morelli 

Cesara 

Cossogno 

Craveggia 

Crevoladossola 

Crodo 

Cursolo-Orasso 

Domodossola 

Druogno 

Falmenta 

Formazza 

Germagno 

Ghiffa 

Gignese 

Gravellona Toce 

Gurro 

Intragna 

Loreglia 

Macugnaga 

Madonna del Sasso 

Malesco 

Masera 

Massiola 

Mergozzo 

Miazzina 

Montecrestese 

Montescheno 

Nonio 

Oggebbio 

Omegna 

Ornavasso 

Pallanzeno 

Piedimulera 

Pieve Vergonte 

Premeno 

Premia 

Premosello-Chiovenda 

Quarna Sopra 

Quarna Sotto 

Re 

San Bernardino Verbano 

Santa Maria Maggiore 

Seppiana 

Stresa 

Toceno 

Trarego Viggiona 

Trasquera 

Trontano 

Valstrona 

Vanzone con San Carlo 

Varzo 

Viganella 

Vignone 

Villadossola 

Villette 

Vogogna 

Province of Vercelli 

Alagna Valsesia 

Balmuccia 

Boccioleto 

Borgosesia 

Breia 

Campertogno 

Carcoforo 

Cellio 

Cervatto 

Civiasco 

Cravagliana 

Fobello 

Guardabosone 

Mollia 

Pila 

Piode 

Postua 

Quarona 

Rassa 

Rima San Giuseppe 

Rimasco 

Rimella 

Riva Valdobbia 

Rossa 

Sabbia 

Scopa 

Scopello 

Serravalle Sesia 

Valduggia 

Varallo 

Vocca 

Autonomous Region 

VALLE D'AOSTA 

Province of Aosta 


LOMbARDY 

Province of Bergamo 

Adrara San Martino 

Adrara San Rocco 

Albino 

Algua 

Almenno San Bartolomeo 

Almenno San Salvatore 

Alzano Lombardo 

Ardesio 

Averara 

Aviatico 

Azzone 

Bedulita 

Berbenno 

Berzo San Fermo 

Bianzano 

Blello 

Borgo di Terzo 

Bossico 

Bracca 

Branzi 

Brembilla 

Brumano 

Camerata Cornello 

Capizzone 

Caprino Bergamasco 

Carona 



34 

Casazza 

Casnigo 

Cassiglio 

Castione della Presolana 

Castro 

Cazzano Sant'Andrea 

Cenate Sopra 

Cene 

Cerete 

Cisano Bergamasco 

Clusone 

Colere 

Colzate 

Corna Imagna 

Cornalba 

Costa di Serina 

Costa Valle Imagna 

Costa Volpino 

Credaro 

Cusio 

Dossena 

Endine Gaiano 

Entratico 

Fino del Monte 

Fiorano al Serio 

Fonteno 

Foppolo 

Foresto Sparso 

Fuipiano Valle Imagna 

Gandellino 

Gandino 

Gandosso 

Gaverina Terme 

Gazzaniga 

Gerosa 

Gorno 

Gromo 

Grone 

Isola di Fondra 

Leffe 

Lenna 

Locatello 

Lovere 

Luzzana 

Mezzoldo 

Moio de' Calvi 

Monasterolo del Castello 

Nembro 

Olmo al Brembo 

Oltre il Colle 

Oltressenda Alta 

Oneta 

Onore 


Ornica 

Palazzago 

Parre 

Parzanica 

Peia 

Pianico 

Piario 

Piazza Brembana 

Piazzatorre 

Piazzolo 

Ponte Nossa 

Ponteranica 

Pontida 

Pradalunga 

Predore 

Premolo 

Ranica 

Ranzanico 

Riva di Solto 

Rogno 

Roncobello 

Roncola 

Rota d'Imagna 

Rovetta 

San Giovanni Bianco 

San Pellegrino Terme 

Santa Brigida 

Sant'Omobono Imagna 

Sarnico 

Schilpario 

Sedrina 

Selvino 

Serina 

Solto Collina 

Songavazzo 

Sorisole 

Sovere 

Spinone al Lago 

Strozza 

Taleggio 

Tavernola Bergamasca 

Trescore Balneario 

Ubiale Clanezzo 

Valbondione 

Valgoglio 

Valleve 

Valnegra 

Valsecca 

Valtorta 

Vedeseta 

Vertova 

Viadanica 

Vigano San Martino 

Vigolo 

Villa d'Almè 

Villa di Serio 

Villa d'Ogna 

Villongo 

Vilminore di Scalve 

Zandobbio 

Zogno 

Province of Brescia 

Agnosine 

Anfo 

Angolo Terme 

Artogne 

Bagolino 

Barghe 

Berzo Demo 

Berzo Inferiore 

Bienno 

Bione 

Borno 

Botticino 

Bovegno 

Bovezzo 

Braone 

Breno 

Brione 

Caino 

Capo di Ponte 

Capovalle 

Casto 

Cedegolo 

Cerveno 

Ceto 

Cevo 

Cimbergo 

Cividate Camuno 

Collio 

Concesio 

Corteno Golgi 

Darfo Boario Terme 

Edolo 

Esine 

Gardone Riviera 

Gardone Val Trompia 

Gargnano 

Gavardo 

Gianico 

Gussago 

Idro 

Incudine 

Irma 

Iseo

Lavenone 

Limone sul Garda 

Lodrino 

Losine 

Lozio 

Lumezzane 

Magasa 

Malegno 

Malonno 

Marcheno 

Marmentino 

Marone 

Monno 

Monte Isola 

Monticelli Brusati 

Mura 

Nave 

Niardo 

Odolo 

Ome 

Ono San Pietro 

Ossimo 

Paisco Loveno 

Paitone 

Paspardo 

Pertica Alta 

Pertica Bassa 

Pezzaze 

Pian Camuno 

Piancogno 

Pisogne 

Polaveno 

Ponte di Legno 

Preseglie 

Prestine 

Provaglio Val Sabbia 

Roè Volciano 

Sabbio Chiese 

Sale Marasino 

Salò 

Sarezzo 

Saviore dell'Adamello 

Sellero 

Serle 

Sonico 

Sulzano 

Tavernole sul Mella 

Temù 

Tignale 

Toscolano-Maderno 

Tremosine 

Treviso Bresciano 

Vallio Terme 

Valvestino 

Vestone 

Vezza d'Oglio 

Villa Carcina 

Villanuova sul Clisi 

Vione 

Vobarno 

Zone 

Province of Como 

Albavilla 

Albese con Cassano 

Argegno 

Asso 

Barni 

Bellagio 

Bene Lario 

Blessagno 

Blevio 

Brienno 

Brunate 

Caglio 

Campione d'Italia 

Canzo 

Carate Urio 

Carlazzo 

Casasco d'Intelvi 

Caslino d'Erba 

Castelmarte 

Castiglione d'Intelvi 

Cavargna 

Cerano d'Intelvi 

Cernobbio 

Civenna 

Claino con Osteno 

Colonno 

Consiglio di Rumo 

Corrido 

Cremia 

Cusino 

Dizzasco 

Domaso 

Dongo 

Dosso del Liro 

Erba 

Eupilio 

Faggeto Lario 

Garzeno 

Gera Lario 

Germasino 

Grandola ed Uniti 

Gravedona 

Griante 

Laglio 

Laino 

Lanzo d'Intelvi 

Lasnigo 

Lenno 

Lezzeno 

Livo 

Longone al Segrino 

Magreglio 

Menaggio 

Mezzegra 

Moltrasio 

Montemezzo 

Musso 

Nesso 

Ossuccio 

Peglio 

Pellio Intelvi 

Pianello del Lario 

Pigra 

Plesio 

Pognana Lario 

Ponna 

Ponte Lambro 

Porlezza 

Proserpio 

Pusiano 

Ramponio Verna 

Rezzago 

Sala Comacina 

San Bartolomeo Val Cavargna 

San Fedele Intelvi 

San Nazzaro Val Cavargna 

Santa Maria Rezzonico 

Sant'Abbondio 

Schignano 

Sorico 

Sormano 

Stazzona 

Tavernerio 

Torno 

Tremezzo 

Trezzone 

Val Rezzo 



36 

Valbrona 

Valsolda 

Veleso 

Vercana 

Zelbio 

Province of Lecco 

Abbadia Lariana 

Ballabio 

Barzio 

Bellano 

Carenno 

Casargo 

Cassina Valsassina 

Cesana Brianza 

Civate 

Colico 

Colle Brianza 

Cortenova 

Crandola Valsassina 

Cremeno 

Dervio 

Dorio 

Ello 

Erve 

Esino Lario 

Galbiate 

Garlate 

Introbio 

Introzzo 

Lierna 

Malgrate 

Mandello del Lario 

Margno 

Moggio 

Morterone 

Oliveto Lario 

Pagnona 

Parlasco 

Pasturo 

Perledo 

Pescate 

Premana 

Primaluna 

Sueglio 

Suello 

Taceno 

Torre de' Busi 

Tremenico 

Valmadrera 

Varenna 

Vendrogno 

Vestreno 


Province of Sondrio 


Province of Varese 

Agra 

Arcisate 

Azzio 

Barasso 

Bedero Valcuvia 

Besano 

Bisuschio 

Brenta 

Brezzo di Bedero 

Brinzio 

Brissago-Valtravaglia 

Brusimpiano 

Cadegliano-Viconago 

Cantello 

Casalzuigno 

Cassano Valcuvia 

Castello Cabiaglio 

Castelveccana 

Cittiglio 

Clivio 

Cocquio-Trevisago 

Comerio 

Cremenaga 

Cuasso al Monte 

Cugliate-Fabiasco 

Cunardo 

Curiglia con Monteviasco 

Cuveglio 

Cuvio 

Dumenza 

Duno 

Ferrera di Varese 

Gavirate 

Gemonio 

Germignaga 

Grantola 

Induno Olona 

Lavena Ponte Tresa 

Laveno-Mombello 

Luino 

Luvinate 

Maccagno 

Marchirolo 

Marzio 

Masciago Primo 

Mesenzana 

Montegrino Valtravaglia 

Orino 

Pino sulla Sponda del Lago 

Maggiore 

Porto Ceresio 

Porto Valtravaglia 

Rancio Valcuvia 

Saltrio 

Tronzano Lago Maggiore 

Valganna 

Veddasca 

Viggiù 


FRIULI VEnEZIA GIULIA 

Province of Gorizia 

Doberdò del Lago 

Dolegna del Collio 

Gorizia 

Sagrado 

San Floriano del Collio 

Savogna d'Isonzo 

Province of Pordenone 

Andreis 

Arba 

Aviano 

Barcis 

Budoia 

Caneva 

Castelnovo del Friuli 

Cavasso Nuovo 

Cimolais 

Claut 

Clauzetto 

Erto e Casso 

Fanna 

Frisanco 

Maniago 

Meduno 

Montereale Valcellina 

Pinzano al Tagliamento 

Polcenigo 

Sequals 

Tramonti di Sopra 

Tramonti di Sotto 

Travesio 

Vajont 

Vito d'Asio 

Province of Udine 

Amaro 

Ampezzo 

Arta Terme

Artegna 

Attimis 

Bordano 

Cavazzo Carnico 

Cercivento 

Chiusaforte 

Cividale del Friuli 

Comeglians 

Dogna 

Drenchia 

Enemonzo 

Faedis 

Forgaria nel Friuli 

Forni Avoltri 

Forni di Sopra 

Forni di Sotto 

Gemona del Friuli 

Grimacco 

Lauco 

Ligosullo 

Lusevera 

Magnano in Riviera 

Malborghetto Valbruna 

Moggio Udinese 

Montenars 

Nimis 

Ovaro 

Paluzza 

Paularo 

Pontebba 

Povoletto 

Prato Carnico 

Preone 

Prepotto 

Pulfero 

Ravascletto 

Raveo 

Resia 

Resiutta 

Rigolato 

San Leonardo 

San Pietro al Natisone 

Sauris 

Savogna 

Socchieve 

Stregna 

Sutrio 

Taipana 

Tarcento 

Tarvisio 

Tolmezzo 

Torreano 

Trasaghis 

Treppo Carnico 

Venzone 

Verzegnis 

Villa Santina 

Zuglio 


TREnTInO-ALTO 

ADIGE/SüDTIROL 

Autonomous Province of 

Bolzano/Bozen 


Autonomous Province of 

Trento 


VEnETO 

Province of Belluno 


Province of Treviso 

Borso del Grappa 

Cappella Maggiore 

Castelcucco 

Cavaso del Tomba 

Cison di Valmarino 

Cordignano 

Crespano del Grappa 

Farra di Soligo 

Follina 

Fregona 

Miane 

Monfumo 

Paderno del Grappa 

Pederobba 

Pieve di Soligo 

Possagno 

Refrontolo 

Revine Lago 

Sarmede 

Segusino 

Tarzo 

Valdobbiadene 

Vidor 

Vittorio Veneto 

Province of Verona 

Badia Calavena 

Bosco Chiesanuova 

Brentino Belluno 

Brenzone 

Caprino Veronese 

Cerro Veronese 

Costermano 

Dolcè 

Erbezzo 

Ferrara di Monte Baldo 

Fumane 

Grezzana 

Malcesine 

Marano di Valpolicella 

Negrar 

Rivoli Veronese 

Roverè Veronese 

San Giovanni Ilarione 

San Mauro di Saline 

San Zeno di Montagna 

Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella 

Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo 

Selva di Progno 

Torri del Benaco 

Tregnago 

Velo Veronese 

Vestenanova 

Province of Vicenza 

Altissimo 

Arsiero 

Asiago 

Bassano del Grappa 

Breganze 

Brogliano 

Caltrano 

Calvene 

Campolongo sul Brenta 

Chiampo 

Cismon del Grappa 

Cogollo del Cengio 

Conco 

Cornedo Vicentino 

Crespadoro 

Enego 

Fara Vicentino 

Foza 

Gallio 

Laghi 

Lastebasse 

Lugo di Vicenza 

Lusiana 



38 

Marostica 

Mason Vicentino 

Molvena 

Monte di Malo 

Nogarole Vicentino 

Pedemonte 

Pianezze 

Piovene Rocchette 

Posina 

Pove del Grappa 

Recoaro Terme 

List of municipalities 

Dravograd 

Idrija 

Jesenice 

Mozirje 

Radlje ob Dravi 

Radovljica 

Ravne na Koroškem 

Slovenj Gradec 

Škofja Loka 

Tolmin 

Tržič 

Ruše 

List of local communities 

in parts of the 

municipalities 

Ajdovščina 

Adjovščina 

Roana 

Romano d'Ezzelino 

Rotzo 

Salcedo 

San Nazario 

San Pietro Mussolino 

Santorso 

Schio 

Solagna 

Tonezza del Cimone 

Torrebelvicino 


In ThE REPUbLIC OF SLOVEnIA 

Budanje 

Col 

Črnice 

Dolga Poljana 

Gojače 

Gradišče pri Vipavi 

Kamnje - Potoče 

Lokavec 

Ložice 

Otlica - Kovk 

Podkraj 

Podnanos 

Predmeja 

Škrilje 

Štomaž 

Vipava 

Vrhpolje 

Vrtovin 

Žapuže 

Trissino 

Valdagno 

Valdastico 

Valli del Pasubio 

Valstagna 

Velo d'Astico 


ThE PRInCIPALITY OF LIEChTEnSTEIn 

The whole of the Principality of Liechtenstein 


ThE PRInCIPALITY OF MOnACO 

The whole of the Prinicipality of Monaco 


Kamnik 

Črna pri Kamniku 

Godic 

Kamniška Bistrica 

Mekinje 

Motnik 

Nevlje 

Sela pri Kamniku 

Srednja vas pri Kamniku 

Šmartno v Tuhinju 

Špitalič 

Tuhinj 

Kranj 

Bela 

Golnik 

Goriče 

Grad 

Jezersko 

Kokra

Olševek - Hotemaže 

Preddvor 

Trstenik 

Ljubljana - Vič Rudnik 

Črni Vrh 

Polhov Gradec 

Logatec 

Hotedrščica 

Rovte 

Tabor Logatec 

Trate 

Vrh nad Rovtami 

Nova Gorica 

Avče 

Banjšice 

Čepovan 

Deskle - Anhovo 

Dobrovo v Brdih 

Nova Gorica 

Grgar 

Grgarske Ravne 

Kal nad Kanalom 

Kambreško 

Kanal ob Soči 

Kojsko 

Levpa 

Lig 

Canton 

APPENZELL AUSSERRHODEN 

whole Canton 

APPENZELL INNERRHODEN 

whole Canton 

BERN 

Administrative Districts 

Frutigen 

Interlaken 

Niedersimmental 

Oberhasli 

Lokovec 

Lokve 

Medana 

Osek - Vitovlje 

Ozeljan 

Ravnica 

Ročinj 

Solkan 

Trnovo 

Postojna 

Bukovje 

Landol 

Planina 

Razdrto 

Studeno 

Šmihel pod Nanosom 

Veliko Ubeljsko 

Slovenska Bistrica 

Alfonz Šarh 

Impol 

Kebelj 

Oplotnica 

Pohorski Odred 

Preloge 

Šmartno na Pohorju 

Tinje 

Zgornja Ložnica 

Zgornja Polskava 

Slovenske Konjice 

Gorenje pri Zrečah 

Resnik 

Skomarje 

Slovenske Konjice 

Stranice 

Vitanje 

Zreče 

Velenje 

Bele Vode 

Ravne 

Topolšica 

Zavodnje 

Maribor 

Fram 

Hoče 

Limbuš 

Pekre 

Radvanje 

Razvanje 

Reka Pohorje 

Slivnica 


In ThE SWISS COnFEDERATIOn 

Obersimmental 

Saanen 

Schwarzenburg 

only municipalities Guggisberg, Rüschegg 

Signau 

only municipalities Schangnau, Röthenbach 

Thun 

FREIBURG - FRIBOURG 

Districts 

La Gruyère 

Sense 

only municipalities Plaffeien 



40 

GLARIS - GLARUS 

whole Canton 

GRAUBÜNDEN - GRIGIONI - GRISCHUN 

whole Canton 

LUZERN - LUCERNE 

Administrative Districts 

Luzern 

Entlebuch 

NIDWALDEN 

whole Canton 

OBWALDEN 

whole Canton 

URI 

whole Canton 

ST. GALLEN 

Districts 

Unterrheintal 


Oberrheintal 

Werdenberg 

Sargans 

Gaster 

Obertoggenburg 

SCHWYZ 

whole Canton 

TICINO 

whole Canton 

WAADT - VAUD 

Districts 

Aigle 

Pays-d'Enhaut 

Vevey 

only municipalities Montreux, Veytaux 

WALLIS - VALAIS 

whole Canton

General information about the scope 

of application of the Alpine Convention 


General information

42 

General informations about the scope of application 

of the Alpine Convention 

Map 1: The Alps – Perimeter of the Alpine Convention 

The Alps are the highest mountain range in 

western Europe. They are made up of geologically 

young fold mountains which emerged as a 

result of the collision of the European and African 

continental plates. Until little less than 200 

million years ago southern Europe was covered 

by a primordial ocean (Tethys). Over millions of 

years, debris drifting in from the continent (Pangaea) 

and dead marine organisms were deposited 

on the seabed. Under the pressure of the 

mass of water this gradually solidified into 

stone. 

Roughly 130 million years ago the African and 

European continental plates collided with each 

other. The two plates acted like a vice; the released 

forces slowly lifted the layers deposited 


on the seabed from the primordial ocean and 

pushed them towards a vertical position. The 

rock layers were folded perpendicularly and 

partly stacked up on top of each other like blankets. 

Over time they rose higher and higher. 

Though the major deformation processes occurred 

millions of years ago, the compression 

process is still ongoing. Thus, the growth of the 

Alps is not complete yet. The longstanding 

mountain building phenomena are countered 

by continuous erosion processes. These move 

countless tons of material downhill and, along 

the rivers, far into the great plains. As the folding 

increased, these erosion phenomena intensified.

Over time, the erosive effects of water, wind, 

differences in temperature, and glaciers lead to 

the present geologically and scenically diverse 

appearance of the Alps. Both processes are still 

ongoing. Scientists have calculated that the 

Alps are growing one millimetre per year. 

Map 2: The Convention Territory – Administrative areas with a share 

in the Convention Territory 

The territory of the Alpine Convention covers 

an area of 190,959 km 2 and encompasses 

5,868 municipalities (as of January 2008). It 

spans 1,200 km and eight Alpine states from 

the Ligurian coast to the gates of Vienna. This 

is where the Alps merge into the Vienna Basin. 

At its widest part between Rosenheim, Germany, 

and Affi, north of Verona, Italy, the Convention 

Territory has a width of 300 km. 

The Convention Territory spans parts of France, 

Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and 

The Alps show a height distribution decreasing 

from west to east. Mont Blanc is the highest 

peak of the Alps at 4,810m and there are about 

127 other four-thousanders in the Western Alps. 

The highest peak in the eastern Alps is the 

Ortler - Ortles at 3,905m. 

Slovenia as well as the entire national territories 

of the microstates of Liechtenstein and 

Monaco. At 54,759 and 51,995 km 2 respectively, 

in terms of area Austria and Italy have the 

largest share in the Convention Territory (see 

table 1). Three quarters of the Convention area 

spread over Austria, Italy, and France. As of 

2007, the territory of the Alpine Convention 

was inhabited by approximately 14 million 

people, the majority of whom were resident in 

the Italian Alps (see table 2). 


General information

44 

Country Area in km 2 Percent of 

Convention 

Territory 

Administrative units in the territory of the 


nUTS 2 

(regions, 

Länder) 

LAU 1 

(provinces, cantons, 

districts, 

counties) 

LAU 2 

(municipalities) 

Austria 54,759 28.7 8 29 1,147 

France 40,801 21.4 2 9 1,749 

Germany 11,160 5.8 2 13 285 

Italy 51,995 27.2 7 24 1,756 

Liechtenstein 160 0.1 1 1 11 

Monaco 2 < 0.01 1 1 1 

Slovenia 6,871 3.6 1 7 62 

Switzerland 25,211 13.2 5 15 856 

Alps total 190,959 100.0 27 99 5,867 

Tab. 1: Shares of area and administrative units in the signatory states (as of 2008). 

Map 3: Population distribution – Population density in the Alpine municipalities 

In the municipalities of the Alpine Convention there 

is an average of 147 inhabitants per km 2 . The figures 

range from 0.1 inhabitants/km 2 in the smallest 

municipality of Rochefourchat in the Rhône Alpes 

region to 16,010 inhabitants/km 2 in the most 

densely populated municipality of Monaco. 

The Alpine population concentrates in the areas 

with ample infrastructure provision, which are the 

large inneralpine valleys (Aosta, Rhône, Etschtal/ 

Val d’Adige, the valley of the river Inn, the Rhine 

Valley, the Valtelline) and basin areas (Klagenfurt 

Basin) as well the margins of the Alps. In these 

areas geomorphologic conditions allow for a larger 

percentage of the land to be used for housing 

and economic purposes. Moreover, higher population 

densities are to be found in the tourist 

centres. 

Population density in the municipalities, however, 

does not reflect the real conditions existent in the 


Alpine Arch. Due to the steepness and height of 

the terrain only a small portion of the whole of the 

Alps’ area is suitable for permanent settlement. In 

a typical Alpine region such as South Tyrol only 

as little as eight percent of the area can be populated 

permanently. In Vorarlberg, Austria, the figure 

reaches 24 percent. If one related the number 

of inhabitants to the area that can be populated, 

the result would be much higher density figures 

for most of the municipalities. 

It is on this permanent settlement area that use 

claims concentrate, asserted by players from 

housing development and economy through to 

transport and tourism. Conflicts are the logical 

consequence. It is exactly in these areas that they 

emerge with high intensity, and require an especially 

consequent and sustainable development 

strategy.

Map 3: Population distribution – Population density in the Alpine municipalities 

General information 


46 

Map 4: Population development – Population development in the municipalities 

Currently 14.01 million people live in the territory 

of the Alpine Convention. Never before have so 

many people lived in the Alps. Most of the Alps’ 

inhabitants reside in the Italian and Austrian Alpine 

territories (see table 2). 

The years from 1990 to 2007 saw a population 

growth of roughly eight percent. This makes development 

in the Alpine arc more dynamic than 

the EU average (plus five percent; Eurostat 2007). 

This has not always been so. Only since the 

1970s has population growth in the Alpine arc 

been higher than that in the rest of Europe. Only 

Austria and Slovenia have a national rate that is 

higher than that of the whole of the Convention 

Territory. Population development is not equally 

distributed among the regions. More than two 

thirds of the Alpine municipalities have seen positive 

development (see table 3). Positive development 

is to be found especially in municipalities 

showing prosperous economic growth and located 

in lower and easily accessible regions. Moreover, 

regions towards the margins of the Alps, 


in proximity to the great metropolises, are marked 

by positive population dynamics. Corresponding 

to the overall European tendency (periurbanisation), 

the population of municipalities in the surroundings 

of Alpine centres (Bozen/Bolzano, 

Innsbruck, Lugano, Trento, Grenoble) is growing. 

Stagnation or decrease in population, on the 

other hand, can be found in peripheral spaces or 

in regions experiencing economic depression. In 

the years from 1990 to 2004, 24 percent of the 

municipalities in Convention Territory saw declining 

population figures (see table 3). 

Despite the large number of small municipalities, 

there is a certain concentration process noticeable 

in the Alpine Arc. More than 73 percent of the 

population is concentrated in the 23.7 percent of 

municipalities that have more than 2,500 inhabitants. 

By contrast, as few as 8.8 percent of the 

Alps’ inhabitants live in the approximately 50 

percent of municipalities that have less than 1,000 

inhabitants. Only 14 municipalities have more 

than 50,000 inhabitants.

Map 4: Population development – Population development in the municipalities 

General information 


48 

Country 

Population in thousands Percent of the Alps’ 

total population 

1870* 1990 2000 2007 

Austria 1,565.90 3,143.40 3,293.50 3,306.31 23.6 

France 1,456.50 2,246.80 2,453.60 2,453.60 17.5** 

Germany 396.60 1,262.30 1,375.30 1,484.98 10.6 

Italy 3,153.90 3,984.40 4,096.00 4,274.64 30.5 

Liechtenstein 7.50 29.00 32.90 35.37 0.3 

Monaco 3.40 30.00 32.02 32.02 0.2** 

Slovenia 269.40 653.20 642.60 592.85 4.2 

Switzerland 972.40 1,616.60 1,743.00 1,830.50 13.1 

Alps total 7,825.60 12,967.70 13,662.60 14,010.27 100.0 

Tab. 2: Population development from 1870 to 2007 in the territory of the Alpine Convention. 

*Sources: Bätzing, W. (1999b): L’attuale andamento demografico nell’arco alpino. Montagna oggi – Rivista dell’Unione Nazionale 

Comuni, Comunitá ed Enti Montani. vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 35-41; 

Statistics offices of the Alpine states: 1990, 2000/2001 population censuses and 2006/2007 updates. 

**Due to lack of current figures, for France and Monaco data from the year 2000 was used. 

Inhabitant 

class 

Percent of 

Alps’ total 

population 

Percent of 

total 


Percent of which 

are municipalities 

with population 

decline of more 

than 1 % 


are stagnating 


(growth/decline 

below %) 


are municipalities 

with growth of 

more than 1 % 

< 500 3.19 31.5 34.0 3.0 63.0 

501-1,000 5.70 18.4 24.6 4.7 70.7 

1,001-2,500 18.16 26.4 17.2 10.1 72.7 

2,501-5,000 20.10 13.7 13.2 4.7 82.1 

5,001-10,000 17.70 6.2 13.1 6.2 80.7 

10,001-25,000 18.03 3.0 12.0 9.1 78.9 

25,001-50,000 8.34 0.6 22.9 17.1 60.0 

> 50,000 8.78 0.2 21.4 7.2 71.4 

Total 100.0 100.0 24.0 4.9 71.1 

Tab. 3: Overview of demographic development in the municipalities of the Alpine Convention, organised by 

classes of size (as of 2004). 

Sources: Statistik Austria (2005); INSEE: Recensement de la population de 1999; Bayerisches Landesamt für Statistik und Datenverarbeitung 

(2004); Istat (2004); Amt für Volkswirtschaft (2000); Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, Regional Statistics 

(2004). 


Map 5: Age structure – Age index of the municipalities 

With the help of an age index, the age distribution 

of a population can be represented. The figure 

denotes how many people over 65 years there 

are per 100 inhabitants under 15. A balanced ratio 

has a value around 100. Higher values indicate 

municipalities with a disproportionate number of 

old people. 

The map shows a marked difference between the 

northern and the southern Alps. Among the six 

regions with the highest age index, five are in the 

Italian part of the Alpine Arc. At 241 Liguria on the 

south-western margin of the Alps shows the highest 

value. Among the regions with the youngest 

population average are Lichtenstein and Vorarlberg 

(>60). Throughout the Alps values range 

from under 10 in the municipalities of Chamrousse 

(Isère) and Honau (Lucerne) to above 

1,000 in municipalities in Piedmont and the Provence-Alpes-Côte 

d‘Azur. 

A change in the age structure is not without consequences 

for affected municipalities. As a population 

ages, their needs and requirements concerning 

primary care change too. Coping with 

this issue presents large parts of the Alpine Arc 

with a major challenge. 


General information

50 

Map 5: Age structure – Age index of the municipalities 


Map 6: Agricultural development – Development of agricultural enterprises with 

more than 1 ha of production land throughout 1980-2000. 


General information

52 

Map 6: Agricultural development – Development of agricultural enterprises with 

more than 1 ha of production land throughout 1980-2000. 

Although in the year 2000 as many as 287,000 

agricultural enterprises were still operating in the 

territory of the Alpine Convention, 160,000 enterprises 

(-35.8%) discontinued their agricultural 

activities between 1980 and 2000. Random 

sampling does not predict very bright prospects 

for the next few years: the rate of farm closures 

remains high. 

Over the same time period, the area of land in 

agricultural production declined by approximately 

500,000 ha (8.8%). This decline, however, is 

considerably smaller than might be expected given 

the number of enterprises that have closed. 

This indicates primarily small and very small enterprises 

discontinuing their agricultural activities, 

and the land becoming available being taken 

over by existing enterprises. This trend leads to 

enterprises continuing their operations that are 

“growing” on average. The average area of agricultural 

production land per enterprise increased 

from 12.9 ha in 1990 to 18.5 ha in 2000. All over 

the Alps it is primarily marginal lands with rather 

difficult production conditions that are being left 

to lie fallow. 

The decline is spread throughout the whole of the 

Convention Territory, with considerable regional 

differences. Areas that are strongly affected are 

the southwest and southeast of the Alpine Space 

(France, Italy, Slovenia). In the German-speaking 

regions of the Alps (Austria, Germany, Switzerland) 

the process had a more moderate effect. 

Agriculture in the Alpine arc is often equated with 

mountain agriculture. However, this picture is not 

entirely accurate. Almost all existing forms of 

agricultural use are practised within the Alpine 

arc. They range from intensive pomiculture in the 

Etschtal/Val d’Adige to areas used for grassland 

production in the Bernese Oberland. The Alpine 

Convention tries to give due consideration to all 

of these different types of production. To this end, 


for instance, in a special thematic Protocol, specific 

measures aimed at an environmentally 

compatible form of agricultural development in 

the Alpine space have been laid down. 

Leisure and Tourism 

The Alps are a recreational space on a global 

scale. Every year more than 60 million visitors 

travel to the Alps. They are complemented by a 

similar number of weekenders. Some 370 million 

overnight stays and a bed space of 6.5 million 

highlight the significance of the Alps as a 

tourist destination (Siegrist 1998). Add to this the 

holiday apartments and the number of overnight 

stays increases to 545 million. In terms of overnight 

stays, among the 30 most important destinations 

are Oberstdorf (2.4m), Sölden (2.02m), 

Davos (2.1m, including holiday apartments), 

Chamonix (5.3m, including second homes), and 

Val d’Isere (more than 2m, including second 

homes). (Bartaletti 2008). 

Tourism is accompanied by significant synergy 

effects with other branches. The direct and indirect 

economic effects of tourism generate secure 

and decentralised jobs. Noteworthy, too, are 

the possibilities of positive networking of the value-added 

chain with agriculture, crafts, and various 

(other) services. Such networking, however, 

does not exist by itself but must be developed 

and secured by means of selective strategies 

and measures. 

Tourism is not found in the same intensity everywhere 

in the Alps. All over the Alps as few as one 

in 10 municipalities show high tourism density. 

The vast majority of the Alpine regions exhibit 

either only low or no tourism density at all. In the 

form of the Tourism Protocol the Alpine Convention 

has created an instrument and laid down 

measures for the contribution of this sector to a 

development that is as a whole sustainable.

Conservation 

The Alps play a major role in the conservation of 

biodiversity in Europe. The various environmental 

conditions (dry valleys and orographic barriers, 

height distribution, complex geological conditions, 

natural and cultivated state of landscape) 

create an extensive variety of habitats. These 

enable the different animal and plant species to 

exist. The Alps alone contain an estimated total 

of 5,000 species of vascular plants or 3/7 of 

Europe’s flora (Ozenda 1988). 

One major role in their sustainable conservation 

is played by reserves. A look on the map shows 

the distribution of nature reserves in the Alpine 

Arc. What should be noted, however, is the fact 

that these areas are mainly concentrated at in 

higher altitudes r with reduced land use conflicts 

(Broggi et al. 1999). Yet, in terms of the sustainable 

development of biodiversity in the Alpine 

Arc, areas outside of reserves have also to be 

taken into account. According to Art.12 of the 

‘Conservation of Nature and Landscape Protection' 

Protocol the signatory states will take crossborder 

measures for the implementation of a 

transnational ecological network in the Alpine 

arc. 

Map 7: Transport – Major transalpine transit corridors – 5 year development with 

modal split 

The history of Alpine crossings is closely connected 

to economic development north and 

south of the Alps. The commodity flows through 

these crossings have shaped the living conditions 

of the population. Localities along these 

trade routes have benefitted from this traffic and 


General information

54 

have partially based their economic success 

upon it. They have derived benefits especially 

from the fact that road users have to stop from 

time to time, which makes possible an exchange 

of goods and services. 

The importance of these corridors for the competitiveness 

of the Alpine regions continues 

beyond all question up to the present day. However, 

the form and impact of transalpine transport 

has changed considerably over time. While 

formerly the exchange of services, goods and 

persons spread over various trade routes all 

over the Alpine Space, nowadays it is concentrated 

increasingly on a small number of transit 

corridors. What has increased too is the impacts 

resulting from the movement of goods. The negative 

effects of transport are made more serious 

by the specific climatic and topographic 

conditions in the Alpine Space. Congestions, 

accidents, land consumption, landscape fragmentation, 

noise and air pollution negatively affect 

the health and quality of life of the people 

living along the corridors. 

Growth seems unstoppable. From 1984 transalpine 

goods traffic (transit, domestic, source and 

destination traffic) between Ventimiglia and Tarviso 

increased from 68.2 million tons to 165.1 

million tons in 2007 (+142.1 %). This increase 

has taken place mainly on the road, leading to 

a shift in the modal split, away from the rail. The 

road share of transalpine goods traffic is 61.5 

percent today, with figures varying between 

countries (road: CH 36.0%, A 76.6%, F 73.3%). 

Almost all prognoses predict further growth in 

the future. 

In the Alpine Space the discussion mainly concentrates 

on transalpine goods traffic. As a result, 

however, it is often forgotten that motorised 

individual transport in the valleys as well as 

centres is a major problem, too. The Traffic 

Protocol contains measures for a sustainable 

management of all forms of transport in the Alpine 

arc. 

The Permanent Secretariat thanks F.V. Ruffini, K. Renner & T. Streifeneder - Institute for Regional Development 

and Location Management, EURAC-Research - for texts and maps. 

References: 

BARTALETTI, F. (2008): What Role Do the Alps Play within World Tourism? In: CIPRA (Ed.): Alps Know How A curriculum for the sustainable development 

of the Alps. CD, Vaduz. • BÄTZING, W. (1999): L’attuale andamento demografico nell’arco alpino. Montagna oggi – Rivista dell’unione Nazionale Comuni, 

Comunitá ed Enti Montani, Jg. 45, Nr. 1 S. 35-41 • BROGGI, M. F. et al. (1999): Großflächige Schutzgebiete im Alpenraum. Daten, Fakten, Hintergründe. 

Blackwell-Wiss.-Verlag, Berlin. • EUROSTAT: Online database: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu, 2007. • SIEGRIST, D. (1998): Daten zu Tourismus 

und Freizeit. In: CIPRA (Hrsg.): Alpenreport 1. Daten-Fakten-Probleme-Lösungsansätze. Bern. • OZENDA, P. (1988): Die Vegetation der Alpen im europäischen 

Gebirgsraum. G. Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart New York 






56 

Preamble 

The Republic of Austria, 

the French Republic, 

the Federal Republic of Germany, 

the Italian Republic, 

the Principality of Liechtenstein, 

the Principality of Monaco, 

the Republic of Slovenia, 

the Swiss Confederation 

and 

the European Community 

- AWARE that the Alps are one of the 

largest continuous unspoilt natural 

areas in Europe, which, with their outstanding 

unique and diverse natural 

habitat, culture and history, constitute 

an economic, cultural, recreational 

and living environment in the heart of 

Europe, shared by numerous peoples 

and countries, 

- RECOGNIZING that the Alps constitute 

the living and economic environment 

for the indigenous population 

and are also vitally important for extra- 

Alpine regions, being the site of important 

transport routes, for example, 

- RECOGNIZING the fact that the Alps 

constitute an essential habitat and last 

refuge for many endangered species 

of plants and animals 

- AWARE of the substantial differences 

existing between national legal systems, 

natural conditions, population 

distribution, agriculture and forestry, 

the state and development of the economy, 

the volume of traffic and the 

nature and intensity of tourism, 


- AWARE that the evergrowing pressures 

caused by man are increasingly 

threatening the Alpine region and its 

ecological functions, and that the damage 

is either irreparable or rectifiable 

only with great effort, at considerable 

cost and, as a rule, over a long period 

of time, 

- CONVINCED of the need for economic 

interests to be reconciled with 

ecological requirements, 

- FOLLOWING the outcome of the first 

Alpine Conference of Environment Ministers 

held in Berchtesgaden from 9 

to It October 1989, have agreed as 

follows: 

Article 1 

Scope 

1. The Convention shall cover the Alpine 

region, as described and depicted in 

the Annex. 

2. Each Contracting Party may, when 

depositing its instrument of ratification, 

acceptance or approval or at any 

time thereafter, extend the application 

of this Convention to additional parts 

of its national territory by making a 

declaration to the depositary, the Republic 

of Austria, provided that this is 

necessary to implement the provisions 

of the Convention. 

3. Any declaration made under paragraph 

2 may, in respect of any national 

territory specified in such declaration, 

be withdrawn by a notification 

addressed to the depositary. The withdrawal 

shall become effective on the

first day of the month following the 

expiration of a period of six months 

after the date of receipt of such notification 

by the depositary. 

Article 2 

General obligations 

1. The Contracting Parties shall pursue a 

comprehensive policy for the preservation 

and protection of the Alps by 

applying the principles of prevention, 

payment by the polluter (the 'polluter 

pays' principle) and cooperation, after 

careful consideration of the interests 

of all the Alpine States, their Alpine 

regions and the European Economic 

Community, and through the prudent 

and sustained use of resources. 

Transborder cooperation in the Alpine 

region shall be intensified and extended 

both in terms of the territory and 

the number of subjects covered. 

2. In order to achieve the objective referred 

to in paragraph 1, the Contracting 

Parties shall take appropriate measures 

in particular in the following 

areas: 

a. population and culture the objective 

is to respect, preserve and 

promote the cultural and social 

independence of the indigenous 

population and to guarantee the 

basis for their living standards, in 

particular environmentally sound 

settlement and economic development, 

and promote mutual understanding 

and cooperation between 

Alpine and extraAlpine populations; 

b. spatial planning the objective is to 

ensure the economic and rational 

use of land and the sound, harmonious 

development of the whole 

region, particular emphasis being 

placed on natural hazards, the 

avoidance of under and overuse 

and the conservation or rehabilitation 

of natural habitats by means 

of a thorough clarification and evaluation 

of landuse requirements, 

foresighted integral planning and 

coordination of the measures taken; 

c. prevention of air pollution the objective 

is to drastically reduce the 

emission of pollutants and pollution 

problems in the Alpine region, 

together with inputs of harmful 

substances from outside the region, 

to a level which is not harmful 

to man, animals and plants; 

d. soil conservation the objective is 

to reduce quantitative and qualitative 

soil damage, in particular by 

applying agricultural and forestry 

methods which do not harm the 

soil, through minimum interference 

with soil and land, control of erosion 

and the restriction of soil 

sealing, 

e. water management the objective 

is to preserve or reestablish healthy 

water systems, in particular by 

keeping lakes and rivers free of 

pollution, by applying natural hydraulic 

engineering techniques 

and by using water power, which 

serves the interests of both the indigenous 

population and the environment 

alike; 


Framework Convention

58 

f. conservation of nature and the 

countryside the objective is to protect, 

conserve and, where necessary, 

rehabilitate and natural environment 

and the countryside, so 

that ecosystems are able to function, 

animal and plants species, 

including their habitats, are preserved, 

nature's capacity for regeneration 

and sustained productivity 

is maintained, and the variety, 

uniqueness and beauty of nature 

and the countryside as a whole 

are preserved on a permanent 

basis; 

g. mountain farming the objective is, 

in the public interest, to maintain 

the management of land traditionally 

cultivated by man and to 

preserve and promote a system of 

farming which suits local conditions 

and is environmentally compatible, 

taking into account the 

less favourable economic conditions; 

h. mountain forests the objective is to 

preserve, reinforce and restore the 

role of forests, in particular their 

protective role, by improving the 

resistance of forest ecosystems 

mainly by applying natural forestry 

techniques and preventing any 

utilization detrimental to forests, 

taking into account the less favourable 

economic conditions in the 

Alpine region; 

i. tourism and recreation the objective 

is, by restricting activities harmful 

to the environment, to harmonize 

tourism and recreational activities 

which ecological and social 

requirements, in particular by setting 

aside quiet areas; 


j. transport the objective is to reduce 

the volume and dangers of interAlpine 

and transAlpine traffic to a 

level which is not harmful to humans, 

animals and plants and 

their habitats, by switching more 

traffic, in particular freight traffic, to 

the railways in particular by providing 

appropriate infrastructure 

and incentives complying which 

market principles, without discrimination 

on grounds of nationality, 

k. energy the objective is to introduce 

methods for the production, 

distribution and use of energy 

which preserve the countryside 

and are environmentally compatible, 

and to promote energysaving 

measures; 

l. waste management the objective 

is to develop a system of waste 

collection, utilization and disposal 

which meets the special topographic, 

geological and climatic requirements 

of the Alpine region, 

paying particular attention to waste 

avoidance. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall agree 

upon Protocols laying down details 

for the implementation of this Convention. 

Article 3 

Research and systematic monitoring 

In the areas specified in Article 2, the 

Contracting Parties shall agree to:

a. cooperate in the carrying out of research 

activities and scientific assessments; 

b. develop joint or complementary systematic 

monitoring programmer; 

c. harmonize research, monitoring and 

related data-acquisition activities. 

Article 4 

Legal, scientific, economic and 

technical cooperation 

1. The Contracting Parties shall facilitate 

and promote the exchange of legal, 

scientific, economic and technical information 

relevant to this Convention. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall inform 

each other of planned legal or economic 

measures which are expected to 

have particular effects on the Alpine 

region or parts thereof, in order to 

give the utmost consideration to 

cross-border and regional requirements. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall cooperate 

with international governmental 

and nongovernmental organizations, 

where necessary, to ensure the effective 

implementation of the Convention 

and the Protocols to which they are a 

Contracting Party. 

4. The Contracting Parties shall ensure 

that the public are regularly kept informed 

in an appropriate manner about 

the results of research, monitoring 

and action taken. 

5. The Contracting Parties' obligations 

under this Convention with regard to 

the provision of information shall be 

subject to compliance with national 

laws on confidentiality. Information 

designated confidential shall be 

treated as such. 

Article 5 

Conference of Contracting Parties 

(Alpine Conference) 

1. Regular meetings of the Conference 

of Contracting Parties shall he held to 

discuss the common concerns of and 

cooperation between the Contracting 

Parties. The first meeting of the Alpine 

Conference shall be convened a year 

after the entry into force of this Convention 

at the latest by a Contracting 

Party to be determined by agreement. 

2. Subsequently, ordinary meetings of 

the Conference shall normally be convened 

every two years by the Contracting 

Party holding the chair. The 

chairmanship and location shall 

change after each ordinary meeting of 

the Conference. Both shall be determined 

by the Alpine Conference. 

3. The Contracting Party holding the 

chair shall propose the agenda for the 

meeting of the Conference. Each 

Contracting Party shall have the right 

to have other items included on the 

agenda. 

4. The Contracting Parties shall forward 

to the Conference information on the 



60 

measures which they have taken in 

implementation of the Convention and 

the Protocols to which they are a Contracting 

Party, subject to national laws 

on confidentiality. 

5. The United Nations, its specialized 

agencies, the Council of Europe and 

all European countries may take part 

in the meetings of the Conference as 

observers. The same applies to crossborder 

associations of Alpine territorial 

authorities. In addition, relevant international 

nongovernmental organizations 

may be admitted to the Conference 

as observers. 

6. Extraordinary meetings of the Conference 

shall be held by consensus or if 

a written application has been made 

to the presiding Contracting Party by 

one third of the Contracting Parties 

between two ordinary meetings. 

Article 6 

Functions of the Conference 

At its meetings, the Conference shall examine 

the implementation of the Convention 

and Protocols, together with Annexes, 

and, in particular, shall carry out 

the following functions at its meetings: 

a. it shall adopt amendments to the Convention 

under the procedure laid 

down in Article 10; 

b. it shall adopt Protocols and their Annexes 

and amendments thereto under 

the procedure laid down in Article I 1; 

c. it shall adopt its Rules of Procedure; 


d. it shall make the necessary financial 

decisions; 

e. it shall approve the creation of Working 

Groups deemed necessary for 

the implementation of the Convention; 

f. it shall take note of assessments of 

scientific information; 

g. it shall decide or recommend measures 

to achieve the objectives laid 

down in Articles 3 and 4, shall determine 

the nature, subject and date of 

submission of the information to be 

submitted in accordance with Article 

S (4), and shall take note of this information, 

together with the reports submitted 

by the Working Groups; 

h. it shall be responsible for carrying out 

essential secretariat functions. 

Article 7 

Decision making within the Conference 

1. The Conference shall reach its decisions 

unanimously unless otherwise 

determined below. If all efforts to 

achieve unanimity with regard to the 

functions referred to in Article 6 (c), (0 

and (g) have failed and the chairman 

specifically establishes this fact, the 

decision shall be reached by a threequarters 

majority of the Contracting 

Parties present and voting at the meeting. 

2. Each Contracting Party shall have a 

vote at the Conference. Within the 

areas of its competence, the European 

Community exercises its right to 

vote with a number of votes equal to 

the number of its Member States

which are Contracting Parties to this 

Convention; the European Economic 

Community shall not exercise is right 

to vote in cases where the Member 

States exercise theirs. 

Article 8 

Permanent Committee 

1. A Conference Permanent Committee 

consisting of delegates of the Contracting 

Parties shall be set up as an 

executive body. 

2. Signatory States which have not yet 

ratified the Convention shall have observer 

status at Permanent Committee 

meetings. In addition, any Alpine State 

which has not yet signed this Convention 

may be given this status on 

demand. 

3. The Permanent Committee shall 

adopt its Rules of Procedure. 

4. In addition, the Standing Committee 

shall decide on the procedures for 

any participation of representatives of 

governmental and/or nongovernmental 

organizations at its 

meetings. 

5. The Contracting Party presiding over 

the Conference shall appoint the 

chairman of the Permanent 

Committee. 

6. The Permanent Committee shall carry 

out the following functions in particular: 

a. it shall analyse the information 

submitted by the Contracting Parties 

in accordance with Article s (4) 

a n d r e p o r t t o t h e A l p i n e 

Conference; 

b. it shall collect and assess documents 

with regard to the implementation 

of the Convention and 

Protocols, together with Annexes, 

and shall submit them to the Conference 

for examination in accordance 

with Article 6; 

c. it shall inform the Alpine Conference 

about the implementation of 

the Conference's decisions; 

d. it shall prepare programmes for 

meetings of the Conference and 

may propose items for the agenda 

as well as other measures relating 

to the implementation of the Convention 

and is Protocols; 

e. it shall appoint Working Groups to 

formulate Protocols and recommendations, 

in accordance with 

Article 6 (e) and coordinate their 

activities; 

f. it shall examine and harmonize the 

contents of draft Protocols from an 

overall point of view and propose 

them to the Conference; 

g. it shall propose measures and recommendations 

for the achievement 

of the objectives contained 

in the Convention and its Protocols 

to the Conference. 

7. Decisionmaking within the Permanent 

Committee shall take place in accordance 

with the provisions laid down in 

Article 7. 



62 

Article 9 

Secretariat 

The Conference may decide unanimously 

to set up a permanent secretariat. 

Article 10 

Amendments to the Convention 

Any Contracting Party may submit proposals 

for amendments to this Convention 

to the Contracting Party presiding 

over the Conference. Such proposals 

shall be communicated to the Contracting 

Parties and signatory States by the 

Contracting Party presiding over the 

Conference at least six months before 

the Conference meeting at which they 

are to be considered. Amendments to 

the Convention shall come into force in 

accordance with Article 12 (2), (3) and 

(4). 

Article 11 

Protocols and amendments thereto 

1. Draft Protocols within the meaning of 

Article 2 (3) shall be communicated to 

the Contracting Parties and signatory 

States by the Contracting Party presiding 

over the Conference at least six 

months before the Conference meeting 

at which they are to be considered. 

2. The Protocols adopted by the Conference 

shall be signed at the Conference 

meetings or subsequently at 


the depositary. They shall be applicable 

to those Contracting Parties 

which have ratified, accepted or approved 

them. In order for a Protocol to 

come into force at least three ratifications, 

acceptances or approvals shall 

be necessary. The relevant documents 

shall be deposited with the depositary, 

the Republic of Austria. 

3. Unless otherwise provided for in the 

Protocol, the entry into force and 

denunciation of a Protocol shall be 

governed by Articles 10, 13 and 14. 

4. In the case of amendments to Protocols, 

paragraphs I to 3 shall apply 

mutatis mutandis. 

Article 12 

Signature and ratification 

1. This Convention shall be open for signature 

from 7 November 1991 in the 

Republic of Austria as the depositary. 

2. The Convention shall be subject to 

ratification, acceptance or approval. 

The instruments of ratification, acceptance 

or approval shall be deposited 

with the depositary. 

3. The Convention shall enter into force 

three months after date on which 

three States have expressed their 

consent to be bound by the Convention, 

in accordance with the provisions 

of paragraph 2. 

4. In the case of any signatory State 

which subsequently expresses its

consent to be bound by the Convention 

in accordance with the provisions 

of paragraph 2, the Convention shall 

enter into force three months after the 

date of deposit of the instrument of 

ratification, acceptance or approval. 

Article 13 

Denunciation 

1. Any of the Contracting Parties may at 

any time denounce this Convention 

by means of a notification addressed 

to the depositary. 

2. Such denunciation shall become effective 

on the first day of the month 

following the expiration of a period of 

six months after the date of receipt of 

notification by the depositary. 

Article 14 

Notifications 

The depositary shall notify each of the 

Contracting Parties and signatory States 

of: 

- any signature; 

- the deposit of any instrument of ratification, 

acceptance or approval; 

- any date of entry into force of the Convention, 

in accordance with Article 12; 

- any declaration made in accordance 

with Article I (V and (3); 

- any notification made under Article 13 

and the date on which denunciation becomes 

effective. 

In witness whereof the undersigned, 

being duly authorized thereto, have signed 

this Convention. 

Done at Salzburg on 7 November 1991 

in the German, French, Italian and Slovene 

languages, each text being equally 

binding, the original text shall be deposited 

in the Austrian State archives The 

depositary shall send a certified copy to 

each of the signatory States. 



Protocol 

Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development 

Protocol Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development 


66 

Preamble 









and 


- IN ACCORDANCE with their task, arising 

from the Convention on the Protection 

of the Alps (Alpine Convention) 

of 7 November 1991, of pursuing a 

comprehensive policy for the protection 

and sustainable development of 

the Alpine region, 

- IN COMPLIANCE with their obligations 

under Article 2(2) and (3) of the 

Alpine Convention, 

- AWARE that Alps make up an area of 

Europe-wide importance which constitutes 

a specific and diversified heritage 

in its geo-morphological formation, 

climate, waters, plant and animal 

life, landscape and culture, and that 

the upper mountains, the Alpine valleys 

and the pre-Alpine areas form an 

environmental whole, whose conservation 

should be of interest not just to 

the Alpine States, 

- AWARE that the Alps form an area in 

which the local population lives and 

develops, 

- CONVINCED that the local population 

must be able to determine its own social, 

cultural and economic development 

plan and take part in its imple- 


mentation in the existing institutional 

framework, 

- AWARE that the Alpine territory also 

has various other functions of general 

interest, particularly for tourism and 

recreation, as well as containing important 

European transport arteries 

- CONSIDERING that the natural limits 

of the territory and the sensitivity of the 

ecosystems imply problems of compatibility 

with the increase in the population, 

both local and otherwise, and 

alsowith the significant increase in 

land area required for these functions, 

resulting in harm or risks to the ecological 

balance of the Alpine territory, 

- AWARE that this need is not evenly 

spread but is concentrated in single 

areas while others, instead, have a 

lack of opportunities and are subject 

to rural exodus, 

- CONSIDERING that, due to these 

risks, it has become necessary to pay 

special attention to the close interrelations 

between human activities – particularly 

in the areas of agriculture and 

forestry – and the safeguarding of the 

ecosystems, which make the Alpine 

territory extremely sensitive to the 

changes in the conditions in which the 

social and economic activities take 

place, and require appropriate and 

diversified measures, in accord with 

the local population, the political representatives 

and with businesses 

and associations, 

- CONSIDERING that the spatial planning 

policies, already practiced in order 

to reduce the disparities and increase 

cohesion, must be continued 

and adapted so that they can fully fulfil 

their preventive function, further taking 

environmental needs into account,

- AWARE that protection of the environment, 

social and cultural promotion 

and economic development of the Alpine 

territory are all objectives of equal 

importance, and that therefore it is 

necessary to find an appropriate, durable 

balance among them, 

- CONVINCED that many problems of 

the Alpine territory can be best resolved 

by the local and regional authorities 

directly concerned, 

- CONVINCED that it is necessary to 

promote cross-border cooperation 

between the local and regional bodies 

directly concerned in order to produce 

harmonious development, 

- CONVINCED that the disadvantaged 

natural conditions of production, particularly 

in agriculture and forestry, can 

undermine the livelihood of the local 

population and can be damaging to 

the Alpine territory as a place for living 

and recreation, 

- CONVINCED that making the Alpine 

territory available as an area with functions 

of general interest, especially 

functions of protection and those connected 

to ecological balance, and as 

an area of tourism and recreation, can 

justify the appropriate support measures, 

- CONVINCED that certain problems 

can only be resolved in a cross-border 

framework and require joint measures 

on the part of the Alpine States, 

have agreed as follows: 

Chapter I 

General Provisions 

Article 1 

Objectives 

The objectives of spatial planning and 

sustainable development in the Alpine 

territory are to: 

a) recognise the specific needs of the 

Alpine territory in the framework of 

national and European policies, 

b) harmonise the use of the territory 

with the ecological needs and objectives, 

c) use the resources and the territory 

sparingly and compatibly with the 

environment, 

d) recognise the specific interests of the 

Alpine population by a commitment 

to ensure the foundations for the development 

of such interests over 

time, 

e) support both economic development 

and a balanced distribution of the 

population in the Alpine territory, 

f) show respect for regional identities 

and specific cultural features, 

g) facilitate equal opportunities for the 

local population in its social, cultural 

and economic development, in accordance 

with territorial competences, 

h) take into account the natural disadvantages, 

the services of general interest, 

the limitations of use of resources 

and the price for using them, 

corresponding to their real value. 


Protocol Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development

68 

Article 2 

Fundamental commitments 

In accordance with the objectives of spatial 

planning and sustainable development 

of the Alpine territory, as in article 1, 

the Contracting Parties shall agree to 

create general conditions making it possible 

to: 

a) strengthen the ability of local and regional 

authorities to act in compliance 

with the principle of subsidiarity, 

b) implement specific regional strategies 

and the corresponding structures, 

c) ensure solidarity between the local 

and regional authorities, in terms of 

each of the Contracting Parties, by 

means of effective measures 

d) in cases of usage limitation on natural 

resources and where the conditions 

in the economic activities of the 

Alpine territory are recognised as disadvantaged, 

adopt the measures 

necessary for maintaining those activities, 

to the extent that such measures 

are compatible with the environment, 

e) encourage harmonisation in policies 

for territorial planning, development 

and protection, by means of international 

cooperation. 

The Contracting Parties undertake to 

ensure the measures necessary for 

achieving the objectives stated at article 

1, in compliance with the principle of 

subsidiarity. 


Article 3 

Consideration of the criteria for environmental 

protection in the policies for 

spatial planning and sustainable 

development 

The spatial planning and sustainable 

development policies aim to achieve 

swift harmonisation of the economic interests 

with the needs for protecting the 

environment, with particular attention to: 

a) safeguarding and restoring the ecological 

balance and the biodiversity 


b) safeguarding and managing the diversity 

of the natural and rural sites 

and landscapes, and also the urban 

locations of value, 

c) the prudent use, compatible with the 

environment, of the natural resources 

– soil, air, water, plants and animals, 

energy, 

d) the protection of ecosystems, the 

species and rare landscape elements 

e) restoring deteriorated natural and 

urban environments, 

f) protecting against natural hazards, 

g) compatibly building structures and 

facilities necessary for development 

with the environment and the landscape, 

h) respect for the specific cultural features 

of the Alpine regions.

Article 4 

International cooperation 

1. The Contracting Parties undertake to 

eliminate any obstacles to international 

cooperation between the local 

and regional Alpine authorities, and 

to promote the solution to mutual 

problems by means of the best collaboration 

at territorial level. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall pursue 

greater international cooperation between 

the respective competent institutions, 

particularly when drawing up 

territorial plans and/or programmes 

and for sustainable development in 

accordance with article 8, at a national 

and regional level, and also when 

defining sector plans of territorial relevance. 

In the border areas, this cooperation 

should primarily aim a coordinating 

territorial planning with 

economic development and environmental 

requirements. 

3. When the local and regional authorities 

cannot adopt such measures, 

since they are of national or international 

competence, it will be necessary 

to ensure that they have the possibility 

to effectively represent the interests 

of the population. 

Article 5 

Taking account of the objectives in 

other policies 


also consider the objectives of this Protocol 

in their other policies, particularly in 

the area of regional development, urban 

planning, transport, tourism, farming and 

forestry, protection of the environment, 

and as regards supplies, especially of 

water and energy, also with the aim to 

reduce any negative or contradictory 

impacts. 

Article 6 

Coordination of the sector policies 

The Contracting Parties shall set up the 

instruments for coordinating sector policies, 

where these do not already exist, in 

order to promote the sustainable development 

of the Alpine territory and its regions, 

making an effort to find solutions 

compatible with the protection of the environment 

and the sustainable management 

of the natural resources, and to 

prevent the risks connected to single- 

sector economies, promoting diversification 

of activities and guiding partners towards 

mutual objectives. 

Article 7 

Participation of the regional and local 

authorities 

1. Each Contracting Party shall define, 

within its institutional frame work, the 

best level of coordination and cooperation 

between the institutions and 

regional and local authorities directly 

concerned so as to encourage solidarity 

of responsibility, in particular to 

exploit and develop potential synergies 

when applying spatial planning 

and sustainable development poli- 



70 

cies and implementing measures under 

them. 

2. The regional and local authorities directly 

concerned shall be parties to 

the various stages of preparing and 

implementing these policies and 

measures, within their competence 

and within the existing institutional 

framework. 

Chapter II 

Specific Measures 

Article 8 

Spatial plans and/or programmes and 

sustainable development 

1. The objectives of spatial and sustainable 

development planning shall be 

achieved, in the framework of current 

laws and regulations of the Contracting 

Parties, by preparing spatial and 

sustainable development plans and/ 

or programmes. 

2. These plans and/or programmes will 

be defined for the entire Alpine territory 

by the competent local and regional 

authorities. 

3. They are to be prepared by or with 

the participation of the competent 

territorial authorities, and in coordination 

with bordering territorial authorities, 

possibly at a cross-border level, 

and shall be coordinated between 

the various territorial levels. 

4. They shall establish the directions for 

sustainable development and spatial 

planning of continuous areas and are 


regularly reviewed and, when necessary, 

modified. Their preparation and 

implementation is based on surveys 

and preliminary studies, by which the 

characteristics of the territory in question 

are defined. 

Article 9 

Contents of spatial and sustainable development 

plans and/or programmes 

The spatial and sustainable development 

plans and/or programmes include, at the 

most appropriate territorial level and taking 

account of the specific territorial 

conditions: 

1. Regional economic development 

a) measures for ensuring that there 

is a sufficient level of employment 

for the local population and that 

there are the means and services 

necessary for economic, social 

and cultural development and to 

ensure equal opportunities, 

b) measuresforencouragingeconomicdiversificationinordertoremovestructuralfailingsand 

the risk of 

a single-sector economies, 

c) measures for reinforcing the cooperation 

between farming and 

forestry economies, tourism and 

manufacturing, particularly 

through the combination of work 

creation activities. 

2. Rural areas 

a) reserving lands for agriculture, 

forestry and pasture farming,

) definingmeasuresforthemaintenanceanddevelopmentofmountainagricultureand 

forestry, 

c) conservation and reclaiming of 

territories of major ecological and 

cultural value, 

d) determiningtheareasandinstallationsnecessaryforleisureactivities,c 

omplyingwithother uses of the 

ground, 

e) determining the areas subject to 

natural hazards, where building of 

structures and installations should 

be avoided as much as possible. 

3. Urbanised areas 

a) proper and contained delimiting 

of the areas for urbanising, and 

also measures for ensuring that 

the areas so defined are actually 

built upon, 

b) reservingthelandsnecessaryforec 

onomicandculturalactivities,forsu 

pplyservices,and also for leisure 

activities, 

c) determining the areas subject to 

natural hazards, where building of 

structures and installations should 

be avoided as much as possible. 

d) conservationandcreationofgreenareasinthetowncentresandsuburbanareasforleisure 

time, 

e) limiting of holiday homes, 

f) urbanisation directed and concentrated 

along the routes served 

by transport infrastructures and/or 

continuing on from the existing 

constructions, 

g) conservation of the characteristic 

urban sites, 

h) conservation and restoration of 

the characteristic architectural 

heritage. 

4. Protection of nature and the landscape 

a) delimiting of the areas for protecting 

nature and the landscape, 

and also for safeguarding the water 

courses and other vital natural 

resources, 

b) delimiting of tranquil areas and 

areas in which construction of 

buildings and infrastructures is 

restrained or prohibited, as are 

other damaging activities. 

5. Transport 

a) measures for improving regional 

and super-regional connections, 

b) measuresforencouragingtheuseofmeansoftransportcompatiblewiththeenvironment, 

c) measures for reinforcing the coordination 

and cooperation between 

the various means of transport, 

d) measuresforlimitingtraffic,whichm 

ayalsoincludelimitationstomotorisedtraffic, 

e) measures for improving the offer 

of public transport for the local 

population and visitors. 

Article 10 

Compatibility of the projects 

1. The Contracting Parties shall create 

the conditions necessary for examining 

the direct and indirect impacts 

of both public and private projects 

that could significantly and lastingly 

undermine nature, the landscape, 

the architectural heritage and the 

territory. This examination is to take 

account of the living conditions of the 

local population, particularly of its in- 



72 

terests in relation to economic, social 

and cultural development. The result 

of this examination will be taken into 

account when deciding on authorising 

or implementing projects. 

2. When a project has repercussions on 

spatial planning, sustainable development 

and on the environmental 

conditions of a neighbouring Contracting 

Party, the competent authorities 

must be promptly informed. The 

information must be sent in reasonable 

time to permit examination and 

an integrated viewpoint in the decision-making 

process. 

Article 11 

Use of resources, services of general 

interest, natural obstacles to production 

and limitations on the use of 

resources 

The Contracting Parties shall examine to 

what extent it is possible, in compliance 

with their respective national laws, to: 

a) ascribe market prices to the users of 

Alpine resources that include in their 

economic value the cost of making 

these resources available, 

b) recompensetheservicesprovidedinthegeneralinterest, 

c) provide a fair compensation for the 

economic activities, particularly in the 

areas of agriculture and forestry that 

are disadvantaged by the natural difficulties 

of production, 

d) ensureafairremuneration,definedbym 

eansoflegalregulationsorcontracts,fo 

rthefurther limitations compatible with 

obtaining an economic exploitation 


commensurate with the environment 

of the potential natural territory. 

Article 12 

Economic and financial measures 

1. The Contracting Parties shall examine 

the possibility of support to the 

sustainable development of the Alpine 

territory – objective pursued by 

this Protocol – by means of economic 

and financial measures. 

2. The following measures are to be 

considered supplementary to those 

in article 11: 

a) measures for compensation between 

the most appropriate level 

of territorial authorities, 

b) re-directingofthepoliciesfortraditio 

nalsectors,andrationalusageofthe 

existing incentives, 

c) support to cross-border projects. 


the impact on the environment 

and the territory of the economic and 

financial provisions, whether currently 

in place or to be adopted, giving 

priority to the measures compatible 

with the environment and with the 

objectives of sustainable development. 

Article 13 

Further Measures 

The Contracting Parties may take additional 

measures to those stated in this 

Protocol for territorial planning and sustainable 

development.

Chapter III 

Research, Education and 

Information 

Article 14 

Research and monitoring 


closely to promote and harmonise 

research and systematic monitoring 

programmes for improved 

knowledge of the interactions between 

the territory, economy and environment 

of the Alps, and an analysis 

of their future developments. 


that the national results of the research 

and systematic observation 

are integrated in a joint permanent 

observation and information system 

and that they are made accessible to 

the public under the existing institutional 

framework. 

Article 15 

Education and information 

The Contracting Parties shall promote 

education and further training as well as 

keeping the public informed about objectives, 

measures and the implementation 

of this Protocol. 

Chapter IV 

Implementation, Monitoring and 

Evaluation 

Article 16 

Implementation 


ensure the implementation of this Protocol 

by taking any appropriate measures 

within the existing institutional framework. 

Article 17 

Monitoring of compliance with 

obligations 

1. The Contracting Parties shall regularly 

report to the Standing Committee 

on measures taken under this Protocol. 

The reports shall also cover the 

effectiveness of the measures taken. 

The Alpine Conference shall determine 

the intervals at which the reports 

must be submitted. 

2. The Standing Committee shall examine 

these reports in order to ensure 

that the Contracting Parties have 

fulfilled their obligations under this 

Protocol. It may also ask for additional 

information from the Contracting 

Parties concerned or have recourse 

to other information sources. 

3. The Standing Committee shall draw 

up a report on the compliance of the 

Contracting Parties with the obligations 

arising from the Protocol, for the 

attention of the Alpine Conference. 



74 

4. The Alpine Conference shall take 

note of this report. If it finds that obligations 

have not been met, it may 

adopt recommendations. 

Article 18 

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the 

provisions 


examine and evaluate the effectiveness 

of the provisions of this 

Protocol. They shall consider the adoption 

of appropriate amendments to 

this Protocol where necessary in order 

to achieve objectives. 

2. The regional and local authorities 

shall take part in this evaluation within 

the institutional framework. Non-governmental 

organisations active in 

this field may be consulted. 

Chapter V 

Final Provisions 

Article 19 

Links between the Alpine Convention 

and the Protocol 

1. This Protocol constitutes a Protocol 

to the Alpine Convention within the 

meaning of Article 2 thereof and any 

other relevant articles of the Convention. 

2. Only Contracting Parties to the Alpine 

Convention may become a party 


to this Protocol. Any denunciation of 

the Alpine Convention also implies 

denunciation of this Protocol. 

3. Where the Alpine Conference discusses 

matters relating to this Protocol, 

only the Contracting Parties to this 

Protocol may take part in the vote. 

Article 20 


1. This Protocol shall be open for signature 

by the Signatory States of the 

Alpine Convention and the European 

Community on 20 December 1994 

and from 15 January 1995 in the Republic 

of Austria as the depositary. 

2. This Protocol shall enter into force for 

the Contracting Parties which have 

expressed their agreement to be 

bound by the said Protocol three 

months after the date on which three 

States have deposited their instrument 

of ratification, acceptance or 

approval. 

3. For Parties which express their agreement 

to be bound by the Protocol at 

a later date, the Protocol shall enter 

into force three months after the date 

of deposit of the instrument of ratification, 

acceptance or approval. After 

the entry into force of an amendment 

to the Protocol, any new Contracting 

Party to the said Protocol 

shall become a Contracting Party to 

the Protocol, as amended.

Article 21 

Notifications 

The depositary shall, in respect of this 

Protocol, notify each State referred to in 

the Preamble and the European Community 

of: 

a) each signature, 

b) the deposit of each instrument of ratification, 

acceptance or approval, 

c) each date of entry into force 

d) each declaration made by a Contracting 

Party or signatory, 

e) each denunciation notified by a Contracting 

Party, including the date on 

which it becomes effective. 

In witness where of the undersigned, 

being duly authorised thereto, have signed 

this Protocol. 

Done at Chambéry on 20 December 

1994 in the French, Italian, Slovene and 

German languages, the four texts being 

equally authentic, the original text being 

deposited in the Austrian State Archives. 

The depositary shall send a certified 

copy to each of the signatory States. 



Protocol 

Mountain Farming 

Protocol Mountain Farming 


78 

Preamble 









and 


- IN ACCORDANCE WITH their task, 

arising from the Convention on the 

Protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention) 

of 7 November 1991, of pursuing 

a comprehensive policy for the protection 

and the sustainable development 


- IN COMPLIANCE WITH their obligations 

under Article 2(2) and (3) of the 

Alpine Convention, 

- AWARE that it is incumbent upon them, 

in the general interest, to preserve and 

promote the management of traditional 

countryside and farming which 

suits local conditions and is environmentally 

compatible, taking into account 

the more difficult economic conditions, 

- RECOGNISING that, by virtue of its 

wealth of natural resources, water resources, 

agricultural potential, historical 

and cultural heritage, value for 

quality of life and for economic and 

leisure activities in Europe and the 

transport routes crossing it, the Alpine 

region will continue to be of vital importance, 

particularly for the local population 

but also for the population of 

other regions, 





plan and take part in its implementation 

in the existing institutional 

framework, 

- CONVINCED that it is necessary to 

balance the economic interests and 

the environmental requirements, taking 

account of the specific features of 

each region and of the central role of 

farming, 

- CONSIDERING the importance which 

farming has always had in the Alpine 

region and the indispensable contribution 

which this branch of the economy 

makes, and will continue to make, particularly 

in mountain regions, as an 

essential resource for maintaining an 

adequate population density, food 

supply for the population, production 

of typical highquality produce, conservation 

and maintenance of the countryside, 

particularly for tourism, and, finally, 

protection of the soil against erosion, 

avalanches and floods, 

- RECOGNISING that farming methods 

and intensity exert a decisive influence 

on nature and landscapes and that 

extensively farmed countryside must 

fulfil an essential function as a habitat 

for Alpine flora and fauna, 

- RECOGNISING the fact that the geomorphology 

and climate of mountain 

regions create more difficult living and 

production conditions for farming activity, 


can only be resolved in a cross-border 


on the part of the Alpine States and, in 

particular, that economic and social 

adjustment and accompanying measu-

es should be put in place, at national 

and European level, so that the future 

of farmers and their farms in mountain 

regions is not called into question by 

the application of exclusively economic 

parameters, 

Have Agreed As Follows: 

Chapter I 


Article 1 

Objectives 

1. This Protocol lays down international 

measures to preserve and promote 

mountain farming which suits local 

conditions and is environmentally 

compatible; it aims at recognising 

and securing the continuity of its essential 

contribution to maintaining 

the population and safeguarding sustainable 

economic activities, particularly 

by means of producing typical 

high-quality produce, safeguarding 

the natural environment, preventing 

natural risks and conserving the 

beauty and recreational value of nature 

and the countryside and of cultural 

life in the Alpine region. 

2. In implementing this Protocol, the 

Contracting Parties shall seek to optimise 

all the functions of mountain 

farming. 

Article 2 




take account of the objectives of this 

Protocol in their other policies as well. 

Article 3 

Fundamental obligations in the 

general economic context 

The Contracting Parties agree on the 

need to adapt agricultural policy at all 

levels, in accordance with general economic 

policy, to the requirements for 

balanced, sustainable development in 

order to make it possible, within the framework 

of the given financial policy 

conditions: 

(a) to encourage, particularly in mountain 

regions, environmentally compatible 

farming and its functions in the 

general interest, as provided for in 

Article 7 of this Protocol; 

(b) to take significant action against 

abandonment of mountain regions 

and to ensure adequate living conditions 

there, by means of social and 

structural policy measures accompanied 

by a series of agricultural and 

environment policy measures. 


Protocol Mountain Farming

80 

Article 4 

Role of farmers 

The Contracting Parties agree that, in 

mountain regions in particular farming 

has, over the centuries, shaped the countryside, 

giving it its historical character 

and cultural value. The essential role 

played by farmers in conservation of nature 

and the countryside, today and tomorrow, 

by virtue of their multiple functions, 

must therefore be recognised and 

farmers must be associated in the decisions 

and measures taken for mountain 

regions. 

Article 5 

Participation of regional and local 

authorities 


within its institutional framework, the 






exploit and develop synergies when 

applying mountain farming policies 

and implementing measures under 

them. 







framework. 


Article 6 


The Contracting Parties agree: 

(a) to proceed with joint evaluations of 

the development of agricultural policy 

and to guarantee reciprocal consultation 

before adopting any major 

decision on agricultural policy, for the 

purposes of implementation of this 

Protocol; 

(b) to secure implementation of the objectives 

and measures laid down by 

this Protocol, by means of transfrontier 

cooperation between all the competent 

authorities, particularly regional 

administrations and local authorities; 

(c) to encourage exchanges of knowledge 

and experience and joint initiatives, 

by means of international cooperation 

between research and training 

institutes, agricultural and environmental 

organisations and the 

media. 

Chapter II 


Article 7 

Encouragement of mountain farming 

1. The Contracting Parties shall seek to 

differentiate agricultural policy

measures at all levels, in accordance 

with the different local conditions, 

and to encourage mountain farming, 

taking account of the local natural 

handicaps. Support shall be given, in 

particular, to farms ensuring a minimum 

of agricultural activity in extreme 

locations. 

2. The contribution which mountain farming 

makes to the conservation and 

maintenance of nature and the countryside 

and to the prevention of natural 

risks, in the general interest, shall 

give rise to appropriate compensation, 

in the framework of contractual 

agreements linked to identified projects 

and services going beyond the 

general obligations. 

Article 8 

Land use and countryside 

1. The Contracting Parties undertake, 

respecting nature and the countryside, 

to take account of the particular 

conditions in mountain areas in the 

context of planning, zoning, reorganising 

and improving land use. 

2. In order to accomplish its multiple 

tasks, first, mountain farming must 

have the land necessary for farming 

which suits local conditions and is 

environmentally compatible. 

3. In this context, it is necessary to 

ensure conservation, restoration and 

use of the traditional components of 

the countryside (woodland, wooded 

boundaries, hedges, thickets, wet, 

dry or low-yield pasture and Alpine 

pastures). 

4. Special measures shall be taken for 

the conservation of traditional farm 

buildings and rural architecture and 

for further use of traditional building 

materials and methods. 

Article 9 

Nature-friendly farming methods — 

Typical produce 


adopt all necessary measures with a 

view to applying common criteria to promote 

employment and wider use, in 

mountain areas, of nature-friendly extensive 

farming methods characteristic of 

the area and to protect and promote typical 

farm produce, with distinctive, unique, 

nature-friendly production methods 

limited to the locality. 

Article 10 

Livestock farming suited to local 

conditions and genetic diversity 

1. The Contracting Parties agree that livestock 

farming suited to local conditions 

and to the available land is an 

essential component of mountain farming, 

both as a source of revenue 

and as a decisive part of the identity 

of the countryside and culture. Consequently, 

livestock farming, including 

traditional domestic animal husbandry, 

must be maintained, with its 

characteristic variety of species and 

typical produce; such husbandry 



82 

must be suited to local conditions 

and to the available land and compatible 

with the environment. 

2. To this end, the necessary farming, 

pasture and forestry facilities shall be 

maintained, keeping a balance between 

pasture and livestock which 

suits local conditions, in the context of 

suitable, extensive grassland farming. 

3. Measures shall also be adopted to 

maintain the genetic diversity of livestock 

and crops, particularly in the 

field of agricultural research and advisory 

services. 

Article 11 

Promotion and marketing 


create conditions conducive to the 

marketing of mountain farm produce, 

with a view to increasing sales on the 

spot and making such produce more 

competitive on national and international 

markets. 

2. Promotion shall take the form, inter 

alia, of guarantees of origin and of 

quality, allowing protection of producers 

and consumers alike. 

Article 12 

Limitation of production 

In case of limitation of agricultural production, 

the Contracting Parties shall 

seek to take account of the specific re- 


quirements, in mountain areas, for farming 

which suits local conditions and is 

environmentally compatible. 

Article 13 

Complementary nature of farming and 

forestry 

The Contracting Parties agree that the 

complementary nature and partial interdependence 

of farming and forestry in 

mountain areas necessitate an integrated 

approach. Consequently, they shall encourage: 

(a) forestry compatible with nature both 

as an additional source of revenue 

for farms and as a sideline activity for 

farm workers; 

(b) consideration of the protective, productive 

and recreational as well as 

the environmental and biogenetic 

functions of forests, in relation to 

farmland, taking account of the specific 

local conditions and in harmony 

with the countryside; 

(c) regulation of grassland farming and 

of the game population, to avoid any 

intolerable damage to forests and 

crops. 

Article 14 

Additional sources of income 

Recognising the traditional importance 

of family farms in mountain farming, in 

order to support family farms as an eco-

nomic activity, whether principal, secondary 

or sideline, the Contracting Parties 

shall encourage the creation and 

development of additional sources of income 

in mountain areas, particularly on 

the initiative and in favour of the local 

population itself, notably in sectors linked 

to agriculture, such as forestry, tourism 

and crafts, in harmony with conservation 

of nature and the countryside. 

Article 15 

Improvement of living and working 

conditions 

The Contracting Parties shall encourage 

reinforcement and improvement of the 

quality of the services indispensable in 

order to overcome the unfavourable conditions 

faced by farm and forestry workers 

in mountain areas in order to link 

improvement of their living and working 

conditions to economic and social development 

in other fields and in other parts 

of the Alpine region. To this end, the decision-making 

criteria must not be purely 

economic. This shall apply principally to 

links, to construction and restructuring of 

housing and farm buildings, and to 

purchase and maintenance of technical 

installations and equipment. 

Article 16 

Further measures 

The Contracting Parties may take further 

measures on mountain farming than the 

measures provided for in this Protocol. 

Chapter III 

Research, Training and 

Information 

Article 17 

Research and observation 

1. The Contracting Parties shall encourage 

and harmonise, in close cooperation, 

research and systematic observation 

which are conducive to 

achieving the objectives of this Protocol. 

2. In particular, they shall encourage 

agricultural research specially targeted 

on mountain farming which shall 

be conducted in a manner corresponding 

as closely as possible to 

the specific local conditions and shall 

be taken into account in the process 

of setting and checking agricultural 

policy objectives and measures, applying 

the results obtained to training 

and technical assistance activities for 

agriculture. 








framework. 

4. As regards the different mountain 

areas and taking account of the objectives 

and measures laid down by 

this Protocol, the Contracting Parties 

shall, in particular, establish a comparison 

of the economic and social 

situation of mountain farming. 



84 

5. The comparison shall be updated 

periodically and shall contain indications 

of the issues and the locations 

posing particular problems, of the 

effectiveness of the measures put in 

place and of the measures to be adopted. 

Priority shall be given to data 

on demographic, social and economic 

development, in conjunction with 

the different geographical, environmental 

and infrastructure indicators 

for the areas and definition of criteria 

corresponding to sustainable, balanced 

development, as provided for in 

the Alpine Convention and in this 

Protocol. 

6. In addition, the subjects listed in the 

Annex shall be considered priorities. 

Article 18 

Training and information 


basic and further training and 

the provision of information to the 

public about the objectives, measures 

and implementation of this Protocol. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall encourage, 

in particular: 

(a) further development of basic and 

further training, technical assistance 

concerning farming, assistance 

with business and commercial 

management, without losing 

sight of protection of nature 

and the environment. In general, 

the training offered shall be structured 

to favour orientation towards 

and preparation for other 


alternative or complementary activities 

in sectors linked to farming; 

(b) ample and objective information 

not restricted to the persons and 

administrations directly concerned 

but reaching, via the media 

in particular, the broadest public 

inside and outside the Alpine region 

to raise awareness of and 

interest in the functions of mountain 

farming. 

3. In addition, the subjects listed in the 

Annex shall be considered priorities. 

Chapter IV 

Implementation, Monitoring And 

Evaluation 

Article 19 






Article 20 


obligations 



on measures taken under this Proto-

col. The reports shall also cover the 






















Article 21 


provisions 









shall be associated with this evaluation 

within the existing institutional 

framework. Non-governmental organisations 

active in this field may be 

consulted. 

Chapter V 


Article 22 
















Article 23 



by the signatory States of the 



and in the Republic of Austria, as the 

depositary, from 15 January 1995. 







86 




approval. 











the Protocol, as amended. 

Article 24 

Notifications 



the preamble and the European Community 

of: 

(a) any signature; 

(b) the deposit of any instrument of ratification, 


(c) any date of entry into force; 

(d) any declaration made by a Contracting 

Party or signatory; 

(e) any denunciation notified by a Contracting 



In witness whereof, the undersigned, 




1994 in the French, German, Italian and 


Slovene languages, the four texts being 


deposited in the Austrian State archives. 



Annex 

Research and Training Priorities 

Pursuant to Articles 17 and 18 

Research 

Definition and classification of mountain 

areas on the basis of their altitude and of 

the climate, geomorphologic, economic 

and infrastructure conditions at different 

locations. 

Verification of the effects of the measures 

adopted on mountain farming at different 

political decision-making levels (EU/CAP, 

States, regions, local authorities) and of 

the ecological functions (social and environmental 

compatibility). 

Evaluation of the economic, ecological, 

social and cultural functions of farming 

and forestry and of their development 

prospects, in the context of the specific 

local conditions in different mountain 

areas. 

Methods of production and manufacture, 

criteria for improvement and quality in 

farm produce in mountain areas. 

Genetic research and technical assistance 

for differentiated conservation of 

the diversity of the species of livestock 

reared and crops grown which suits local 

conditions and is environmentally compatible.

Training 

Technical, scientific and socio-economic 

assistance and training for farms and for 

food companies processing their produce. 

Technical and economic business management 

aiming, in particular, at diversification 

of the supply of products and alternative 

production and income inside 

and outside farming. 

Technical and financial conditions and 

effects of application of natural farming 

and production methods compatible with 

the environment. 

Media, presentation and dissemination 

of information in line with the direction of 

public opinion, policy and the economy, 

inside and outside the Alpine region. 

Declarations on behalf of the 

European Community 

Declaration by the European Community 

Regarding Articles 8 and 9 of the 

Protocol 

On Mountain Farming 

The European Community recognises 

the principle of coexistence as the ability 

of farmers to choose between conventional, 

organic and genetically modified 

crop production, in compliance with the 

legal obligations for GMO labelling and/ 

or purity standards. The relevant articles 

of the Protocol on Mountain Farming 

should be interpreted in this light. 

Declaration by the European Community 

Regarding Articles 7, 9 to 11, 13, 

14 and 16 of the Protocol on Mountain 

Farming 

The European Community considers that 

public support measures in favour of 

certain enterprises must be in conformity 

with its rules on competition as established 

on the basis of Articles 36 and 87 

to 89 EC, and not distort or threaten to 

distort competition and affect trade between 

contracting parties. 



Protocol 

Conservation of nature and Landscape Protection 

Protocol Conservation of Nature and Landscape Protection 


90 

Preamble 









and 










under Article 2(2) and (3) of the Alpine 

Convention, 

- AWARE that Alps are one of the largest 

continual natural spaces in Europe, 

set apart for its unique beauty, ecological 

diversity and extremely sensitive 

ecosystems, while also being home to 

and a living for the local population 

that has a culture of rich tradition, 






framework, 

- CONSIDERING the territorial structure 

of the Alps which is worked in many, 

often competing, ways in concentrated 

areas of narrow valleys, helping to 

undermine an ecologically important 

environment, 


- AWARE that, in huge areas, the ways 

and intensity of using the Alpine territory 

in recent decades have caused, 

and will continue to cause if perpetuated, 

irrecoverable losses of elements 

of the landscape, biotopes and species 

worth preserving, 

- KNOWING that in certain areas of the 

Alpine territory there has been or may 

be an excessive compromising of nature 

and the landscape, particularly 

due to the concentration of traffic, tourism, 

sport, urbanisation, economic 

development, intensifying of agriculture 

and forestry, 

- AWARE of the eminent importance 

held particularly by glaciers, Alpine 

meadows, mountain forests and the 

waterways of the Alpine territory, which 

form the habitat of the wide variety of 

fauna and flora species, 

- AWARE of the great importance of 

agriculture and forestry conducted extensively 

for conserving and caring for 

the rural landscape and the connected 

natural elements, 

- CONVINCED that economic interests 

must be reconciled with ecological 

needs, 

- CONVINCED that, in deciding between 

ecological tolerance and economic 

interests, priority should be given 

to ecological needs if this were necessary 

for maintaining the fundamentals 

of natural life, 

- AWARE that the limited tolerance of 

the Alpine territory requires regulations 

and measures of a specific character 

for conservation and the restoring 

of the correct natural balance, 


can only be resolved in a cross-border


by the Alpine States, 


Chapter I 


Article 1 

Objectives 

The objective of this Protocol is to lay 

down International laws, implementing 

the Alpine Convention and also taking 

the interests of the local population into 

account, in order to protect, care for and, 

to the extent necessary, restore nature 

and the countryside, in such a way as to 

ensure the lasting and widespread functional 

efficiency of the ecosystems, the 

conservation of countryside elements 

and wild animal and plant species together 

with their habitat, the regenerative 

ability and lasting productivity of natural 

resources, and also the diversity, specificity 

and beauty of the natural and rural 

landscape; and also, in order to encourage 

cooperation between the Contracting 

Parties for these purposes. 

Article 2 

Fundamental commitments 

In accordance with this Protocol, each 

Contracting Party undertakes to adopt 

the measures necessary to ensure the 

protection, care and, to the extent necessary, 

the restoring of nature and the 

landscape of the Alpine territory, together 

with the wild animal and plant species, 

their diversity and their habitat, while also 

considering the possibility of their ecologically 

tolerable usage. 

Article 3 



cooperate particularly for: map surveying, 

drawing the boundaries and 

then managing and controlling protected 

areas and other natural and 

rural elements of the landscape worthy 

of protection, interconnecting a 

network of biotopes, defining landscape 

models, programmes and/or 

plans, preventing and rebalancing 

damage to nature and the landscape, 

systematically monitoring nature 

and the countryside, scientific research, 

and any other measure for 

protecting wild animal and plant species, 

their diversity and their habitat, 

and for defining the relevant comparable 

criteria to the extent that this is 

necessary and functional. 

2. They undertake to encourage crossborder 

cooperation relating to conservation 

of nature and the countryside, 

at a regional and local level, to 

the extent necessary for achieving 

the objectives of this Protocol. 

3. They will aim to combine the framework 

conditions for adopting limitations 

to the uses for the purposes of 

this Protocol’s objectives. 


Protocol Conservation of Nature and Landscape Protection

92 

Article 4 



The Contracting Parties undertake to also 

consider the objectives of this Protocol in 

their other policies, particularly in the area 

of: territorial and urban planning, safeguarding 

the air quality, defence of the 

soil, protecting the water balance and the 

quality of the water, tourism, agricultural 

and forestry economy, transport and energy 

policies, industry and manufacturing, 

management of waste; and also in the 

area of training, education, research and 

information, as well as in the area of crossborder 

coordination of the measures. 

Article 5 


authorities 









when applying nature and countryside 

conservation policies and implementing 

measures under them. 







framework. 


Chapter II 


Article 6 

Inventories 


present, three years after this Protocol 

comes into force, a report on the current 

situation of the conservation of nature 

and the countryside, in relation to the 

matters listed in Annex I. These presentations 

are to be updated regularly, at least 

once every ten years. 

Article 7 

Landscape planning 

1. Within five years of this Protocol coming 

into effect, the Contracting Parties 

will set out models, programmes 

and/or plans by which will be defined 

the requirements and the measures 

for achieving the objectives of nature 

and countryside conservation in the 

Alpine territory. 

2. In the models, programmes and/or 

plans, as at point 1 above, there are 

to be presented: 

a) the current situation of nature and 

the countryside and its evaluation, 

b) theconditionofnatureandthecountr 

ysidebeingaimedfor,aswellasthem 

easures necessary for its achievement, 

specifically:

- the general measures for protection, 

management and development, 

- the measures for protecting, managing 

and developing certain 

parts of nature and the countryside, 

and 

- the measures for protecting and 

managing the wild animals and 

plants. 

Article 8 

Planning 

The Contracting Parties shall adopt the 

measures necessary so that the preservation 

and development of the natural or 

near-natural habitats of wild animal and 

plant species and of other structural elements 

of the natural and rural landscape 

are pursued on the basis of landscape 

planning aligned with the territorial planning. 

Article 9 

Actions on nature and the countryside 

1. The Contracting Parties shall create 

the prerequisites to ensure that, in 

the cases of measures and projects, 

whether private or public, that could 

significantly and lastingly undermine 

nature and the countryside, the direct 

and indirect effects on the natural 

balance and the landscape structure 

are assessed. The result of the assessment 

is to be considered when 

authorising and/or constructing such 

projects, particularly assuring that 

any avoidable impairments do not 

occur. 

2. In accordance with national law, unavoidable 

impairments must be offset 

by measures for conservation of nature 

and the countryside, while the 

impairments that cannot be compensated 

may only be allowed on condition 

that, having evaluated all the interests, 

the needs for nature and 

countryside conservation are not dominant. 

However, even in these cases, 

measures must still be taken to 

conserve nature and the countryside. 

Article 10 

Basic protection 

1. The Contracting Parties shall aim to 

reduce the environmental impact and 

impairments undermining nature and 

the countryside in the entire Alpine 

territory, while also taking account of 

the interests of the local population. 

They shall take steps to ensure that 

all the significant uses of the territory 

are with due care for nature and the 

countryside. They shall also adopt all 

the measures necessary for preserving 

and, to the extent necessary, 

restoring special structural, natural 

and near-natural elements of the 

landscapes, biotopes, ecosystems 

and traditional rural landscapes. 

2. In view of the decisive role of agriculture 

and forestry economy when producing 

measures for the conservation 

of nature and the countryside, 

protecting, preserving and managing 

near- natural biotopes worthy of pro- 



94 

tection should be undertaken by the 

correct and appropriate agricultural 

and forestry exploitation, on the basis 

of agreements with the owners or 

managers of the land, wherever appropriate. 

In this respect, control instruments 

borrowed from the market 

economy, such as incentives and financial 

compensation, are particularly 

opportune. 

3. To augment the means available for 

protecting nature, it will be necessary 

that the use of incentives and measures 

for supporting the agricultural 

and forestry economy, as well as 

other types of exploitation of the territory, 

is further applied to achieve 

these objectives. 

Article 11 

Protected areas 


preserve, manage and, where necessary, 

to extend the existing protected 

areas, in keeping with their protective 

function, and also to define, where 

possible, new protected areas. They 

shall take all appropriate measures to 

avoid impairing or destroying these 

areas. 

2. They shall also promote the instituting 

and management of national 

parks. 

3. They shall set aside areas of respect 

and tranquillity that ensure giving 

priority to the wild animal and plant 

species over other interests. They 

shall ensure that, in these areas, there 

is the peace necessary for the 

ecological process typical of the spe- 


cies to take place undisturbed, and 

shall reduce or prohibit any form of 

use incompatible with the ecological 

processes of these areas. 


the compensation terms of the 

special services provided by the local 

population, in compliance with national 

law. 

Article 12 

Ecological network 

The Contracting Parties shall pursue the 

measures appropriate for creating a national 

and cross- border network of protected 

areas, biotopes and other environmental 

assets protected or acknowledge 

as worthy of protection. They shall 

undertake to harmonise the objectives 

and measures with the cross-border protected 

areas. 

Article 13 

Protection of types of biotopes 


adopt the measures necessary to 

ensure the lasting preservation of the 

natural or near-natural biotopes of a 

sufficient size and with territorial distribution 

according with their functions. 

They shall also promote the re-naturalisation 

of the impaired habitats. 

2. For the purposes of preparing the 

valid lists for the entire Alpine territory, 

the Contracting Parties undertake 

to indicate, within two years of this 

Protocol coming into effect, the types

of biotopes requiring the adopting of 

measures in accordance with paragraph 

1. 

Article 14 

Protection of the species 


pursue the measures appropriate for 

preserving the indigenous animal 

and plant species with their specific 

diversity and in sufficient populations, 

particularly ensuring that they 

have sufficiently large habitats 

2. For preparing the valid lists for the 

entire Alpine territory, the Contracting 

Parties shall indicate, within two years 

from this Protocol coming into effect, 

the species that require special protection 

measures since they are specifically 

threatened. 

Article 15 

Prohibition on removal or trading 

1. The Contracting Parties shall prohibit 

the capture, possession, injuring and 

killing of certain animal species, and 

disturbing them particularly during 

their periods of reproduction, growth 

and wintering, and also any destruction, 

removal or collecting of eggs 

coming from nature, and the possession, 

offer, purchase or sale of specimens 

of the same, or parts of them, 

taken from nature. 

2. For certain vegetal species, the Contracting 

Parties shall prohibit the 

gathering, collecting, cutting, disin- 

terring or uprooting of the relevant 

plants or parts thereof from their natural 

position, and the possession, 

offer, purchase and sale of specimens 

of the same varieties taken 

from their natural habitat. This prohibition 

does not apply to the use and 

care of the plant conservation areas. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall indicate 

within two years of this Protocol coming 

into effect the animal and plant 

species protected by the measures 

as at points 1 and 2. 

4. The Contracting Parties can apply 

exceptions to the above provisions, 

as required by needs of: 

a. a scientific nature 

b. protecting the fauna, the wild 

plants or the natural environment 

c. public health and safety 

d. preventing significant economic 

damage, particularly for crops, 

breeding, forests, fishing and waters. 

These exceptions are allowed on 

condition that there are no other suitable 

solutions and the actions are 

not such as to threaten the natural 

balance of the complex of the species 

concerned. These exception 

must be accompanied by control 

measures and, if necessary, means 

of compensation. 

5. Regardless of when this Protocol 

comes into effect, the Contracting 

Parties undertake to specify and define, 

as early as possible and by 

means of technical supplements, the 

periods of reproduction, growth and 

wintering, as stated in point 1, and 

any other definition that may be difficult 

to interpret scientifically. 



96 

Article 16 

Reintroduction of indigenous species 

1. The Contracting Parties shall undertake 

to promote the reintroducing 

and distribution of wild, indigenous 

animal and plant species and also 

subspecies, breeds and ecotypes, 

on condition that there are the necessary 

prerequisites and, by doing this, 

there is a contribution to the preservation 

and strengthening of those 

species and that no effects unsustainable 

to nature and the landscape, or 

to human activities, are caused. 

2. Scientific knowledge is to be applied 

for reintroducing and distributing these 

species. The Contracting Parties 

shall agree on common directives in 

this respect. Following the reintroduction, 

it will be necessary to control 

and, if required, regulate the development 

of these animal and plant 

species. 

Article 17 

Prohibition on introducing species 

The Contracting Parties shall assure that 

no wild animal or plant species are introduced 

into a region that were not previously 

present naturally for a verifiable 

historic period. Exceptions can be made 

in cases in which such introducing is 

necessary for certain uses and will not 

lead to negative effects on nature and 

the landscape. 


Article 18 

Release of Genetically Modified 

Organisms 

The Contracting Parties shall ensure that 

genetically modified organisms are only 

released into the environment when, on 

the basis of a formal evaluation, such 

release will not lead to any risk for man 

and the environment. 

Article 19 




Protocol for the conservation of nature 

and the countryside. 

Chapter III 


Information 

Article 20 




research and systematic monitoring 

programmes for nature and 

countryside conservation as well as 

their animal and plant species, with 

particular attention to the research 

subjects set forth in Annex II. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall develop 

joint or coordinated programmes for

analysing and assessing ecosystems 

with the aim of extending scientifically 

validated knowledge to help achieve 

the measures as describe in this 

Protocol. 








framework. 

Article 21 



education and further training as well as 

keeping the public informed about objectives, 

measures and the implementation 


Chapter IV 


Evaluation 

Article 22 






Article 23 


obligations 


























Article 24 


provisions 








98 








Chapter V 


Article 25 
















Article 26 







and from 15 January 1995 in the Republic 









approval. 












Article 27 

Notifications 




of: 



acceptance orapproval, 

c) each date of entry into force 


Party orsignatory, 



which it becomes effective.





1994 in the French, Italian, Slovene and 

German languages, the four texts being 


deposited in the Austrian State Archives. 



Annex I 

List of materials inventoried in 

accordance with article 6 

1. Condition of the wild plant and 

animal species and their biotopes 

1.1. Status of surveys of wild plant species 

and the phytocoenosis 

1.1.0. General indications 

1.1.1. Red lists 

1.1.2. Lists of species protected by law 

1.1.3. Atlases of distribution 

1.2. Status of surveys of wild animal 

species 


1.2.1. Red lists 

1.2.2. Lists of species protected by law 

1.2.3. Atlases of distribution 

1.3. Survey status of biotopes 


1.3.1. Red lists of biotope types 

1.3.2. Lists of biotopes of ecological value, 

including waterways 

1.4. Survey status of landscapes 


1.4.1. Inventories, lists, types of natural 

landscapes and countryside worthy 

of protection 

1.4.2. Plans and other measures for protecting 

particular landscapes and 

types of landscapes and/or singles 

elements of the natural landscape 

and countryside 

1.4.3. Areas to reclaim 1.5. Use of wild 

animal and plant species and/or 

biotopes 

1.5.1. Agriculture and pasture farming 

(for instance: problems/risks from 

the intensification of uses and the 

neglect of lands, losses and 

gains) 

1.5.2. Forestry 

1.5.3. Hunting 

1.5.4. Fishing 

2. Protected areas (area sizes, 

percentage of the total territory, 

protective aim, protective functions, 

uses, structure of uses, ownership 

conditions) 

2.1. National parts 

2.2. Nature protection areas 

2.3. Landscape protection areas 

2.4. Wildlife reserves 

2.5. Areas of respect and tranquillity 

2.6. Components of the landscape 

protected 

2.7. Protected biotopes 

2.8. Other protected areas (for instance: 

areas protected by private 

right, voluntary agreements, and 

private contracts for extensive management) 



100 

3. Organising the conservation of 

nature and the countryside (structure, 

remits/actions, staff and financial 

resources) 

3.1. Competent administrations for nature 

conservation 

3.2. Other administrations in sectors 

with functions for nature conservation, 

other institutions under public 

and private law (e.g.: bodies, foundations) 

3.3. Advisory bodies for nature conservation 

3.4. Supervisory bodies for nature conservation 

3.5. Associations for nature conservation 

3.6. Associations for safeguarding the 

landscape 

3.7. Others 

4. Legal bases (for the respective 

levels of authority) 

4.1. Constitutional law 

4.2. Sources of law (laws, orders, directives, 

including the representation 

of specific contents for protecting 

the Alps). 

4.3. Participation of associations, legal 

proceedings initiated by the associations 

4.4. Indications on the procedures 

4.5. Cooperation from the administrations 

in charge of nature conservation 

with administrations from 

other sectors 

4.6. Catalogues of fines, etc. 

4.7. Funds for the conservation of nature 

and the countryside 

4.8. Current or planned revising of the 

law 


5. Actions for nature conservation 

(general overview) 

5.1. Models, programmes, directives 

for nature conservation in the Alpine 

territory 

5.2. Plans (for instance, landscape 

plans, plans for care and development) 

5.3. Measures for promoting species 

and other measures for care, safeguarding 

and management 


5.3.2. Programmes for promoting species 

5.3.3. Breeding and release points 

5.4. Strategies, models, programmes, 

forms of cooperation with those in 

charge of uses, whether individuals 

or organisations (for instance, 

programmes for extensive management 

and in favour of mountain 

farmers) 

5.5. Scientific support, long-term observation 

of areas/species 

5.6. Independent actions for protecting 

areas and species by the nature 

protection associations 

5.7. Funding programmes (total of 

funds, objectives, areas of action) 

6. Education and public information 

(institutions/voluntary work) 

6.0. General indications 

6.1. Training centres focused on nature 

protection 

6.2. Information centres focused on 

nature protection 

6.3. Publications 

6.4. Other

7. Conclusions, recommendations for 

measures 

Annex II 

Priority subjects for research 

referred to in article 20 

A. Long-term observing of the development 

of ecosystems (habitat, biocoenesis, 

populations, species) for research 

into development trends and 

changes caused by environmental 

influxes. 

Note: bioindication, biomonitoring, cause-effect 

analysis, documentation 

B. Research into the efficiency of protected 

areas. 

Note: representativeness, efficiency, regeneration, 

management, systemic analysis 

C. Research into the species and populating. 

Note: genetics, dynamics, distribution, 

biological diversity 

D. Research into the aspects of extended 

territorial importance of protection 

and of agricultural and forestry 

uses. 

Note: productions caring for nature, ecological 

rebalancing, biotope networks, 

extensive management, containing of the 

populating of game animals 

E. Research for the improvement of 

methods, procedures and specific 

plans. 

Note: Red lists, maps of biotopes, protected 

areas, landscape planning, actions 

on nature and the landscape, information 

systems 

F. Development of strategies and models 

for the conservation of nature 

and the countryside. 

Note: Strategic objectives and possibilities 

of success, models of protection, 

extensive management, market economy 

instruments, acceptance by public opinion. 

Protocol Conservation of Nature and Landscape Protection 


Protocol 

Mountain Forests 

Protocol Mountain Forests 


104 

Preamble 









and 

the European Community, 










Convention, 






framework, 

- AWARE that the mountain forests are a 

form of vegetation that can provide to a 

territory often far more extensive than 

just the mountainous areas the most 

effective and economical protection 

appropriate for the landscape against 

natural hazards, particularly erosion, 

flooding, avalanches, landslips and falling 

rocks, 

- CONSIDERING that forests absorb carbon 

dioxide from the atmosphere and, 

for very long periods, trap the carbon in 


the woody material in a way that favourably 

influences the climate, 

- AWARE that mountain forests are indispensable 

for the regional balance of 

the climate, for ensuring the quality of 

the air, and also for providing a water 

balance, 

- BEARING in mind the increasing importance 

of the recreational function of 

mountain forests for all people, 

- CONSIDERING that mountain forests 

are a source of renewable raw materials, 

whose importance is particularly 

acute in a world of growing consumption 

of resources, and that they are also 

of vital significance for employment 

and income, particularly in the rural 

areas, 

- AWARE that the mountain forest ecosystems 

are an important habitat for a 

variety of plant and animal species, 

- CONVINCED that, above all, compliance 

with the principle of sustainability, 

traditionally pursued and developed 

in European forestry systems, assures 

all the important functions of the forests 

also to future generations, 

- CONVINCED that certain problems can 

only be resolved in a cross-border framework 

and require joint measures on 

the part of the Alpine States, 

have agreed as follows:

Chapter I 


Article 1 

Objectives 

1. The purpose of this Protocol is to 

preserve the mountain forests as an 

near-natural habitat and, whenever 

necessary, to develop them or increase 

their extent and improve their 

stability. The necessary prerequisite 

for the effectiveness of the functions 

stated in the preamble consist of a 

mountain forest system that is managed 

in a careful, sustainable fashion, 

compliant with nature. 

2. Specifically, the Contracting Parties 

undertake to ensure, above all, that: 

- methods of natural reforestation 

are adopted, 

- the forests are well-structured and 

graduated, with tree types suited 

to their location, 

- the forest reproduction material 

used is indigenous, 

- erosion and compacting of the soil 

is avoided by ensuring methods of 

use and collection that comply 

with the needs of nature. 

Article 2 




also consider the objectives of this Proto- 

col in their other policies. This primarily 

applies to the following areas: 

a) Air pollution. Air pollution is to be 

gradually reduced to a level that is 

not harmful to the forest’s ecosystems. 

This also relates to pollution 

occurring from cross-border transference 

of air pollutants. 

b) Populations of hoofed animals. The 

hoofed animals are to be contained 

within limits permitting the natural reforestation 

of the mountains by indigenous 

trees, without having to take 

recourse to special protective measures. 

In the border areas, the Contracting 

Parties undertake to harmonise 

their measures for regulating the 

game animals. To restore a system of 

natural selection on the hoofed species, 

and also in the interest of protecting 

nature, the Contracting Parties 

shall encourage the reintroduction of 

predators, to an extent appropriate 

for the general needs of the region. 

c) Forestry pasture farming. The safeguarding 

of mountain forests so that 

they fulfil their functions is to have 

priority over forest pastures. Forest 

pastures are therefore to be limited 

or, if necessary, entirely eliminated, 

so as to permit the renewal of forests 

suited to the locations, the prevention 

of damage to the soil and, above 

all, the continuation of the forest’s 

protective function. 

d) Recreational usage. The use of 

mountain forests for recreation is to 

be managed and, wherever necessary, 

limited so as to not undermine the 

conservation and renewal of the forests, 

taking the needs of the forest’s 

ecosystems into account. 



106 

e) Forestry usage. The Contracting 

Parties shall promote increasing the 

use wood from forest plantations in a 

sustainable fashion, considering the 

importance of sustainably using the 

wood for the national economy and 

for looking after the forests. 

f) Risk of forest fires. The Contracting 

Parties shall deal with the risk of forest 

fires by appropriate preventive 

measures and an efficient fire-fighting 

system. 

g) Qualified staff. Since it is not possible 

to apply natural methods to the 

conservation of the forests aimed at 

ensuring all the forest’s functions without 

the help of suitably qualified 

staff, the Contracting Parties undertake 

to ensure that their staff employed 

for the purpose is sufficient in 

number and qualified. 

Article 3 


authorities 


within its institutional frame work, the 







when applying forestry policies 

and implementing measures under 

them. 








framework. 

Article 4 


The Contracting Parties undertake: 

a) to conduct joint assessments of the 

development of the forestry policies, 

and also to guarantee reciprocal consultation 

before taking important decisions 

for implementing this Protocol, 

b) to ensure the achievement of the 

aims and measures set forth by this 

Protocol by means of cross-border 

cooperation between all the competent 

authorities, particularly between 

the regional and local authorities, 

c) to promote the exchange of knowledge 

and experience and embark 

on joint projects by means of international 

cooperation between research 

and education institutes, between 

the forestry and environment organisations, 

and also among the media. 

Chapter II 


Article 5 

Foundations of plans 

To achieve the objectives set out by this 

Protocol, the Contracting Parties shall

ensure that all groundwork necessary is 

done for planning. These include a thorough 

reconnoitring of the sites and surveys 

on the functions of the forests, with 

particular attention to protective functions. 

Article 6 

Protective functions of the mountain 

forests 

1. For the mountain forests that have a 

highly protective function for their locations 

and, especially, for the inhabited 

areas, for the transport infrastructures, 

for the farmed lands, etc., 

the Contracting Parties undertake to 

give priority to that protective function, 

focusing the forest’s management 

to that purpose. These forests 

must be conserved on site. 

2. The measures necessary must be 

planned and implemented with technical 

expertise with respect to management 

plans and improvement 

plans of the forests that provide protective 

functions, taking into account 

the objectives of conserving nature 

and the landscape. 

Article 7 

Economic function of mountain 

forests 

1. For mountain forests, where the economic 

function prevails and the regional 

economic situation makes it 

necessary, the Contracting Parties 

undertake to ensure that the mountain 

forest economy can continue its 

role as a source of employment and 

income for the local community. 


that reforestation is applied using 

tree types suited to the sites and that 

the economic use of the forests is 

done with care and attention to the 

soil and the forestry resource. 

Article 8 

Considering that mountain forests have 

to provide important functions of a social 

and ecological nature, the Contracting 

Parties undertake to adopt measures 

that ensure: 

- their effectiveness for water resources, 

climate balance, cleaning the air and 

noise protection, 

- their biological diversity, 

- the enjoyment of nature and the recreational 

functions. 

Article 9 

Access to the forests 

The Contracting Parties shall agree that, 

for the purposes of preventing damage 

to the forests and for their management 

and care with natural methods, it will be 

necessary to take carefully planned and 

produced actions to ensure access to 

them, taking account of the needs for the 

conservation of nature and the landscape. 



108 

Article 10 

Natural forest reserves 


mark off natural forest reserves in a 

sufficient number and size, and also 

to keep them in a way that protects 

their natural dynamics for the purpose 

of research, with the intention of 

generally suspending any form of 

exploitation or to adapt it to the purposes 

of the reserve. The areas are 

to be selected so as to obtain a representative 

sample of, if possible, all 

the mountain forest ecosystems. The 

indispensable protective function of 

these forest formations must in any 

case be maintained. 

2. The marking off of natural forest reserves 

should normally be accompanied 

by protection secured by longterm 

contract. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall assure 

the necessary collaboration for planning 

and defining the cross-border 

natural forest reserves. 

Article 11 

Incentives and compensation 

1. Considering the unfavourable economic 

conditions of the Alpine territory 

and bearing in mind the services of 

the mountain forest economy, the 

Contracting Parties shall undertake, 

within the framework of the existing 

political and financial conditions and 

for the period necessary to ensure 

such services, to provide sufficient 

incentives to the forestry activities, 


especially the measures stated in articles 

6 to 10. 

2. If the services requested on the 

mountain forest economy exceed 

those of the obligations of current 

laws, and their necessity is motivated 

on the basis of projects, the owner of 

the forest has the right to compensation 

commensurate to the services 

provided. 


create the instruments necessary for 

financing the incentive and compensation 

measures and, when calculating 

the funds, taking account not 

just of the economic-political benefits 

for the entire population, but also the 

benefits to individuals. 

Article 12 




Protocol for mountain forests. 

Chapter III 


Information 

Article 13 




research and systematic moni-

toring programmes which are conducive 

to achieving the objectives of 


2. They shall particularly promote research 

projects for creating, caring 

for, protecting and also the services 

of the mountain forest ecosystem and 

their functions, as well as scientific 

projects that enable the international 

comparison between inventories and 

surveys of the individual States. 








framework. 

4. They shall conduct surveys that are 

comparable for the objectives and 

measures in this Protocol. These surveys 

must be periodically updated. 

Article 14 


1. The Contracting Parties shall promote 

education and further training as 

well as keeping the public informed 

about objectives, measures and the 

implementation of this Protocol. 

2. They shall provide for discussions 

and updating of forest owners, in 

accordance with the contents of this 

Protocol. 

Chapter IV 


Evaluation 

Article 15 






Article 16 


obligations 



















Contracting Parties with the obligati- 



110 

ons arising from the Protocol, for the 






Article 17 


provisions 













Chapter V 

Final provisions 

Article 18 

















Article 19 





Community on 27 February 1996 and 

from 29 February 1996 in the Republic 









approval. 








to the Protocol, any new Con-

tracting Party to the said Protocol 



Article 20 

Notifications 




of: 




c) each date of entry into force, 






In witness where of the undersigned, 



Done at Brdo on 27 February 1996 in the 

French, Italian, Slovene and German 

languages, the four texts being equally 

authentic, the original text being deposited 

in the Austrian State Archives. The 


each of the signatory States. 


Protocol Mountain Forests

Protocol 

Tourism 

Protocol Tourism 


114 

Preamble 









and 



from the Convention on the Protection of 

the Alps (Alpine Convention) of 7 November 

1991, of pursuing a comprehensive 

policy for the protection and the sustainable 

development of the Alpine region; 



Convention; 

- DESIRING to harmonise economic interests 

and ecological requirements, and 

establish sustainable development; 

- AWARE that the Alps are the living and 

economic environment for the local population; 


must be able to develop their own social, 

cultural and economic development plan, 

and take part in its implementation in the 

existing institutional framework; 

- CONSIDERING that in our urban civilisation, 

there is an ever-growing need for 

varied tourism and leisure activities that 

are appropriate to today’s way of life; 

- CONSIDERING that the Alps remain one 

of the most important areas for tourism 

and leisure in Europe due to the extensive 

range of leisure activities on offer, the 

rich variety of landscapes and the diver- 


sity of its ecosystems, and that protection 

of the Alpine region should go beyond 

national frameworks; 

- CONSIDERING that for certain Contracting 

Parties, a significant proportion of 

their population live in the Alps, and that 

tourism in the Alpine region is of public 

interest given that it helps to maintain a 

permanent population; 

- CONSIDERING that mountain tourism is 

facing competition in an increasingly 

globalised context and contributes significantly 

to the economic performance of 

the Alpine region; 

- CONSIDERING that recent trends seem 

to be moving towards greater harmony 

between tourism and the environment; 

for customers, an increasing interest in 

attractive natural surroundings that are 

protected summer and winter alike, and 

for local decision makers, concern for 

making tourist destinations more environmentally-friendly; 

- CONSIDERING that in the Alpine region, 

individual attention must be given to limitations 

to the ability of each location’s 

ecosystem to adapt, and each ecosystem 

must be appreciated for its specific 

features; 

- CONSIDERING that natural and cultural 

heritage as well as the countryside constitute 

an essential part of tourism in the 

Alps; 

- AWARE that the Alpine States are characterised 

by natural, cultural, economic 

and institutional differences which have 

caused them to develop independently, 

giving rise to very varied tourist facilities 

which, far from becoming more standardised 

at international level should be a 

source of diverse but complementary 

tourist activities;

- AWARE of the need for sustainable development 

in the tourist industry to be 

based on developing natural heritage 

and providing high-quality services, given 

that the majority of Alpine regions 

are dependent on tourism which also 

provides a livelihood for the local population; 

- AWARE that it is appropriate to encourage 

holidaymakers to respect nature, to 

give them a greater understanding of the 

people living and working in tourist destinations 

and to create the best conditions 

possible for them to truly discover 

the diversity of nature in the Alpine region; 

- AWARE that it is the responsibility of 

professional tourist organisations and 

regional and local authorities to put into 

place, within a defined framework for the 

Alpine region, means of improving production 

structures and their efficiency; 

- DESIRING to contribute to sustainable 

development in the Alps by encouraging 

environmentally-friendly tourism, which 

is also an essential basis for the standard 

of living and economy of the local 

people; 




the part of the Alpine States, 

Have agreed as follows: 

Chapter I 

General provisions 

Article 1 

Objective 

The objective of this Protocol is to contribute 

to sustainable development in the 

Alpine region within the existing institutional 

framework, by encouraging environmentally-friendly 

tourism through 

specific measures and recommendations 

which take the interests of both the 

local population and tourists into account. 

Article 2 



eliminate barriers to international cooperation 

between regional and local 

authorities in the Alpine region, 

and to promote collaboration at the 

appropriate territorial level in order to 

solve common problems. 


stronger international cooperation 

between the relevant competent 

bodies. They shall ensure, in particular, 

the development of cross-border 

areas by coordinating environmentally-friendly 

tourist and leisure activities. 

3. When local and regional authorities 

are unable to implement measures 



116 

because they are a matter of national 

or international competence, they 

must be given the opportunity to effectively 

represent the interests of 

the population. 

Article 3 





Protocol in their other policies as well, in 

particular in the fields of regional planning, 

transport, agriculture, forestry, protection 

of the environment and nature, 

and water and energy supplies, with a 

view to reducing any negative or contradictory 

effects. 

Article 4 


authorities 




between the institutions 

and regional authorities directly concerned 

so as to encourage solidarity 

of responsibility, in particular to exploit 

and develop synergies when 

applying tourism policies and implementing 

measures under them. 


directly concerned shall be parties to 




measures, within the framework of 

their competence, within the existing 

institutional framework. 

Chapter II 

Specific measures 

Article 5 

Managing tourism 


combine sustainable development 

with environmentally-friendly tourism. 

To this end, they shall support 

the preparation and implementation 

of guidelines, development programmes 

and sectoral plans which take 

the objectives of this Protocol into 

account and which are initiated by 

the competent bodies at the most 

appropriate level. 

2. These measures will allow the advantages 

and disadvantages of planned 

developments to be evaluated 

and compared, in particular in terms 

of: 

(a) the socioeconomic consequences 

for the local population; 

(b) the consequences for soil, water, 

the air, natural balances and the 

countryside, taking into account 

specific ecological data, natural 

resources and limitations to the 

ability of ecosystems to adapt; 

(c) the consequences for public finances.

Article 6 

Guidelines for developing tourism 

1. The Contracting Parties shall, when 

developing tourism, take account of 

issues such as the conservation of 

nature and the countryside. They 

undertake to promote, as far as possible, 

projects which enhance the 

countryside and are environmentally 

acceptable. 

2. They shall adopt a sustainable policy 

to make environmentally- friendly 

tourism in the Alps more competitive, 

and by doing so shall make an 

important contribution to the socioeconomic 

development of the Alpine 

region. Priority shall be given to 

measures promoting innovation and 

diversity in tourism. 


that in areas attracting high numbers 

of tourists, a balance is struck between 

intensive and extensive forms 

of tourism. 

4. When incentives are established, the 

following requirements should be 

met: 

(a) for intensive tourism, the adaptation 

of existing tourist facilities 

and equipment to meet ecological 

requirements, and the development 

of new facilities conforming 

to the objectives of this 

Protocol, 

(b) for extensive tourism, the continuation 

or development of environmentally-friendly 

tourism, and 

Article 7 

the promotion of the natural and 

cultural heritage of tourist areas. 

Research on quality 

1. The Contracting Parties shall adopt a 

policy of permanent and systematic 

research on the quality of tourism 

across the whole of the Alpine region, 

taking ecological requirements 

into account. 

2. They shall encourage the exchange 

of experiences and the implementation 

of joint action plans, pursuing 

qualitative improvements particularly 

in: 

(a) the development of amenities in 

the countryside and natural 

areas; 

(b) urban development and architecture 

(new buildings and village 

restoration); 

(c) accommodation and range of 

tourist services; 

(d) diversity in tourism for the Alpine 

region, promoting cultural activities 

in the various areas concerned. 

Article 8 

Controlling tourists flows 


the control of tourist flows, particularly in 

protected areas, organising a way to 

evenly disperse and accommodate tourists 

in order to guarantee the sustainability 

of these areas. 



118 

Article 9 

Natural limitations to development 

The Contracting Parties shall ensure that 

tourism development is adapted to the 

specific environment and available resources 

of the area or region concerned. 

It is appropriate to establish prior assessment 

for projects likely to have a 

marked impact on the environment, 

within the existing institutional framework, 

which will be taken into account 

when decisions are made. 

Article 10 

Quiet areas 

The Contracting Parties undertake, in 

accordance with their laws and ecological 

criteria, to establish designated quiet 

areas where no tourist facilities will be 

developed. 

Article 11 

Accommodation policy 

The Contracting Parties shall develop 

accommodation policies, taking account 

of how little space is available and giving 

priority to commercial accommodation, 

restoring and using existing buildings, 

and modernising and improving the 

quality of existing accommodation. 


Article 12 

Ski lifts 

1. The Contracting Parties undertake, 

within the framework of national authorisation 

procedures for ski lifts, to 

implement a policy that goes beyond 

economic and safety needs, responding 

to ecological requirements and 

the countryside. 

2. Both new authorisations to operate 

ski lifts and concessions will be subject 

to disused ski lifts being dismantled 

and removed, and areas no 

longer in use being returned to nature, 

giving priority to plant species 

native to the area. 

Article 13 

Tourist traffic and transport 


measures to reduce dependence 

on motorised vehicles in tourist 

resorts. 

2. Furthermore, they shall promote 

both private and public initiatives to 

improve access by public transport 

to resorts and tourist areas, and shall 

encourage tourists to use these services.

Article 14 

Specific development techniques 

1. Ski slopes 

1. The Contracting Parties shall 

ensure that the development, 

maintenance and use of ski slopes 

blend into the natural surroundings 

as much as possible, 

taking account of natural balances 

and biotope sensitivity. 

2. Developments affecting the 

landscape shall be avoided as 

much as possible and, when 

natural conditions allow, developed 

areas should be replanted, 

giving priority to plant species 

native to the area. 

2. Artificial snow machines 

National legislation may authorise the 

use of artificial snow during cold seasons 

specific to each location, particularly to 

make exposed areas safer and if the 

location’s hydrological, climatic and 

ecological conditions allow. 

Article 15 

Sporting activities 


define a policy for controlling outdoor 

sporting activities, especially in 

protected areas, in order to avoid 

causing damage to the environment. 

This control may mean prohibiting a 

particular activity, if necessary. 


limit as much as possible, and if ne- 

cessary prohibit, sporting activities 

using motorised vehicles outside 

areas designated by competent bodies. 

Article 16 

Landing by air 

The Contracting Parties undertake to limit 

as much as possible, and if necessary 

prohibit, landing by air outside of airfields 

for the purpose of sporting activities. 

Article 17 

Developing economically weak 

regions and local and regional 

authorities 

It is recommended that the Contracting 

Parties examine solutions adapted to the 

appropriate territorial level to promote 

the balanced development of economically 

weak regions and local and regional 

authorities. 

Article 18 

Staggering holidays 

1. The Contracting Parties shall endeavour 

to spread out the demand for 

tourist resorts more effectively, in 

terms of time and location. 

2. To this end, it is appropriate to support 

cooperation between States on 

staggering holidays and experimenting 

with extending holiday seasons. 



120 

Article 19 

Encouraging innovation 

It is recommended that the Contracting 

Parties develop incentives to encourage 

the implementation of the objectives of 

this Protocol. To this end they will examine, 

in particular, the implementation of 

an Alpine competition with a view to 

rewarding innovative tourist initiatives 

and products which respect the objectives 


Article 20 

Cooperation between tourism, 

agriculture, forestry and handicrafts 

The Contracting Parties shall support 

cooperation between tourism, agriculture, 

forestry and handicrafts. They shall 

particularly encourage combinations of 

activities which generate employment in 

the context of sustainable development. 

Article 21 



measures to promote sustainable tourism 

than the measures provided for in 



Chapter III 


Information 

Article 22 



and harmonise, in close cooperation, 


relevant to improving understanding 

of the relationship between 

tourism and the environment in 

the Alps, and analysing future developments. 




are included in a common permanent 


and that they are made accessible 

to the public under the existing 



share information about their own 

experiences relevant to implementing 

the measures and recommendations 

in this Protocol and to gathering 

valuable information in terms of 

qualitative tourism development. 

Article 23 



basic and further training and




2. It is recommended that the Contracting 

Parties include knowledge of 

nature and the environment in vocational 

training for jobs directly involving 

or linked to tourism. New types 

of training bringing tourism and the 

environment together could then be 

introduced. For example: 

- ‘nature activity leaders’, 

- ‘resort quality assurance officers’, 

- ‘tourism assistants for the 

disabled’. 

Chapter IV 


Evaluation 

Article 24 






Article 25 

Monitoring compliance with 

obligations 



on measures taken under this 

Protocol. The reports shall also cover 

the effectiveness of the measures 

taken. The Alpine Conference shall 

determine the intervals at which the 

reports must be submitted. 


















Article 26 


provisions 






122 

Protocol. They shall consider the 

adoption of appropriate amendments 

to this Protocol where necessary 

in order to achieve objectives. 




framework. Nongovernmental organisations 


consulted. 

Chapter V 


Article 27 

















Article 28 



by the signatory States of 

the Alpine Convention and the European 

Community on 16 October 

1998 and in the Republic of Austria, 

as the depositary, from 16 November 

1998. 

2. This Protocol shall enter into force 

for the Contracting Parties which 

have expressed their agreement to 

be bound by the said Protocol three 




approval. 

3. For Parties which express their 

agreement to be bound by the Protocol 

at a later date, the Protocol shall 

enter into force three months after 

the date of deposit of the instrument 

of ratification, acceptance or approval. 

After the entry into force of an 

amendment to the Protocol, any new 

Contracting Party to the said Protocol 

shall become a Contracting Party 

to the Protocol, as amended. 

Article 29 

Notification 




of:











being duly authorised thereto, has signed 


Done at Bled, on 16 October 1998 in 

German, French, Italian and Slovene, 

the four texts being equally authentic, 

the original text being deposited in the 

Austrian State archives. The depositary 

shall send a certified copy to each of the 

signatory States. 



Protocol 

Soil Conservation 

Protocol Soil Conservation 


126 

Preamble 









and 






policy for the protection and the 


region; 



Convention; 

- AIMING to reduce quantitative and qualitative 

soil impairments, in particular by 

applying agricultural and silvicultural 

production processes which have a minimal 

detrimental impact on the soil, by 

using land economically, controlling erosion 

and restricting soil sealing; 

- AWARE of the fact that the protection of 

the Alpine soils, their sustainable management 

and the restoration of their 

natural functions in impaired locations 

are matters of general interest; 

- RECOGNISING that the Alps, constituting 

one of the largest continuous natural 

areas in Europe, are characterised by 

an ecological diversity and by highly 

sensitive ecosystems whose functionality 

must be preserved; 






in the existing institutional framework; 

- AWARE that, on the one hand, the Alps 

are an important living and economic 

environment for the resident populations 

and a recreational environment for the 

populations of other regions and that, on 

the other hand, the preservation of soil 

functions is jeopardised by diverging 

claims on soil utilisation which clash 

within the narrow confines of the Alpine 

region; and that for this reason, economic 

interests must be reconciled with 

ecological requirements; 

- RECOGNISING that the soil occupies a 

special position within ecosystems, that 

its formation as well as the regeneration 

of impaired soils happen very slowly, 

that increased soil erosion is to be expected 

owing to topographical conditions 

in the Alpine region, and that the soil 

constitutes a sink for harmful substances 

while contaminated soils can be a source 

of inputs of those substances into 

neighbouring ecosystems, thus putting 

at risk humans, animals and plants; 

- AWARE that soil utilisation, especially for 

the purposes of human settlement, the 

development of trade and industry, infrastructures, 

the extraction of mineral resources, 

tourism, agriculture, forestry 

and transport can lead to quantitative or 

qualitative soil impairments and that accordingly, 

adequate integrated measures 

should be proposed to prevent, 

control and repair damage to the soil; 

- CONSIDERING that soil conservation 

has manifold implications for other policies 

in the Alpine region and should

therefore be coordinated in a cross-disciplinary 

and cross-sectoral fashion; 




the part of the Alpine States, to be implemented 

by the Signatories in accordance 

with the available means, 


Chapter I 

General Obligations 

Article 1 

Objectives 

1. This Protocol serves to implement 

the obligations in the field of soil conservation 

entered into by the Contracting 

Parties to the Alpine Convention. 

2. The Alpine soil shall be preserved in 

a sustainable manner to allow it to 

perform: 

1. its natural functions as 

(a) a livelihood resource and a living 

environment for humans, animals, 

plants and micro-organisms, 

(b) a characteristic element of nature 

and the landscape, 

(c) an integral part of the ecological 

balance, especially with regard to 

its water and nutrient cycles, 

(d) a conversion and compensating 

medium to offset inputs of substances, 

especially due to its filte- 

ring, buffering and storage qualities, 

in particular for the protection 

of groundwater, 

(e) a genetic reservoir, 

2. its function as an archive of natural 

history and the history of civilisation, 

as well as 

3. its functions as 

(a) a location for agricultural use including 

pasture farming and forestry, 

(b) a space for human settlement 

and tourism activities, 

(c) a location for other commercial 

usages, for transport, supply and 

distribution, and water and waste 

disposal, 

(d) a source of raw materials. 

In particular, the ecological functions 

of soil, which are essential elements 

of the ecological balance, shall be 

safeguarded and preserved both 

qualitatively and quantitatively on a 

long-term basis. The restoration of 

impaired soils shall be promoted. 

3. The measures to be taken are aimed 

specifically at soil utilisation which 

suits its location, at the economical 

use of land resources, at the avoidance 

of erosion and detrimental 

changes to the soil structure, and at 

minimising the input of substances 

harmful to the soil. In particular, the 

ecological functions of soil, which are 

essential elements of the ecological 

balance, shall be safeguarded and 

preserved both qualitatively and 

quantitatively on a long-term basis. 

The restoration of impaired soils shall 

be promoted. 



128 

4. The diversity of soils, which is typical 

of the Alpine region, and its characteristic 

locations shall be preserved 

and promoted in particular. 

5. In this endeavour the principle of 

prevention, which comprises the 

safeguarding of the functionality of 

soils and the possibility to use them 

for various purposes as well as their 

availability to future generations with 

a view to sustainable development, is 

of particular significance. 

Article 2 

Fundamental obligations 


initiate the requisite legal and administrative 

measures for ensuring the 

conservation of soils in the Alpine 

region. The respective national authorities 

shall be responsible for monitoring 

those measures. 

2. If there is a risk of serious and sustained 

damage to the functionality of 

soils, protection shall, as a matter of 

principle, be given priority over utilisation. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall explore 

the possibilities of supporting, 

through fiscal and/or financial measures, 

the actions for soil conservation 

in the Alpine region targeted by this 

Protocol. Measures compatible with 

soil conservation and with the objectives 

of a prudent and environmentally 

sound utilisation of soils shall be 

specially supported. 


Article 3 





Protocol in their other policies as well. In 

the Alpine region, this applies specifically 

to regional planning, settlement and 

transport, energy management, agriculture 

and forestry, raw material extraction, 

trade and industry, tourism, nature conservation 

and landscape upkeep, water 

and waste management, and clean air. 

Article 4 


authorities 


within its existing institutional framework, 

the best level of coordination 

and cooperation between the institutions 

and regional and local authorities 

directly concerned so as to encourage 

shared responsibility, in particular 

to exploit and develop synergies 

when implementing soil conservation 

policies and the resulting 

measures in the Alpine region. 


concerned shall be involved in 



measures, within their sphere of competence 


framework.

Article 5 



stronger international cooperation 

among the competent institutions, 

especially with regard to the drawing 

up of soil registers, soil monitoring, 

the designation and monitoring of 

protected and impaired areas and 

danger zones, the provision and harmonisation 

of databases, the coordination 

of Alpine-specific soil conservation 

research, and mutual reporting. 


remove obstacles to international cooperation 

between territorial authorities 

in the Alpine region, and to encourage 

solutions to shared problems 

at the most suitable level. 

3. If the definition of measures relating 

to soil conservation falls within the 

sphere of national or international 

competence, the territorial authorities 

shall be given possibilities to efficiently 

represent the interests of the 

population. 

Chapter II 


Article 6 

Designation of protected areas 

The Contracting Parties shall see to it 

that soils worthy of protection are included 

in the designation of protected 

areas. Specifically, soil and rock formations 

which have particularly characteristic 

features or a particular significance for 

the documentation of earth’s history, 

shall be preserved. 

Article 7 

Economical and prudent use of soils 

1. In drawing up and implementing 

plans and/or programmes according 

to Article 9(3) of the Protocol on Spatial 

Planning and Sustainable Development, 

matters regarding soil conservation, 

especially the economical 

use of soil and land, shall be taken 

into consideration. 

2. In order to limit soil sealing and soil 

consumption, the Contracting Parties 

shall provide for space-saving construction 

and an economical use of 

soil resources. They shall preferably 

seek to keep the development of human 

settlements within existing 

boundaries and to limit settlement 

growth outside these boundaries. 



130 

3. When assessing the spatial and environmental 

compatibility of large-scale 

projects in the fields of trade and industry, 

construction and infrastructure, 

especially in the transport, energy 

and tourism sectors, soil conservation 

and the scarcity of space in the 

Alpine region shall be taken into account 

within the framework of the 

national procedures. 

4. Where natural conditions allow it, disused 

or impaired soils, especially 

landfills, slag heaps, infrastructures 

or ski runs, shall be restored to their 

original state or shall be recultivated. 

Article 8 

Economical use and prudent 

extraction of mineral resources 

1. The Contracting Parties shall see to it 

that mineral resources are used economically. 

They shall work towards 

ensuring that preference is given to 

the utilisation of substitute materials 

and that recycling options are fully 

used or their development is encouraged. 

2. When extracting, processing and utilising 

mineral resources, impairments 

of other soil functions shall be reduced 

to a minimum. In those areas 

which are particularly important for 

the protection of soil functions and in 

areas specifically designated as drinking 

water resources, the extraction 

of mineral resources shall be foregone. 


Article 9 

Conservation of soils in wetlands and 

moors 


preserve high moors and lowland 

moors. To achieve this objective, the 

use of peat shall be discontinued 

completely in the medium term. 

2. Drainage schemes in wetlands and 

moors shall be limited to the upkeep 

of existing networks unless there are 

sound reasons for exceptions. Remedial 

measures shall be promoted to 

minimise the environmental impact of 

existing drainage systems. 

3. On principle, moor soils shall not be 

utilised or, when used for agricultural 

purposes, shall be managed so that 

their characteristic features remain 

intact. 

Article 10 

Designation and management of 

endangered areas 

1. The Contracting Parties agree to 

draw up maps of Alpine areas which 

are endangered by geological, hydrogeological 

and hydrological risks, 

in particular by land movement (mass 

slides, mudslides, landslides), avalanches 

and floods, to register those 

areas and to designate danger zones 

when necessary. If applicable, seismic 

risks shall also be considered.

2. The Contracting Parties shall make 

sure that engineering techniques are 

used in endangered areas which are 

as compatible with nature as possible, 

and that local and traditional building 

materials which suit the local 

countryside are used. These measures 

shall be supported by appropriate 

silvicultural measures. 

Article 11 

Designation and management of 

Alpine areas threatened by erosion 


map Alpine areas threatened by extensive 

erosion on the basis of comparable 

criteria for quantifying soil 

erosion, and to register those areas 

in as far as this is necessary for the 

protection of material goods. 

2. Soil erosion shall be limited to the 

inevitable minimum. Areas damaged 

by erosion and land movement shall 

be rehabilitated in as far as this is 

necessary for the protection of human 

beings and material goods. 

3. To protect human beings and material 

goods, measures to control water 

erosion as well as measures to reduce 

surface runoff shall preferably 

comprise hydraulic, engineering and 

silvicultural techniques with minimal 

environmental impact. 

Article 12 

Agriculture, pasture farming and 

forestry 

1. To ensure protection against erosion 

and harmful soil compaction, the 

Contracting Parties undertake to use 

sound practices in agriculture, pasture 

farming and forestry which are 

adapted to suit local conditions. 

2. As regards the input of substances 

through the use of fertilisers, herbicides 

and pesticides, the Contracting 

Parties shall strive to elaborate and 

implement shared standards for 

sound expert practices. The type, 

quantity and time of fertilisation shall 

be suited to the needs of the plants, 

taking into account the nutrients available 

in the soil, the organic substance 

as well as the location of the 

plants and the conditions in which 

they are cultivated. This is achieved 

by using ecological/biological and 

integrated methods of cultivation, as 

well as by matching livestock to natural 

local growth conditions. 

3. In Alpine pasture areas, the usage of 

mineral fertilisers and synthetic herbicides 

and pesticides in particular 

shall be minimised. The use of sewage 

sludges shall be foregone. 

Article 13 

Silvicultural and other measures 

1. With regard to mountain forests 

which offer a high degree of protec- 



132 

tion to their own location, or above all 

to human settlements, transport infrastructures, 

croplands and similar 

areas, the Contracting Parties undertake 

to give priority to the protective 

function of these forests and to gear 

their silvicultural management towards 

preserving this function. Such 

mountain forests shall be preserved 

in their original locations. 

2. Specifically, forests shall be used and 

maintained in such a way that soil 

erosion and harmful soil compaction 

are avoided. To achieve this, silvicultural 

measures adapted to local conditions 

as well as natural forest rejuvenation 

shall be promoted. 

Article 14 

Effects of tourism infrastructures 

1. The Contracting Parties shall use 

their influence in the most appropriate 

manner to ensure that: 

- detrimental effects of tourism activities 

on Alpine soils are avoided, 

- soils impaired by intensive tourism 

are stabilised, especially and 

whenever possible by restoring 

the vegetation cover and applying 

environmentally sound engineering 

techniques. Further 

utilisation of the soils shall seek 

to prevent such damage from recurring, 

- permits for the construction and 

levelling of ski runs in forests with 

a protective function are granted 

only in exceptional cases and 


with the proviso that compensatory 

action is taken, and that such 

permits are not granted for fragile 

areas. 

2. Chemical and biological additives for 

the grooming of ski runs are permissible 

only if proof of their ecological 

harmlessness has been furnished. 

3. Where significant damage to soils 

and vegetation is found to exist, the 

Contracting Parties shall take the necessary 

remedial action at the earliest 

possible point in time. 

Article 15 

Limiting inputs of harmful substances 

1. The Contracting Parties shall do everything 

in their power to minimise, 

through preventive action, inputs of 

harmful substances into the soils 

through water, air, waste and other 

substances harmful to the environment. 

Preference shall be given to 

measures limiting emissions at their 

sources. 

2. To avoid soil contamination when 

using dangerous substances, the 

Contracting parties shall issue technical 

regulations, provide for checks, 

carry out research programmes and 

engage in educational work.

Article 16 

Environmentally compatible utilisation 

of gritting materials 

The Contracting Parties undertake to minimise 

the use of gritting salt and, wherever 

possible, to use slippage-preventing 

and less contaminating materials such 

as gravel and sand. 

Article 17 

Contaminated soils, environmental 

liabilities, waste management 

concepts 


survey and document their environmental 

liabilities and suspicious landfills 

(environmental liabilities register), 

to analyse the condition of those 

areas and to assess their hazard potential 

using comparable methods. 

2. To avoid soil contamination and to 

ensure the environmentally compatible 

pretreatment, treatment and disposal 

of waste and residual materials, 

waste management concepts 

shall be drawn up and implemented. 

Article 18 


The Contracting Parties may take measures 

regarding soil conservation which go 

beyond the measures provided for in this 

Protocol. 

Chapter III 


Information 

Article 19 




research projects and systematic 

monitoring programmes which are 

conducive to achieving the objectives 









framework. 

3. The Contracting Parties agree to coordinate 

their Alpinespecific research 

projects on soil conservation while 

taking into account other national 

and international research developments, 

and to envisage joint research 

activities. 

4. Special attention shall be given to 

evaluations of soil sensitivity regarding 

diverse human activities, to assessments 

of the regenerative capacity 

of soils, and to the examination 

of the most suitable pertinent technologies. 



134 

Article 20 

Establishment of harmonised 

databases 

1. The Contracting Parties agree to 

create comparable databases (soil 

parameters, sampling, analysis, evaluation) 

within the framework of the 

Alpine monitoring and information 

system, and to establish possibilities 

for data exchange. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall reach 

agreement about soilendangering 

substances which require priority 

treatment, and they shall strive for 

comparable evaluation parameters. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall strive to 

establish representative records of 

the condition of Alpine soils taking 

into account the geological and hydrogeological 

situation, on the basis 

of identical evaluation systems and 

harmonised methods. 

Article 21 

Establishment of permanent 

monitoring areas and coordination of 

environmental monitoring 


establish permanent monitoring 

areas in the Alpine region and to integrate 

them in an Alpine-wide soil 

monitoring network. 

2. The Contracting Parties agree to coordinate 

their national soil monitoring 

programmes with the environmental 


monitoring programmes for air, water, 

flora and fauna. 

3. Within the framework of their monitoring 

programmes, the Contracting 

Parties shall establish soil sample 

databases according to comparable 

parameters. 

Article 22 



the education and further training as well 

as the information of the public regarding 

the objectives, measures and implementation 


Chapter IV 


Evaluation 

Article 23 





within the existing institutional framework.

Article 24 


obligations 


























Article 25 


provisions 













consulted. 

Chapter V 


Article 26 


















136 

Article 27 





Community on 16 October 1998 and 

from 16 November 1998 in the Republic 









approval. 













Article 28 

Notifications 




of 

(a) any signature, 



(c) any date of entry into force, 









Done at Bled on 16 October 1998 in the 

French, German, Italian and Slovene 



in the Austrian State archives. The 


each of the signatory States.

Protocol 

Energy 

Protocol Energy 


138 

Preamble 









and 








region; 



Convention; 

- CONSCIOUS of the importance of establishing 

forms of energy production, 

distribution and use which are not harmful 

to nature and the countryside, which 

are environmentally friendly and compatible 

with the promotion of energy-saving 

measures; 

- TAKING account of the need to reduce 

greenhouse gases in the Alpine region 

and thereby comply with commitments 

under the United Nations Framework 

Convention on Climate Change; 

- CONVINCED of the need to harmonise 

economic interests and ecological requirements; 


- CONSCIOUS that the Alpine region is of 

particular importance in Europe and 

that, in terms of geomorphology, its climate, 

water, vegetation, fauna, countryside 

and culture, this is a heritage as 

unique as it is diverse, and that the 

region’s high mountains, valleys and the 

Pre-Alps are environmental entities 

which all States, not just Alpine ones, 

have a duty to protect; 

- CONSCIOUS that the Alps are more 

than where the local population live and 

work but are also very important to extra- 

Alpine regions, in particular because 

it is a transit region with a high level of 

trans-European traffic of people and 

goods, but also international energy 

distribution networks; 

- TAKING ACCOUNT of the environmental 

sensitivity of the Alpine region, particularly 

concerning production, transport 

and energy-use activities which interact 

with the key aspects of nature protection, 

town and country planning and 

land use; 

- TAKING ACCOUNT of the fact that, 

faced with risks to environmental protection, 

in particular due to possible climate 

change caused by humans, it has become 

necessary to pay particular attention 

to the close links between mankind’s 

social and economic activities and the 

conservation of ecosystems which require, 

especially in the Alpine region, 

appropriate and diversified measures to 

be adopted in agreement with the local 

population, political institutions and economic 

and social organisations; 


must be able to define its own social, 



in the existing institutional framework;




the part of the Alpine States and the local 

communities directly concerned; 

- CONVINCED that meeting energy needs 

is an important factor in economic and 

social development, both within and 

outside the Alpine region; 

- CONSCIOUS of the extent of the use 

and further development of economic 

instruments which could enable the actual 

costs to be better taken into account 

when calculating energy prices; 

- CONVINCED that the Alpine region will 

make a long-term contribution to meeting 

Europe’s energy needs and that it 

must itself have, apart from sufficient 

drinking water, sufficient energy resources 

to improve local living conditions 

and economic productivity; 

- CONVINCED that the Alpine region 

plays a particularly important role in the 

interconnection of European countries’ 

energy systems; 

- CONVINCED that, in the Alpine region, 

measures aimed at rational energy use 

and sustainable use of water and wood 

resources contribute towards meeting 

national energy needs and that it is increasingly 

important to make use of 

biomass and solar energy; 


Chapter I 


Article 1 

Objectives 

The Contracting Parties shall commit 

themselves to creating framework conditions 

and adopting measures for energy 

saving, production, transport, distribution 

and utilisation within the territorial 

scope of the Alpine Convention in order 

to establish sustainable development in 

the energy sector which is compatible 

with the Alpine region’s specific tolerance 

limits. In so doing the Contracting 

Parties will make an important contribution 

to protecting local communities and 

the environment and to safeguarding resources 

and the climate. 

Article 2 

Basic commitments 

1. In accordance with this Protocol, the 

Contracting Parties shall: 

(a) harmonise their energy-saving 

plans with their plans for the general 

development of the Alpine 

region; 

(b) adapt production, transport and 

energy distribution systems in 

order to make optimal overall use 

of the infrastructure system in the 

Alpine region, taking account of 

the need for environmental protection; 



140 

(c) limit the impact of energy on the 

environment by optimising the 

provision of services to energy 

end-users through, amongst other 

things and as far as possible, adopting 

the following measures: 

- reducing energy needs through 

the use of more efficient technologies; 

- making wider use of renewable 

energy sources to meet remaining 

energy needs; 

- optimising existing plants which 

produce energy from non-renewable 

sources; 

(d) limit the negative effects of power 

plants on the environment and 

the landscape, including those 

concerning the management of 

waste produced by them, by adopting 

preventive measures for 

the new plants and, if necessary, 

improving existing ones; 

2. In the event of the construction of new, 

large power plants and a significant 

increase in the capacity of existing 

ones, the Contracting Parties, in accordance 

with current law, shall proceed 

to evaluate the impact on the Alpine 

environment and to evaluate the territorial 

and socioeconomic effects of this 

in accordance with Article 12. The Parties 

shall recognise the right to consultation 

at international level on projects 

with cross-border effects. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall take 

account in their energy policies of the 

fact that the Alpine region lends itself 

to using renewable energy sources 

and shall encourage mutual collaboration 

in development programmes 

in this area. 


4. The Contracting Parties shall preserve 

protected areas and their buffer 

zones, other protected and quiet zones 

as well as areas of unspoilt nature 

and countryside; they shall optimise 

energy infrastructures according 

to the different levels of vulnerability, 

tolerance and the ongoing deterioration 

of the Alpine ecosystem. 

5. The Contracting Parties should be 

aware that an appropriate research 

and development policy instigating 

preventive and improving measures 

can make a significant contribution to 

protecting the Alps from the impact 

of energy infrastructures on the environment. 

They shall encourage research 

and development activities on 

this subject and shall exchange the 

main results. 


with a view to developing methods 

for taking better account of the 

true costs in the field of energy. 

Article 3 

Conformity with international law and 


1. This Protocol shall be implemented 

in accordance with international legal 

standards, particularly those of the 

Alpine Convention and the Protocols 

drafted pursuant to it, and in accordance 

with current international 

agreements. 


to also take account of the aims

of this Protocol in their other policies, 

particularly in the fields of town and 

country planning and regional development, 

transport, agriculture and 

forestry as well as tourism in order to 

avoid negative or conflicting effects 

in the Alpine region. 

Article 4 


authorities 




between the institutions and regional 

authorities directly concerned 

so as to encourage solidarity of responsibility, 

in particular to exploit and 

develop synergies when applying energy 

policies in the Alpine region and 

implementing measures under them. 







framework. 


international cooperation between 

the institutions directly concerned 

by the problems linked to energy 

and the environment so as to encourage 

an agreement on the solutions 

to common problems. 

Chapter II 


Article 5 

Energy saving and rational use 

1. The Alpine region requires specific 

measures for saving, distributing and 

making rational use of energy. These 

measures must take account of: 

(a) energy needs which are spread 

over vast areas and which vary 

greatly according to altitude, the 

season and the demands of tourism; 

(b) the local availability of renewable 

energy resources; 

(c) the particular impact of atmospheric 

immissions in basins 

and valleys due to their geomorphological 

configuration. 


make energy use more environmentally 

friendly and shall, as a priority, 

encourage energy saving and rational 

energy use, particularly concerning 

production processes, public 

services and large hotel complexes, 

as well as facilities for transport and 

sport and leisure activities. 

3. They shall adopt measures and make 

provisions, particularly in the following 

areas: 

(a) improving insulation in buildings 

and the efficiency of heating systems; 

(b) optimising the performance of 

heating, ventilation and air conditioning 

systems; 



142 

(c) periodic monitoring and reduction, 

where appropriate, of polluting 

emissions from thermal plants; 

(d) saving energy through modern 

technological processes for energy 

use and conversion; 

(e) individual calculation of the costs 

of heating and hot water; 

(f) planning and promoting new 

buildings which use low energy 

technologies; 

(g) promoting and implementing 

municipal or local energy and 

climate projects in accordance 

with measures provided for in 

Article 2, paragraph 1.c; 

(h) improving energy performance in 

buildings undergoing renovation 

and encouraging the use of environmentally 

friendly heating systems. 

Article 6 

Renewable energy resources 

1. The Contracting Parties shall undertake, 

within the limits of their financial 

resources, to promote and give preferential 

treatment to renewable energy 

resources which are environmentally 

friendly and do not harm the 

countryside. 

2. They shall also encourage the use of 

decentralised plants for the use of 

renewable energy sources such as 

water, the sun and biomass. 


the use of renewable energy 

resources, even in combination with 

existing conventional supplies. 


4. The Contracting Parties shall particularly 

encourage energy produced 

through the rational use of water and 

wood from sustainably managed 

mountain forests. 

Article 7 

Hydroelectric power 


that the ecological functions of watercourses 

and the integrity of the landscape 

are maintained through appropriate 

measures, such as establishing 

minimum flows, implementing 

standards for the reduction of artificial 

fluctuations in water level and 

shall guarantee animal migration in 

the case of new hydroelectric plants, 

and existing ones where possible. 

2. The Contracting Parties may adopt 

measures aimed at improving the 

competitiveness of existing hydroelectric 

plants, subject to compliance 

with their safety and environmental 

standards. 

3. They shall also undertake to protect 

water resources in areas reserved for 

drinking water, in protected areas 

and their buffer zones, other protected 

and quiet zones as well as areas 

of unspoilt nature and countryside. 

4. The Contracting Parties shall recommend 

reopening disused hydroelectric 

plants rather than building new 

ones. The provision under paragraph 

(1) on the protection of aquatic ecosystems 

and other related systems

shall also be applied to the reopening 

of existing hydroelectric plants. 

5. The Contracting Parties may, in the 

framework of their national legislation, 

examine how they can make endconsumers 

of Alpine resources pay 

market-related prices, and the extent 

to which the local population can be 

fairly compensated for services supplied 

in the general interest. 

Article 8 

Energy from fossil fuels 


that the best available techniques are 

used in new thermal plants using 

fossil fuels to produce electricity or 

heat. The Contracting Parties shall limit 

emissions from existing plants in 

the Alpine region as far as possible 

through the use of appropriate technologies 

and/or fuel types. 


the technical and economic feasibility 

and the environmental compatibility 

of replacing fossil fuel thermal 

plants with ones which use renewable 

energy sources or are decentralised. 

3. The Contracting Parties shall adopt 

measures in favour of cogeneration 

in order for energy to be used more 

rationally. 

4. In border regions, the Contracting 

Parties shall, as far as possible, har- 

monise and connect their emission 

and immission monitoring systems. 

Article 9 

Nuclear energy 

1. The Contracting Parties shall undertake, 

within the framework of international 

conventions, to exchange 

comprehensive information on plants 

and other nuclear installations which 

have, or could have, consequences 

for the Alpine region, with the aim of 

ensuring the long-term protection of 

the health of the people, the flora and 

fauna, and their biocoenosis, habitat 

and interactions. 

2. Furthermore, the Contracting Parties 

shall ensure the harmonisation and 

connection, as far as possible, of 

their systems for monitoring environmental 

radioactivity. 

Article 10 

Transport and energy distribution 

1. The Contracting Parties shall continue 

to rationalise and optimise all 

existing infrastructures while taking 

account of requirements for environmental 

protection and especially the 

need to preserve very sensitive ecosystems 

and the landscape, while at 

the same time, where appropriate, 

taking steps to protect the local 

people and the Alpine environment. 



144 

2. When constructing electricity transmission 

lines and power stations linked 

to them, as well as oil and gas 

pipelines, including pumping stations 

and booster stations and plants 

which are very significant from an 

environmental point of view, the Contracting 

Parties shall implement all 

the necessary measures to avoid disturbance 

to the local people and the 

environment, including, if possible, 

the use of preexisting facilities and 

grids. 

3. Concerning electricity transmission 

lines, the Contracting Parties shall 

take particular account of the importance 

of protected areas and their 

buffer zones, other protected and 

quiet zones as well as areas of unspoilt 

nature and landscape, as well 

as birdlife. 

Article 11 

Renaturalisation and environmental 

engineering 

The Contracting Parties shall use pilot 

studies and environmental impact studies 

provided for under current legislation 

to establish arrangements for the restoration 

of aquatic locations and environments 

following the completion of 

public or private works in the energy field 

relating to the Alpine environment and 

ecosystems. This shall be done, as far as 

possible, by employing environmental 

engineering techniques. 


Article 12 

Environmental impact analysis 

1. The Contracting Parties shall, in accordance 

with national legislation 

and international conventions and 

agreements, carry out an initial evaluation 

of the environmental impact 

of any planned power plant under 

Articles 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the present 

Protocol, and of any substantial 

change made to these plants. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall recognise 

the advisability of adopting, as 

far as possible, the best available 

techniques so as to eliminate or limit 

environmental impact by making provision 

for the decommissioning of 

disused and non-environmentally friendly 

plants. 

Article 13 

Dialogue 


to consult one another prior to 

starting any project which may have 

crossborder effects. 

2. For projects which may have crossborder 

effects, the Contracting Parties 

concerned must be able to present 

their comments in good time, 

and these will be taken into account 

when issuing permits.

Article 14 

Further action 


action than measures on energy and 

sustainable development set out in this 

Protocol. 

Chapter III 


Information 

Article 15 


1. The Contracting Parties shall, in close 

collaboration and taking account 

of results already achieved at various 

national and international levels, encourage 

and harmonise research 

and systematic observation in order 

to achieve the targets set out in this 

Protocol; in particular concerning the 

methods and criteria for analysis and 

for evaluation of the impact on the 

environment and the climate, as well 

as specific technologies for saving 

and making rational use of energy in 

the Alpine region. 

2. They shall also take account of the 

results of research in the process of 

defining and checking targets and 

energy policy measures as well as in 

their training and technical assistance 

activities at local level for the benefit 

of local people, economic operators 

and regional and local authorities. 


that the various national results of the 






framework. 

Article 16 



basic and further training and 




2. They shall particularly encourage the 

further development of training, continuous 

training and technical assistance 

concerning energy, including 

protecting the environment, nature 

and the climate. 



146 

Chapter IV 


Evaluation 

Article 17 


The Contracting Parties shall undertake 

to ensure the implementation of this Protocol 



Article 18 


obligations 



















Contracting Parties with the obligati- 


ons arising from the Protocol, for the 






Article 19 


provisions 













consulted. 

Chapter V 


Article 20 




to the Alpine Convention within the












Article 21 






in the Republic of Austria, as the depositary, 

from 16 November 1998. 








approval. 







the entry into force of an amend- 

ment to the Protocol, any new Contracting 




Article 22 

Notification 




of: 

(a) any signature, 



(c) any date of entry into force, 









Done at Bled on 16 October 1998 in 

French, German, Italian and Slovene, all 

four texts being equally binding, in one 

copy to be deposited in the Austrian State 

archives. The depositary shall send a 

certified copy to each of the signatory 

Parties. 



Protocol 

Transport 

Protocol Transport 


150 

Preamble 









and 








region; 



Convention; 

- AWARE that the ecosystems and landscapes 

of the Alpine region are particularly 

sensitive, that its geographical conditions 

and topography are likely to increase 

pollution and noise and that it 

contains unique natural resources and a 

unique cultural heritage; 

- AWARE that, without appropriate measures, 

transport and the environmental 

damage which it causes will continue to 

increase owing to the further integration 

of markets, socioeconomic development 

and leisure activities; 





in the existing institutional framework; 


- AWARE that transport is not without an 

environmental impact and that the environmental 

damage it causes produces 

increasing negative effects on and risks 

to the ecology, health and safety, which 

need to be tackled through a common 

approach; 

- AWARE that enhanced safety measures 

are needed during the transport of hazardous 

materials; 

- AWARE of the need to make comprehensive 

arrangements for observation, 

research, the provision of information 

and consultation in order to establish the 

links between transport, health, environment 

and economic development and to 

make clear the need to reduce environmental 

damage; 

- AWARE that, in the Alpine region, a 

transport policy based on the principles 

of sustainability is in the interests of both 

the Alpine and extra-Alpine populations 

and that it is also necessary to preserve 

the Alpine regions as both a habitat and 

a natural and economic region; 

- AWARE that on the one hand the present 

potential of modes of transport is to 

some extent not used sufficiently and on 

the other hand not enough account is 

taken of the importance of infrastructures 

for more environmentally-friendly 

transport systems (such as railway transport, 

shipping and combined transport) 

or of the transnational compatibility and 

operability of the various means of transport, 

and that it is therefore necessary to 

optimise such transport systems by a 

major strengthening of the networks inside 

and outside the Alpine region; 

- AWARE that regional-planning and economic-policy 

decisions taken inside and 

outside the Alpine region have major

epercussions for the development of 

Alpine transport; 

- DESIRING to make a decisive contribution 

to sustainable development and to 

improvement of the quality of life by reducing 

the volume of traffic, managing 

transport in a more environmentally-friendly 

manner and increasing the effectiveness 

and efficiency of existing transport 

systems; 

- CONVINCED that it is necessary to balance 

economic interests, social needs 

and envronmental requirements; 

- WITH due regard for the bilateral and 

multilateral conventions concluded between 

the Contracting Parties and the 

European Community, in particular in 

the field of transport; 




the part of the Alpine States 


Chapter I 


Article 1 

Objectives 


pursue a sustainable transport policy 

which will: 

(a) reduce the negative effects of 

and risks posed by intra- Alpine 

and transalpine transport to a level 

which is not harmful to people, 

flora and fauna and their environments 

and habitats, inter alia, 

by transferring an increasing 

amount of transport, especially 

freight transport, to the railways, 

in particular by creating appropriate 

infrastructures and incentives 

in line with market principles; 

(b) contribute to the sustainable development 

of the habitats and 

economic areas in which people 

living in the Alpine region dwell 

and work by implementing a 

transport policy which encompasses 

all modes of transport 

and is harmonised between the 

various Contracting Parties; 

(c) help to reduce and, as far as 

possible, avoid any impact which 

might endanger the role and natural 

resources of the Alpine region, 

the importance of which goes 

beyond the boundaries of the 

Alpine areas, and threaten its 

natural and cultural heritage; 

(d) ensure the movement of intra-Alpine 

and transalpine transport at 



152 

economically bearable costs by 

increasing the efficiency of transport 

systems and promoting modes 

of transport which are more 

environmentally-friendly and 

more economic in terms of natural 

resources; 

(e) ensure fair competition between 

modes of transport. 


develop the transport sector while 

observing the precautionary principle, 

the preventive principle and the 

polluter-pays principle. 

Article 2 

Definitions 

For the purposes of this Protocol: 

‘Transalpine transport’ is transport made 

up of journeys whose points of departure 

and arrival are outside the Alpine region. 

‘Intra-Alpine transport’ is transport made 

up of journeys whose points of departure 

and arrival are inside the Alpine region 

(inland transport) including transport 

made up of journeys whose points of 

departure or arrival are inside the Alpine 

region. 

‘Bearable negative effects and risks’ are 

negative effects and risks to be defined 

through environmental-impact assessment 

and risk analysis with the aim of 

putting an end to any further increase in 

negative effects and risks and, where 

necessary, reducing them by means of 


appropriate measures in the case of both 

new building works and existing infrastructures 

which have a significant impact 

on the land. 

‘External costs’ are costs which are not 

borne by the user of goods or services. 

They include the costs of infrastructure 

where use is free, the costs of environmental 

pollution and noise and the costs 

of damage to people and property 

caused by transport. 

‘New, large-scale building works, or major 

alterations or extensions of existing 

transport infrastructures’ are infrastructure 

projects having effects which, in accordance 

with national impact assessment 

legislation or international conventions 

in force, are subject to an environmental 

impact assessment. 

‘Large-capacity roads’ are all motorways 

and roads with two or more lanes, without 

intersections, or any road the traffic 

impact of which is similar to that of a 

motorway. 

‘Environmental quality objectives’ are 

objectives which describe the environmental 

quality level to be attained, with 

due regard for the effects on ecosystems. 

They lay down (updateable) quality 

criteria for the protection of the natural 

and cultural heritage from a material, 

geographical and time-related viewpoint. 

‘Environmental quality standards’ are 

specific standards which enable the environmental 

quality objectives to be met. 

They determine the objectives applicable

to certain parameters, the measuring 

procedures or the overall requirements. 

‘Environmental quality indicators’ are indicators 

which make it possible to 

measure or evaluate the present state of 

environmental damage and to forecast 

any change. 

‘The precautionary principle’ is the principle 

whereby measures intended to 

avoid, control or reduce serious or irreversible 

effects on health and the environment 

should not be postponed by 

arguing that scientific research has not 

yet strictly proven the existence of a 

cause-and-effect relationship between 

the substances concerned and their potential 

harmfulness to health and the environment. 

‘The “polluter-pays” principle’, including 

the acceptance of liability for effects 

caused, is the principle whereby the 

costs of preventing, controlling and reducing 

environmental damage and restoring 

the environment to an acceptable 

state are to be paid by polluters. The 

latter should, as far as possible, pay the 

entire cost of the impact of transport on 

health and the environment. 

‘Advisability study’ is an investigation, in 

accordance with national laws, during 

the planning of new, large-scale building 

works, or major alterations or extensions 

of existing transport infrastructures concerning 

the advisability of projects from 

the angle of both transport policy and 

economic, environmental and socio-cultural 

impact. 

Article 3 

Sustainable transport and mobility 

1. To enable transport to develop in a 

sustainable manner, the Contracting 

Parties undertake to contain, by 

means of a concerted transport and 

environmental policy, the negative 

effects and risks due to transport by 

taking account of: 

(a) the importance of the environment 

so that: 

(aa) the use of natural resources 

is reduced to a level which, as far 

as possible, does not exceed 

their natural capacity for regeneration; 

(bb) harmful emissions are reduced 

to a level which is not detrimental 

to the absorption capacity 

of the environments concerned; 

(cc) the input of substances into 

the environment is limited so as 

to avoid harming environmental 

structures and natural materials 

cycles; 

(b) the requirements of the population 

so as to: 

(aa) allow accessibility for persons, 

labour, goods and services, 

while effectively preserving the 

environment, saving energy and 

space and meeting the essential 

needs of the population; 

(bb) avoid endangering human 

health and reduce the risks of 

environmental disasters and the 

number and severity of accidents; 

(c) the importance of economic criteria 

so as to: 



154 

(aa) increase the profitability of 

the transport sector and internalise 

external costs; 

(bb) encourage optimum use of 

existing infrastructures; 

(cc) guarantee employment in 

undertakings which are performing 

well in the various sectors 

of the economy; 

(d) the need to take enhanced 

measures against noise because 

of the special topography of the 

Alps. 

2. In keeping with the national and international 

transport legislation in force, 

the Contracting Parties undertake to 

develop national, regional and local 

strategies, objectives and measures 

which: 

(a) take account of the different environmental, 

economic and sociocultural 

data and different 

needs; 

(b) make it possible to reduce environmental 

damage due to transport 

by putting in place economic 

tools combined with measures 

for regional and transport 

planning. 

Article 4 

Taking the objectives into account in 




Protocol in their other policies as 

well. 



anticipate and evaluate the effects of 

other policies, strategies and concepts 

on transport. 

Article 5 


authorities 


international cooperation between 

the competent institutions in 

order to find the best possible crossborder 

harmonised solutions. 







of responsibility, in particular in 

order to exploit and develop synergies 

when implementing transport 

policies and the resulting measures. 





measures within the limits of their 

competence and within the existing 


Article 6 

Reinforced national regulations 

In order to protect the ecologically sensitive 

Alpine region and without prejudice

to international conventions in force, the 

Contracting Parties may take measures 

going beyond those provided for in this 

Protocol because of special situations 

relating in particular to their natural areas 

or on grounds of public health, safety or 

protection of the environment. 

Chapter II 


(A) Strategies, Concepts, 

Projects 

Article 7 

General transport-policy strategy 

1. In order to ensure sustainability, the 

Contracting Parties undertake to promote 

rational, safe transport management 

in a harmonised, cross-border 

network that: 

(a) ensures coordination between 

different carriers, modes and types 

of transport and encourages 

intermodality; 

(b) optimises the use of existing 

transport systems and infrastructures 

in the Alps, including 

through the use of electronic 

data transmission, and charges 

external and infrastructure costs 

to polluters in line with the damage 

caused; 

(c) encourages, by means of structural 

and regional planning 

measures, the transfer of the carriage 

of passengers and goods 

to more environmentally-friendly 

means of transport and to intermodal 

transport systems; 

(d) recognises and utilises the opportunities 

for reducing traffic volume. 


adopt the necessary measures so as 

to ensure as far as possible: 

(a) the protection of communication 

routes against natural hazards; 

(b) in areas particularly damaged by 

transport, the protection of persons 

and of the environment; 

(c) the gradual reduction of emissions 

of harmful substances and 

noise by all modes of transport, 

including through the use of the 

best technologies available; 

(d) greater transport safety. 

Article 8 

Evaluation and intergovernmental 

consultation procedure 

1. In the case of new, large-scale building 

works and major alterations or 

extensions of existing transport infrastructures, 

the Contracting Parties 

undertake to carry out advisability 

studies, environmental impact assessments 

and risk analyses and to 

evaluate the results in the light of the 

objectives of this Protocol. 

2. The planning of transport infrastructure 

in the Alps must be carried out in 

a coordinated, concerted manner. In 

the case of projects with a significant 

cross-border impact, each Contrac- 



156 

ting Party undertakes to carry out, at 

the latest once the studies have been 

presented, prior consultations with 

the other Contracting Parties concerned. 

These provisions shall be without 

prejudice to the right of each 

Contracting Party to construct transport 

infrastructure which has been 

adopted in accordance with their internal 

legal order at the time of adoption 

of this Protocol or the need for 

which has been established in accordance 

with the law. 


the increased consideration of 

transport policy in the environmental 

management of undertakings in their 

countries. 

(b) Technical measures 

Article 9 

Public transport 

In order to maintain and improve the 

settlement pattern and the economic organisation 

of the Alps as well as their attractiveness 

for recreation and leisure 

purposes in a sustainable manner, the 

Contracting Parties undertake to encourage 

the creation and development of 

user-friendly, environmentally adapted 

public transport systems. 


Article 10 

Rail transport and shipping 

1. In order to make better use of the 

particular suitability of the railways for 

meeting the requirements of long-distance 

transport, and use of the railway 

network for economic activity 

and tourism in the Alps, the Contracting 

Parties shall, within the limit of 

their competences, promote: 

(a) the improvement of railway infrastructure 

by constructing and developing 

the major transalpine 

railway routes, including connecting 

routes and suitable terminals; 

(b) the further optimisation and modernisation 

of railway undertakings, 

in particular for cross-border 

transport; 

(c) the adoption of measures designed 

in particular to transfer the 

long-distance carriage of goods 

to rail and to further harmonise 

transport-infrastructure user 

charges; 

(d) intermodal transport systems 

and the further development of 

rail transport; 

(e) the increased use of rail and the 

creation of user-friendly synergies 

between long-distance passenger 

transport, regional transport 

and local transport. 

2. In order to reduce the volume of transit 

goods carried by land, the Contracting 

Parties shall encourage additional 

efforts to increase the use of 

shipping.

Article 11 

Road transport 

1. The Contracting Parties shall refrain 

from constructing any new, large-capacity 

roads for transalpine transport. 

2. Large-capacity road projects for intra-Alpine 

transport may be carried 

out only if: 

(a) the objectives set out in Article 

2(2)(j) of the Alpine Convention 

can be attained by means of appropriate 

precautionary and 

compensatory measures as determined 

by the environmental 

impact assessment; 

(b) the transport requirements cannot 

be met by making better use 

of existing road and railway capacity, 

by extending or constructing 

new railway transport and 

shipping infrastructures, by improving 

combined transport, or 

by any other transport organisation 

measures; 

(c) the results of the advisability study 

have shown that the project is 

economically viable, the risks are 

contained and the result of the 

environmental impact assessment 

is positive; 

(d) regional planning and/or programmes 

and sustainable development 

are taken into consideration. 

3. However, in view of the geography 

and the settlement pattern of the Alpine 

region, which cannot always be 

efficiently served by public transport 

alone, the Contracting Parties shall 

recognise the need, in these remote 

areas, to create and maintain sufficient 

transport infrastructures for private 

transport to function. 

Article 12 

Air transport 


reduce as far as possible the environmental 

damage caused by air transport, 

including aircraft noise, without 

transferring it to other regions. Taking 

account of the objectives of this Protocol, 

they shall make efforts to limit 

or, where appropriate, prohibit airdrops 

in places other than airfields. 

In order to protect the wild fauna, the 

Contracting Parties shall take appropriate 

measures to impose time and 

place limits on nonmotorised air 

transport for leisure purposes. 


improve public transport systems 

from airports on the fringes of the 

Alps to the various Alpine regions so 

as to be able to satisfy transport demand 

without further damage to the 

environment. In this context, the Contracting 

Parties shall restrict as far as 

possible the construction of new airports 

and any major extension of 

existing airports in the Alps. 



158 

Article 13 

Tourist facilities 


evaluate, in the light of the objectives 

of this Protocol, the transport impact 

of new tourist facilities and, if necessary, 

to take precautionary or compensatory 

measures to fulfil the objectives 

of this or other Protocols. 

Priority shall be given in this case to 

public transport. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall support 

the creation and maintenance of lowtraffic 

and traffic-free areas, the exclusion 

of cars from certain tourist sites 

and measures to encourage tourists 

not to arrive by car or use cars. 

Article 14 

Real costs 

In an attempt to influence the routing of 

transport by taking greater account of 

the real costs of the various transport 

modes, the Contracting Parties agree to 

apply the ‘polluter-pays’ principle and to 

support the establishment and use of a 

system to calculate infrastructure costs 

and external costs. The objective is gradually 

to introduce transport-specific 

charging systems to cover such real 

costs in an equitable manner and to: 

(a) encourage the use of the most 

environmentally-friendly modes 

and means of transport; 

(b) achieve a more balanced use of 

transport infrastructure; 


(c) provide incentives to make more 

use of opportunities for the reduction 

of environmental and socioeconomic 

costs by means of 

structural and regional planning 

measures which have an impact 

on transport. 

(C) Monitoring and control 

Article 15 

Supply and use of transport 

infrastructure 


record and periodically update in a 

reference document the state, development, 

and use of or improvement 

in large-capacity transport infrastructure 

and transport systems and the 

reduction in environmental damage. 

They shall use a uniform presentation 

for this purpose. 

2. On the basis of the above reference 

document, the Contracting Parties 

shall consider the extent to which 

implementing measures have contributed 

to the achievement and further 

development of the objectives of the 

Alpine Convention and, in particular, 

this Protocol.

Article 16 

Environmental quality objectives, 

standards and indicators 

1. The Contracting Parties shall lay 

down and implement environmental 

quality objectives for the establishment 

of sustainable transport. 

2. They agree on the need to have suitable 

standards and indicators for the 

specific requirements of the Alpine 

region. 

3. The application of these standards 

and indicators is intended to measure 

damage to the environment and 

health caused by transport. 

Chapter III 

Coordination, Research, 

Training and Information 

Article 17 

Coordination and information 

The Contracting Parties agree, where 

necessary, to hold joint meetings in order 

to: 

(a) evaluate the impact of measures taken 

under this Protocol; 

(b) consult each other prior to any major 

transport-policy decisions which are 

likely to have an impact on the other 

Contracting States; 

(c) encourage exchanges of information 

on the implementation of this Proto- 

col, giving priority to the use of existing 

information systems; 

(d) reach agreement prior to any major 

transport-policy decisions, in particular 

in order to incorporate them in a 

harmonised cross-border regional 

planning policy. 

Article 18 



closely in encouraging and harmonising 

research on and systematic 

observation of the interaction between 

transport and the environment 

in the Alps and specific technological 

developments which will increase the 

economic efficiency of environmentally 

friendly transport systems. 

2. The results of the joint research and 

observation shall be duly taken into 

account when reviewing the implementation 

of this Protocol, in particular 

in order to devise methods and 

criteria for defining sustainable traffic 

development. 


that the various results of national 


are included in a common permanent 


and that they are made accessible 

to the public under the existing 



pilot projects for the implementation 



160 

of sustainable transport concepts 

and technologies. 


research into the applicability of methods 

for intermodal strategic environmental 

impact assessment in the 

Alps. 

Article 19 

Training and provision of information 

to the public 


basic and further training and the provision 

of information to the public on the 

objectives, measures and implementation 


Chapter IV 

Monitoring and Evaluation 

Article 20 







Article 21 


Protocol obligations 












fulfilled their obligations arising from 

this Protocol. It may also ask for additional 





up a report on compliance by the 


arising from this Protocol, for the 






Article 22 


provisions 



of the provisions of this

Protocol. They shall initiate appropriate 

amendments to this Protocol 

where necessary in order to achieve 

objectives. 






consulted. 

Chapter V 


Article 23 





meaning of Article 2 and any other 

relevant articles of the Convention. 










Article 24 




Alpine Convention and by the European 

Community on 31 October 

2000 and in the Republic of Austria, 

as the depositary, from 6 November 

2000. 






States have deposited their instruments 


approval. 

3. For Parties which later express their 

agreement to be bound by the Protocol, 

the Protocol shall enter into force 

three months after the date of deposit 

of the instrument of ratification, acceptance 

or approval. After the entry 

into force of an amendment to the 

Protocol, any new Contracting Party 

to the said Protocol shall become a 

Contracting Party to the Protocol, as 

amended. 

Article 25 

Notification 




of: 



162 














Done at Lucerne this thirty-first day of 

October two thousand, in the French, 

German, Italian and Slovene languages, 

the four texts being equally authentic, in 

a single original which shall be deposited 

in the Austrian State Archives. The depositary 

shall send a certified copy to each 

of the signatory States.

Protocol 

on the Solution of Litigations 

Protocol on the Solution of Litigations 


164 

Preamble 









and 


Contracting Parties to the Convention on 

the Protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention), 

in their mutual intention to 

create an effective procedure for consultation 

and conciliation of disputes regarding 

the Alpine Convention and its Protocols, 


Article 1 

Whenever there is any dispute between 

the Contracting Parties regarding the interpretation 

or application of the Alpine 

Convention or one of its Protocols, the 

Contracting Parties shall firstly aim to reach 

a settlement by a system of consultations. 

Article 2 

If, following the invitation sent in writing 

by one of the Parties concerned to pursue 

the consultation procedure, no 

agreement is reached to settle the dispute 

within a period of 6 months, one of the 


Parties may have recourse to an arbitration 

procedure by sending a written 

communication to the other Party and to 

the Presidency of the Alpine Conference, 

for the purpose of settling the dispute in 

accordance with the provisions set forth 

in this respect. The Presidency will immediately 

notify all the Contracting Parties. 

Article 3 

To proceed with arbitration pursuant to 

article 2, an arbitration panel consisting 

of three members will be formed as follows: 

a) Each Disputant will nominate one 

member of the arbitration panel. If 

one of the Disputants does not nominate 

a member within 60 days of receiving 

the notification as at article 2 

from the Presidency, the member will 

be nominated by the Secretary-General 

of the Permanent Court of Arbitration 

at The Hague within the following 

30 days on request from the 

other Disputant. 

b) The Chairman of the arbitration panel 

will be nominated by mutual agreement 

between the two members designated 

in accordance with letter a) 

above. If no agreement is reached 

within 120 days of receiving the notification 

as at article 2 from the Presidency, 

the Chairman will be nominated 

by the Secretary-General of the 

Permanent Court of Arbitration at The 

Hague within a further 30 days on 

request from one of the Disputants. 

c) Once appointed, the members of the 

arbitration panel may only be dis-

missed by mutual agreement between 

the Disputants. 

d) The positions becoming vacant will 

be assigned by the methods prescribed 

for the initial nomination. 

Article 4 

1. Each Contracting Party has the right 

to inform the arbitration panel of its 

opinion in relation to the dispute. 

2. When a Contracting Party considers 

it has an interest of a juridical nature 

in relation to the object of the dispute, 

it may request to the arbitration 

panel to be allowed to intervene in 

the case. 

Article 5 

Unless the Disputants decide otherwise, 

the arbitration court will determine its 

own Internal Regulations. 

Article 6 

The Disputants shall refrain from adopting 

any measure that could compromise 

or prejudice the award of the arbitration 

panel. On request from one of the Disputants, 

the arbitration panel has the power 

to indicate cautionary measures that 

must be taken to protect the respective 

rights of each Disputant. 

Article 7 

Unless the Disputants have agreed otherwise, 

the arbitration court will define 

which language or official languages of 

the Alpine Convention will be used during 

the procedure. 

Article 8 

1. The Disputants shall facilitate the 

work of the arbitration panel and, 

specifically, using every means at 

their disposal: 

a) they will provide the panel with all 

the relevant documents and information 

and 

b) they will allow the panel, if necessary, 

to summon witnesses or experts 

and to receive their evidence. 

2. All the documents and information 

submitted to the arbitration panel’s 

attention by one of the Disputants 

must, by that Disputant, be simultaneously 

brought to the knowledge of 

the other Disputant. 

Article 9 

The panel will pronounce its sentence in 

accordance with international law and 

the provision of the Alpine Convention 

and its Protocols. 

Article 10 

The absence of one of the Parties or its 

lack of defence will not constitute an obstacle 

to continuing the proceedings. 

Before pronouncing the final sentence, 

the arbitration panel must ensure that the 

application is justified in terms both of 



166 

substance and from a legal point of 

view. 

Article 11 

The arbitration panel will pronounce its 

definitive award within 6 months from the 

date it is fully constituted, unless deeming 

it necessary to defer the period for 

a maximum of 6 months. 

Article 12 

Both as regards the legal issues arising 

from the arbitration proceedings and the 

substance matters, decisions reached by 

the arbitration panel are by a majority of 

its members. The arbitral award is final 

and binding on the Disputants. The arbitration 

panel must publish the motivations 

for such award. The Disputants shall 

promptly implement the arbitrations 

panel’s decision. 

Article 13 

Unless the arbitration panel decides 

otherwise due to special circumstances 

in the specific case, the arbitration costs, 

including the fees to its arbitrators, will be 

equally borne by the Disputants. 

Article 14 

The Chairman of the arbitration panel 

shall inform the Disputants and the Presidency 

of the Alpine Conference about 

the result of the arbitral award. The President 

forwards the results of the award to 


the Contracting Parties and to the observers, 

in accordance with article 5 (5) of 

the Alpine Convention. 

Article 15 

1. The denunciation of this Protocol is 

only admissible at the same time as 

denouncing the Alpine Convention. 

2. However, this Protocol continues to 

be applicable to the denouncing Parties 

as regards the proceedings in 

progress on the date the denouncement 

comes into effect. These proceedings 

shall continue until their 

conclusion. 

Article 16 


by the Contracting Parties to the 



from 6 November 2000 in the Republic 









approval. 





of deposit of the instrument of rati-

fication, acceptance or approval. After 






Article 17 




of: 




c) each date of entry into force, 









Done at Lucerne on 31 October 2000 in 

the French, Italian, Slovene and German 



in the Austrian State Archives. 


copy to each of the signatory Parties. 



Declaration 

on Population and Culture 

Declaration on Population and Culture 


170 

Preamble 

The Ministers of the Parties to the Alpine 

Convention 

Regard the socio-economic and sociocultural 

aspects mentioned in Article 2, 

Paragraph 2, Item a., as being central to 

the implementation of an integrated policy 

to ensure the protection and sustainable 

development of the Alpine area. 

They hold the conviction that the value of 

the Alpine area lies in its diversity. 

They are therefore committed to preserving 

and promoting cultural diversity in 

the Alps as well as to building bridges 

and fostering dialogue between cultures. 

The ministers recognise that for the inhabitants 

of the Alpine area to identify with 

the Alpine Convention and its protocols, 

they need to constitute a people-centred, 

sustainable development policy that focuses 

on the needs, wishes and opinions 

of the people who live in the Alpine 

area. 

The ministers recognise the right of the 

inhabitants of the Alpine areas to live in 

these areas on a permanent basis and to 

engage in economic activities there. 

They also recognise the right of Alpine 

residents to equality of opportunity, both 

within the Alpine region as well as in relation 

to the residents of non-Alpine 

areas. These points constitute the essen- 


tial direction of the ministers’ political 

aims. 

The ministers are aware of the effects of 

demographic change on living and working 

conditions in the Alpine areas and 

commit to the following aims and principles 

which will be implemented through 

the exemplary measures set out in the 

annex to this declaration within the framework 

of the applicable national regulations 

and based on the available resources. 

Chapter I 

Community Awareness and 

Cooperation 

Community Awareness and Identity 

1. Affirmation of the shared responsibility 

of the Alpine and non-Alpine populations 

and of political decision-makers 

at all levels, for the maintenance 

of the cultural uniqueness of the Alpine 

environment with a particular view 

to strengthening community awareness 

and the identity of the people 

who live in it. 

Cooperation within the Alpine Area and 

Between Alpine and non-Alpine Areas 

2. Facilitation of communication between 

the various linguistic groups, 

encouragement of dialogue, of cooperation 

and of knowledge-sharing 

within the Alpine area and between 

inhabitants of the Alpine and the non 

Alpine areas, as a means of strengthe-

ning mutual understanding and respect. 

3. Strengthening of sustainable regional 

development through cooperation 

and the sharing of experiences 

between the various cultural groups 

of the Alps and with people from 

other mountainous regions throughout 

the world. 

Transparency and Participation 

4. Recognition of the significant role of 

civil society in promoting sustainable 

development in the Alpine area and 

in fostering transparency in the relationships 

between the state authorities 

and the general population as well as 

encouraging the participation of the 

general population in public affairs. 

Chapter II 

Cultural Diversity 

Tangible and Intangible Cultural 

Heritage 

1. Research, maintenance and development 

of the existing physical and 

non-physical cultural heritage and 

traditional knowledge. This applies in 

particular to traditional methods of 

landscape management and the architectural 

and artistic heritage, including 

traditional methods of working 

the fields, forestry, handcrafts and 

industrial production. 

2. Support of modern culture and the 

maintenance and development of local 

and regional traditions in the 

areas of expression and representation 

(customs, literature, music, dance, 

theatre, various types of communication 

and so forth). 

Linguistic Diversity 

3. Improvement of the conditions under 

which the linguistic diversity of the 

Alpine area can be maintained and 

promoted, with particular regard to 

the traditional cultural and linguistic 

communities. 

4. Recognition of the meaning and value 

of the toponomastic heritage 

(particularly place names and field 

names) in the Alpine area for cultural 

and historical reasons and also for 

the sake of their appreciation. 

Creative, Artistic Activities 

5. Support of artistic creation in all its 

forms including the artistic expression 

of Alpine themes. 

Chapter III 

Living environment, Quality of 

Life and Equal Opportunity 

Condition of Settlements and their 

Structures 

1. Maintenance and modernisation of 

the existing settlements and developing 

them on the basis of the princip- 



172 

le of sustainability and on the basis of 

the idea of taking the particular characteristics 

of each site into account. 

General Service Provision and Primary 

Health Care 

2. Maintenance, guarantee and development 

of de-centralised primary 

health care. 

Schools, Job Training, Further 

Education and Adult Education. 

3. Maintaining and developing an up to 

date school system and job training 

facilities as well as appropriate adult 

education programmes on a local 

and regional level. In all areas of education 

and training, account will be 

taken of any factors that relate specifically 

to the Alpine environment. 

Leisure Activities 

4. Maintenance of broadly diversified, 

year-round cultural programmes and, 

where possible, a suitable programme 

of leisure activities for local residents. 

Communication and Information 

5. Maintenance and promotion of the 

diversity of the media with a view to 

protecting the cultural characteristics 

of the Alpine area. 

6. Facilitating access of the Alpine population 

to modern communication 

technologies. 


Community Life 

7. Fostering mutual understanding, dialogue 

and community life in settlements 

throughout the Alpine area. 

Chapter IV 

Economic Area 

Regional Development 

1. Implementation of a clear regional 

policy aimed at a diversified and independent 

development of the region 

through the sustainable use of inherent 

potential and through the use 

of new socially and environmentally 

friendly technologies. 

Value Chains 

2. Strengthening and development of 

local value chains to promote local 

and regional products and services. 

Employment 

3. Putting in place the measures needed 

to ensure that attractive jobs are 

on offer and, where necessary, combinations 

of jobs.

Chapter V 

The Role of Urban and Rural 

Areas 

Relationships Between the Towns and 

the Surrounding Countryside 

1. Recognition of the significance of Alpine 

cities, particularly as regards 

their role as centres of social, cultural 

and economic activity that interact 

with the surrounding area. 

Relationships Between Alpine and 

non-Alpine Cities 

2. Building and strengthening relationships 

between towns within the Alpine 

area and with towns and cities 

outside the Alpine area with a view to 

facilitating the exchange of information 

between Alpine and non-Alpine 

people in the areas of business, academia, 

and culture. 

The Role of Rural areas 

3. Recognition of the importance of rural 

Alpine areas and of their varied, 

heterogeneous, and discrete economic, 

natural, and cultural scope. Putting 

in place integrated strategies 

that are suited to the particular potential 

of each area. 



174 

Annex to the “Population 

and Culture” Declaration 

I. Community Awareness and 

Cooperation 

Measures to promote community 

awareness and identity 

• Support for organisations that promote 

community values 

• Promotion and further development of 

partnerships between local and regional 

authorities in the Alps 

• Activities that gives the population access 

to knowledge about the Alpine 

area that is of historical, economic and 

environmental interest 

• Information and education programmes 

concerning the Alpine Convention 

and its protocols 

Measures to Promote Cooperation 

between the Alpine area and the 

non-Alpine areas 

• Establishing, consolidating and developing 

cross-border and inter-regional 

cooperation networks 

• Activities to promote cultural exchange 

as well as the sharing of information 

and experiences concerning specific 

issues 

• Events, exhibitions, publications, film 

productions and research 

• Production and dissemination of multilingual 

publications in the languages of 

the Alpine area 

• Projects in the context of international 

partnerships between Alpine areas 

• Cross-border exchange programmes 

within the Alps and with areas outside 

the Alps 


Measures Regarding Transparency 

and Participation 

• Promotion of further education and 

training of decision-makers in the areas 

of participation and mediation 

• Support of local Agenda 21 processes 

II. Cultural Diversity 

Measures Concerning Tangible and 

Intangible Cultural heritage 

• Establishment and development of local 

and regional documentation resource 

centres for cross-referencing 

purposes and for the dissemination of 

information about tangible and intangible 

natural and cultural heritage 

• Preservation and renovation of structures 

and buildings that have historical 

and architectural merit 

• Availability of training to enable the 

passing on of skills associated with 

traditional Alpine crafts 

• Supporting innovative forms of cultural 

creation and expression 

• Programmes and projects in the areas 

of information and education (courses, 

competitions, experimental workshops, 

etc) with a view to imparting inherited 

knowledge and traditions 

• Fostering cooperation among relevant 

public and private museums, educational 

establishments and private individuals 

Measures Concerning Linguistic 

Diversity 

• Targeted support for the languages of 

the Alpine area, and of regional langua-

ges in particular. This includes dialects 

at school 

• Further training of teachers 

• Production of the necessary teaching 

materials 

• Fostering linguistic diversity and multilingualism 

and ensuring the linguistic 

integration of migrants 

• Building partnerships between schools 

from different linguistic areas 

• Cultural products in local languages, 

particularly music, literature and/or 

theatrical presentations, language 

courses and print and electronic 

media 

• Projects to acquire and develop regional 

knowledge through toponomastic 

research 

• Erection of information boards in towns 

and villages with the most important 

and significant place names 

Measures Concerning Creative 

and Artistic Activities 

• Organising art exhibitions and artistic 

events 

• Invitations to tender for the creation of 

quality labels, logos, and corporate 

design for local administrative bodies 

and businesses in the Alpine area 

• Giving art courses and workshops with 

specifically Alpine themes 

• Projects and initiatives to encourage 

artistic creation using raw materials 

from the Alpine region 

III. human habitat, Quality of 

Life and Equal Opportunity 

Measures Concerning The Condition 

of Settlements and buildings 

• Taking sustainability principles into 

account when planning and building 

• Additional training programmes in sustainable 

construction for building industry 

professionals and for the authorities 

responsible for issuing building permits 

• Events and initiatives aimed at raising 

awareness among the general public 

about sustainable construction and 

sustainable use of resources 

Measures Concerning General Service 

Provision and Primary health Care 

• Measures aimed at a more even distribution 

of basic service provision 

• Maintenance of local service provision 

via improved availability at multi-purpose 

centres 

• Re-establishment or improvement of 

existing public transport facilities 

Measures Concerning Schooling, Job 

Training and Further Education 

Including Adult Education 

• Ensuring the provision of suitable education 

facilities including appropriate 

teaching materials and technologies 

• Adult education courses 

• Facilitation of school partnerships 

Measures Concerning Leisure 

Activities 

• Provision of suitable leisure activities 

and facilities. The needs and wishes of 



176 

the various regional populations are to 

be heeded 

• Increased support of local cultural and 

sporting clubs 

• Building, maintaining and refurbishing 

cultural and sporting facilities, social 

and environmental considerations permitting 

• Supporting youth work in the areas of 

sport and culture 

Measures Concerning Communication 

and Information 

• Securing the presence of the media in 

remote Alpine regions through the provision 

of public media outlets 

• Promoting communication and information 

provision in regional languages 

• Putting in place a framework for establishing 

print media in the regional 

languages 

• Encouraging the coverage of issues 

concerning the Alpine area 

Measures Concerning Community 

Living 

• Maintenance and promotion of meeting 

places 

• Promotion of cooperation and exchange 

programmes 

• Valorisation of volunteer work and 

neighbourhood assistance 

IV. Economic Area 

Measures Concerning Regional 

Development 

• Specific measures for the economic 

advancement of mountain areas to be 

included in all sector-based policies 


• Reinforcement of initiatives for the promotion 

of socially, culturally and environmentally 

friendly tourism 

• Fostering regional policies which 

address the specific needs of mountain 

areas 

• Specific economic support programmes 

that target young people 

• Supporting regional development work 

which is aimed at increasing cooperation 

between agriculture, forestry, the 

trades, tourism and other areas of economic 

activity 

Measures Concerning Value Chains 

• Establishment and development of regional 

brands, quality standards and 

systems of quality labelling for products 

and services from the Alpine area 

• Support for the marketing of local and 

regional products 

• Support for training in this area 

Measures Concerning Employment 

• Support for long term public/private 

investment for the creation of jobs, 

particularly for highly qualified people 

• Creation of well-paid jobs 

• Improving the social security net, especially 

for seasonal workers 

V. Role of Urban and Rural 

Areas 

Measures Concerning Relationships 

between the Towns and the 

Surrounding Countryside 

• Initiatives to increase awareness of 

people from urban areas and from the 

country regarding their joint responsi-

ility to preserve the cultural and natural 

heritage for future generations 

• Cooperation between towns. Cooperation 

also between towns and the surrounding 

communities within the context 

of information exchanges and development 

projects across communities 

on a national and international level, 

involving the pursuit of aims that 

are in line with the Alpine Convention’s 

environmental, economic and developmental 

aims 

• Communication and information campaigns 

to avoid and resolve conflicts 

regarding land use 

Measures Concerning Relationships 

between Alpine Towns and Towns 

Outside the Alps 

• Voluntary agreements between Alpine 

regional authorities and bodies outside 

the Alpine area 

• Exchange and visiting programmes for 

young people with particular interests 

that are pertinent to the urban partnerships 

between Alpine and non-Alpine 

towns 

• Partnerships between Alpine and non- 

Alpine towns and communities with a 

view to sharing information and to demonstrating 

best practice techniques 

Measures Concerning The Role of 

Rural Areas 

• Guaranteeing and supporting cooperation 

and sharing experiences across 

rural areas 

• Development of political strategies to 

make the most of inherent potential 

and synergies as well as of creative 

regional milieu 

• Guaranteeing equal access to infrastructure, 

information and knowledge 

in order to strengthen the position of 

rural areas as regards their economic 

competitiveness 



Declaration 

on Climate Change 

Declaration on Climate Change 


180 

Preamble 

The Alpine Conference 

WITH reference to the decision of the 8th 

Alpine Conference about natural hazards; 

RECOGNISES with concern that the global 

climate change particularly affects 

the Alpine Area. The average temperature 

increase since the pre-industrial age is 

clearly above the global average in this 

area. Already today this shows itself 

through the increase of the threat through 

natural hazards or as a visible effect in 

the form of the progressive melting of 

glaciers and the reduction of the permafrost; 

NOTICES that, according to the climate 

scenarios supplied by the scientific community, 

significant climate changes must 

be taken into account by 2100 in the Alpine 

Area; 

EMPHATICALLY requires the worldwide 

implementation of the framework convention 

on climate and of the Kyoto protocol 

as well as the definition of ambitious 

objectives for the reduction of 

greenhouse gases for the period after 

2012 with a view to the necessary stabilization 

of greenhouse gas concentration 

in the atmosphere at a level at which a 

dangerous anthropogenic disturbance of 

the climate system is prevented and the 

increase of the global surface temperature, 

according to the conclusions of the 

presidency at the meeting of the European 

Council of 22/23 March 2005, is li- 


mited at maximum 2 °C with respect to 

the preindustrial level; 

WITH respect to the progressive climate 

change for the future, indicates that it is 

necessary to develop appropriate strategies 

and activities for the Alpine area for 

the adaptation to the consequences that 

will result from the climate change, that 

consider the “Five-year programme of 

work on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation 

to climate change“ under the UN 

framework agreement about climate 

changes, as well as the European Climate 

Protection Programme (ECCP), that 

are also aimed at specific sectors and 

include regional peculiarities, needs and 

abilities for the adaptation; 

DEEMS efforts for the promotion of international 

research projects as necessary, 

in order to achieve better understanding 

about the effects of climate change on 

the Alpine area (among other things, on 

land use, land use changes, on the water 

balance with the envisaged more frequent 

occurrence of extreme rainfall 

events and drought periods and the consequences 

for the vitality of mountain 

forests) and therefore create the basis for 

the drafting or implementation of effective 

adaptation strategies, that can be 

transposed to other mountain regions of 

the world with comparable issues by 

means of suitable and commonly supported 

„Capacity Programmes“; 

INVITES the Alpine states and the EU to 

include within the framework of national 

policies and in the common Alpine policy 

the following recommendations for action 

to avoid a further progressive climate 

change and to its adaptation:

Avoid climate change progressing 

further through appropriate measures for 

the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions 

and the support to the absorption of 

greenhouse gases, in particular by 

means of 

- the improvement of the energy efficiency 

and the use of existing 

energy saving potential, 

- an increased use of local raw materials 

that can be regenerated 

(e.g. wood) and the increased use 

of renewable energies in the Alpine 

area, 

- the promotion of energy saving 

constructions and the renovation 

of buildings with a view to energy 

saving, 

- environmentally sustainable traffic, 

dwelling and landscape planning 

and actions for an environmentally 

sustainable development of road 

traffic, 

- promotion of methods of agricultural 

use that are low in greenhouse 

gases, including organic farming, 

- the promotion of sustainable forestry 

use. 

Adaptation to the effects of climate 

change by means of the development of 

concrete strategies for the inclusion of 

adaptation measures in segment policies, 

guarantee of the organisational, legal 

and appropriate budget framework 

conditions, implementation of new or intensification 

of current actions, raising 

awareness and targeted research, in 

particular 

- quick drafting of proposals for appropriate, 

additional future actions 

in economy sectors which are particularly 

affected, such as agriculture 

and forestry as well as tourism 

and traffic 

- total risk management for the prevention 

and reaction to the likely 

stronger occurrence of natural hazards 

- ensure a land use adapted to the 

threat potential through natural hazards 

as well to the shift of vegetation 

areas and putting land planning 

actions in line with the reduction 

of the danger and damage 

potential 

- research to assess possible effects 

of planned adaptation 

measures on the „Alps“ system 

and the people who live there 

- early alarm systems, emergency 

planning and, if necessary, integrated 

transborder catastrophe 

management, adaptation to great 

events as well as setting up of 

corresponding damage compensation 

solutions for larger risks 

- promotion of danger knowledge 

and danger awareness through 

information and participation of 

the population (from affected to 

involved) 

- protection and recovery of mountain 

forests for the protection of the 

soil and the improvement of the 

protection from Alpine natural dangers, 

more intense efforts for the 

preservation, care and, where necessary, 

recovery of protection forests 

in the mountains 

- strategies for the adaptation to the 

changes in the water balance with 

the previously said increased frequency 

of extreme rainfalls events 

Declaration on Climate Change 


182 

and drought periods as well as for 

the solution of conflicts of objectives 

in water use 

- exchange of information about adaptation 

strategies and actions 

and exchange of knowledge about 

the effects of climate change on 

the Alpine area as well as their 

implementation 

underlines that the bodies of the Alpine 

Convention in collaboration with their 

partners will take into consideration the 

problem, the causes and the consequences 

of climate change in all their 

actions. 


In particular, regarding this issue, the Alpine 

Conference takes two long-term initiatives: 

The natural hazard platform deals within 

the framework of its mandate with the 

effects of climate change on the safety of 

people, dwellings and infrastructures. 

Within the framework of the implementation 

of the multi-year work programme 

and the research agenda drafted by IS- 

CAR with respect to it, the issue of Global 

Change and the possibility of adaptations 

to the effects on the water balance 

will be given a particular priority.


Action Plan 

on Climate Change in the Alps 

The IX Alpine Conference (Alpbach, 9.11.2006) adopted the Declaration reproduced at page 

179 and mandated the Permanent Committee with the task of preparing, in time for the X Alpine 

Conference, an Action Plan recommending measures of specific alpine character and 

long-term initiatives, together with a schedule for their implementation. 

Accordingly, the X Alpine Conference (Evian, 12.03.2009), adopted the Action Plan reproduced 

hereafter. 

Action Plan on Climate Change in the Alps 


184 

Preamble 

The Alps are particularly sensitive to climate 

change. As the OECD report «Climate 

Change in the European Alps – 

Adapting Winter Tourism and Natural 

Hazards Management» confirms, the effects 

of climate change in the Alps are 

three time higher than the world average. 

Moreover, this is a densely populated 

(14 millions inhabitants for approximately 

200,000 km 2) and tourist area, 

thus requesting special measures. 

In the face of climate change, mountain 

ranges, with their water reserves and 

their capital for biodiversity, have a key 

role to play towards other territories. 

Therefore, their protection goes beyond 

the supra-national dimension. 

Alpine regions should take part in the 

collective effort to reduce the greenhouse 

effect by searching for adapted solutions 

to tackle the specific issues that 

affect them, particularly in terms of transport, 

energy efficiency, buildings, tourism, 

farming and water. 

The Action Plan following the Ministers’ 

Declaration of Alpbach rests on the joint 

commitments taken by the Alpine 

countries which fall under the Framework 

Convention on climate change and the 

Kyoto Protocol. This Action Plan is part 

of the ongoing discussions to reach a 

comprehensive and ambitious post-2012 

agreement and takes into account the 

commitments made in this regard by the 

European Union. Its aim is to go beyond 

the general framework to offer concrete 

measures that are specific to the Alps by 


promoting, both in terms of mitigation 

and adaptation, themes and measures 

that could be the subject of regional cooperations 

in the frame of the Alpine 

Convention, and by taking into account 

actions that are already in place on a 

national, regional and local level. 

The Action Plan on Climate contributes 

to both the global effort aiming at reducing 

greenhouse effect following international 

commitments by the Contracting 

Parties and to the quality of life of Alpine 

populations for present and future generations. 

This Plan complements a full and complete 

implementation of the Protocols of 

the Alpine Convention by the Contracting 

Parties. The fight against the effects 

of climate change goes hand in hand 

with a real policy on sustainable development. 

It is therefore worth-noticing 

that some of the measures of the Action 

Plan materialise provisions mentioned in 

the various Protocols. 

The measures recommended for illustrative 

purposes are aimed at multiple stakeholders, 

either public – on a local or 

national level – or private, with the aim to 

change the attitudes to tackle climate 

change. The Action Plan should also 

bring about common projects, promote 

the development of concrete regional 

cooperations and the exchange of experiences, 

and support specific scientific 

research projects. 

The Alpine Conference will guarantee 

the dissemination of such measures as 

well as the promotion of corresponding 

« best practices » by taking into account

the specific needs of local partners and 

by making the most of their relevant 

skills. It will secure the help of its various 

Working Groups and will integrate in its 

Multiannual Work Programme the objectives 

of this Action Plan. It will promote 

the Plan with institutional partners assisting 

in its implementation, including 

European partners, in order for the Alpine 

Convention decisions to be formally 

taken into account. 

Mitigation Strategies 

Measures to be taken are part of a comprehensive 

policy in terms of spatialand 

land planning. 

Transports and household consumption 

of fossil fuels – particularly for residential 

heating – offer great potential to reduce 

CO 2 emissions. In the Alpine context, 

the tourism industry should contribute in 

a noticeable way to the efforts aiming at 

reducing emissions in both sectors. 

Taking into consideration their resources 

in wood and water and their potential in 

terms of solar, wind and geothermal 

energy, Alpine regions could lead the 

way by using mainly renewable energies 

to cover their needs. 

Measures in the Subject Fields of 

Spatial and Land Planning 

Objectives 

- Ensure efficient space management, 

promote urban densification 

- Promote CO 2 efficient urbanisation 

and planning 

Measures 

1. promote the integration of bioclimatic 

criteria (exposure to the sun, natural 

ventilation …) in the tools used for 

land planning, particularly on a municipal 

level 

2. localise urbanisation projects in areas 

served by eco-friendly public transports 

3. maintain natural areas (as carbon 

sinks) 

Examples of good practices 

Within its project of Climate Plan, the 

autonomous Province of Trento (Italy) 

has set up Working Groups to survey 

issues linked to climate change in the 

Alpine region and its territory, particularly 

in areas such as analysis and monitoring 

of climate, water resources management, 

energy and industry, environment 

and spatial planning, tourism management 

and information. Guidelines 

have been determined to reduce CO 2 

emissions by raising public awareness 

and promoting the development of good 

practices in the different fields of application. 

The innovative element is that the issue 

of CO 2 emissions is treated comprehensively 

by taking into account all partners 

and factors involved (political, social, 

cultural, legal, energy, mobility, etc.). 

Since 1990, the Municipality of Cavalese 

(Italy) not only takes into account measures 

to preserve natural resources but 

also bioclimatic criteria (maps indicating 

solar exposure, survey of prevailing winds, 

etc.) when selecting building land. 

Such measures maximise the benefits of 



186 

natural radiation, thus contributing to 

saving energy which, in return, can be 

used to heat buildings (measure 1). 

The «Green architecture» initiatives («Architettura 

verde») of the Autonomous 

Province of Trento boost ecological building 

(«bioedilizia»). 

Moreover, the certification «CasaClima- 

Klimahaus», set up by the Autonomous 

Province of Bolzano-Bozen in South 

Tyrol (Italy) aims at combining energy 

saving, well-being at home and sustainability. 

The categories «CasaClima 

Gold», «CasaClima A» and «CasaClima 

B» help determining the energy home 

rating (e.g. less than 10 kWh/m² for the 

category «CasaClima Gold») (measures 

1 and 2). 

Measures for the Energy 

Industry: heating Energy, a Key 

Sector in the Alpine World 

Objectives 

- significantly reduce CO 2 emissions 

- promote the use of renewable energy 

sources 

Measures 

1. elaborate in a participative way an 

energy policy specific to the Alps in 

order to create a consensus for a 

future sustainable management of 

energy in the Alps 

2. increase the energy efficiency of 

buildings by promoting the rehabilitation 

of existing buildings and the 


construction of «passive» buildings 

3. in order to respect natural balance 

and landscapes, promote the production 

of renewable energies, and 

their use for heating purposes on a 

local level by individuals and communities, 

by using recent technologies 

with high energetic efficiency which, 

in the case of biomass, limit pollution 

emissions in the atmosphere 

4. disseminate existing techniques that 

reduce energy consumption by favouring 

local resources while building, 

particularly by improving the 

training of mountain building professionals 

(training campaigns, networking…) 

5. launch information campaigns and 

take concrete measures to promote 

the use of biomass (mainly wood 

from mountain forests) and other renewable 

energies respecting the environment 

and produced locally 


In Slovenia, financial support and subsidies 

are granted to families and public 

bodies for using renewable energy 

sources (biomass boiler, solar collectors, 

heat pumps for heating). Furthermore, 

a decree on energy efficiency 

states that, in terms of heating and ventilating 

buildings, 25% of the energy 

should come from renewable sources 

(measures 1 and 2). 

The Municipality of Diex (Austria), taking 

advantage of solar radiations that are

more intense in the Alps than in any 

other region and of the absence of fog, 

made big investments in a photovoltaic 

programme (residential buildings, road 

signals, information board, street lighting) 

(measure 2). 

The municipal council of Munderfing 

(Austria) adopted and implemented a 

modular energy system (biomass; solar, 

wind and hydraulic energy; PR modules) 

that was developed in cooperation with 

the local population. (measure 2). 

The Energy Institute of Vorarlberg (Austria) 

has been trying for the past ten 

years to raise public awareness on energy. 

It promotes activities and measures 

aiming at improving energy efficiency 

and the use of renewable energies. It 

cooperates with other institutions on an 

international level. 

In Embrun (France), the association « Le 

Gabion » offers seminars toprofessionals 

and individuals to build or renovate houses 

in order to better regulate the energy 

consumption and reduce the discharge 

of polluting gases into the atmosphere. 

Thanks to these seminars about ecological 

building that also protects the heritage, 

the association makes the most of 

the local materials and traditional knowhow 

involved, such as framing made out 

of wood and straw, soil, hemp, stones, 

plaster and lime (measures 2, 3 and 4). 

Measures for the Transport 

Industry: shift Traffic towards 

more eco and climate-friendly 

Means of Transportation 

Objective 

- significantly reduce CO 2 emissions 

linked to transports 

Measures 

1. shift as much of the transalpine traffic 

of goods and persons as possible 

towards means of transportation 

emitting less CO 2 : 

a. spur and support the cooperation 

between national managers of 

railway networks, companies and 

local authorities to improve the 

service offer in terms of quality 

and frequency on existing railway 

networks, whether it be for the 

transport of goods or for the transport 

of persons (more particularly 

the Brenner plan and the BRA- 

VO project, the IQ-C plan on the 

Gothard/Simplon corridor , the 

French- Italian programme on the 

historical line between Turin and 

Lyon, the Alpfrail project on the 

Tauern axis) 

b. continue with the implementation 

of new transalpine railway infrastructures 

on all major Alpine passes 

in order to create a transeuropean 

network adapted for traffic 

shift: Swiss programme NLFA 

(nouvelles liaisons ferroviaires alpines 

or new Alpine railway networks), 

priority projects of the EU 



188 

(axis Lyon - Turin - Trieste - Divaca 

- Ljubljana – Ukrainian border, 

and Berlin - Munich - Verona - Bologna 

- Naples via the Brenner) 

c. continue with the surveys initiated 

by the transport Ministers of the 

Alpine countries within the Zurich 

Declaration in order to determine 

the most efficient means to regulate 

road traffic for goods through 

the Alps (better management of 

the traffic on an hourly and daily 

basis, optimisation of flows, feasibility 

of an Alpine transit exchange, 

etc.) 

d. survey available options that rely 

on marine navigation (motorways 

of the sea) to replace transalpine 

road traffic when conceivable 

2. encourage regional and local authorities 

to reduce within the Alpine 

space the traffic impact on environment 

and climate, especially for means 

that produce CO 2 : 

a. promote policies that reduce the 

use of individual cars (cheaper 

public transports, carpooling, use 

of bicycles within city centres) or 

make it less polluting (programmes 

on how to drive in a more 

ecological way) 

b. develop on all scales a network of 

public transports which will guarantee 

practical continuity between 

the various means, mainly for 

reaching mountain resorts and 

tourist areas, and promote the 


means of transportation that emit 

less CO2 and pollute less 

c. develop planning tools (urban 

and interurban logistics plans, circulation 

plans, traffic plans, keeping 

or creating local services 

…) 

d. ensure application in full of the 

provisions of article 12, paragraph 

2, of the Transport Protocol on air 

traffic which plans to restrict the 

construction of new airports and 

«to improve public transport systems 

from airports on the fringes 

of the Alps to the various Alpine 

regions ». 


Several measures have been adopted 

along the Brenner corridor (motorways 

A22 and A12 between Italy and Austria) 

to limit HGV traffic, some of them promoting 

the use of alternative transport systems 

and the replacement of old vehicles 

that pollute. It was also decided to 

temporarily forbid the transit of HGV 

over 7.5 tons and of engines belonging 

to « Euro 0 » and « Euro 1 » categories, 

and to carry the goods by rail instead. 

Speed limits have been introduced during 

the night, along with a traffic management 

system. At night, HGVs are not 

allowed to travel and have to pay higher 

transit charges on the motorway A13 

(measures 1 and 2). 

In November 2005, the town of Gap 

(France) decided buses would be totally 

free for its 39 000 inhabitants. Since December 

15, 2007, a free shuttle is availa-

le in the city centre every ten minutes. 

Two 22-seater buses, equipped with access 

ramps for people with reduced 

mobility and particle filters, provide this 

service. The shuttle links several car 

parks, thus encouraging people to give 

up their cars in the city centre, and promotes 

intermodality and accessibility to 

the train station (measure 2). 

The Alpine furrow demonstrates the cooperation 

between Alpine departments 

(Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère, Drôme - 

France) for a coordinated and sustainable 

transport policy. This project, focuses 

on modal transport, organises space 

and urban development and tries to optimise 

the infrastructures in order to 

provide users with alternatives to cars. 

The Alpine furrow improved the service 

offer and the information to travellers, 

mainly by developing central offices on 

mobility (measures 1 and 2). 

Measures in the Tourism Industry: 

Objectives 

- Reduce CO 2 emissions produced by 

tourist activities and ensure travel 

professionals offer the option of sustainable 

transports 

- promote Alpine holidays offers that 

are « climate neutral » 

Measures 

1. put into place a regular environmental 

audit of tourist destinations containing 

a « carbon report » and refer 

to this audit when granting authorisations 

and/or public subsidies 

2. promote soft mobility for reaching 

tourist sites by favouring the least 

polluting means of transportation 

(adapted rates, using aerial lifts such 

as cable cars to go from the valleys 

to the nearby resorts …) 

3. develop with transport operators the 

«last mile» connection and longdistance 

access to tourist sites using 

railways 

4. favour the rehabilitation of real estate 

aimed at tourists by adapting it to 

climate change instead of building 

new infrastructures which generate « 

empty beds » (tourist beds that remain 

unoccupied for most of the 

year) 

5. adapt the resorts’ communicating 

and marketing strategies to reflect 

the new measures 

6. develop cross-border public transports 

and simplify tariff offers for 

tourists in the Alps 

7. ensure travel and tourism professionals 

develop together practical information 

on the soft mobility options 

that are available in different Alpine 

sites and make it accessible to the 

general public 

8. harmonise school holidays calendars 

in order to limit peak season 

and the development of infrastructures 



190 


Arosa (Switzerland), a resort accessible 

by train, set up a system of «carbon offset» 

for CO 2 emissions generated by 

tourist travels. It also has on offer a large 

array of eco-friendly activities such as 

free use of buses, electric bicycles, ski 

lifts, cable cars or pedalos on the lake 

(measures 1, 2 and 5). 

The Alpine Pearls network promotes soft 

mobility to holiday makers by offerin 

them to move around by train, bus, bike 

or foot. In Bad Hofgastein and Werfenweng 

(Austria), « car-less mobility » is on 

offer, which contributes to the development 

of public transports, electric or fun 

vehicles, car pooling and information 

system for travellers. Press releases 

about the events taking place (day without 

car) support and highlight such 

activities (measures 2, 3 and 5). 

The Tiroler Gemeinden mobil project 

(Austria) encourages the use of buses 

and trains with the help of central offices 

on mobility and advisory services (pocketsize 

timetables for public transports 

are handed out, car pooling, information 

for new residents) (measures 2 and 5). 

The Pays des Écrins (France) set up 

thematic discovery shuttles (wine heritage, 

religious heritage, water heritage, 

silver mines etc.) (measure 2). 

In Italy and France, the project « Montagnes 

en chemin » (Piedmont, Aosta Valley, 

Liguria, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) 

aims at creating an integrated tourist 

system supporting sustainable development 

and monitor climate change in 


mountainous areas. The project favours 

tourism initiatives about summer and 

winter hiking and it already involves over 

60 organisations from both countries. 

Within a partnership between the Provence-Alpes-Côte 

d’Azur region (France), 

the SNCF (French national railway) 

and 24 resorts (and groups of resorts 

from the valley) of the Southern French 

Alps, the project « train des neiges » (or 

snow train) has been implemented. It 

allows travellers to book a train + shuttle 

package which will take them directly to 

the bottom of the ski slopes. The offer is 

available to and from several towns and 

resorts (measures 2 and 6). 

In France, the ANMSN (National Association 

for Mayors of Mountain Resorts) 

– Ski France elaborated, in cooperation 

with other partners, a « Charter supporting 

sustainable development in 

mountain resorts » made up of eight field 

of activity or action plans. Furthermore, 

carbon reports in mountain resorts are 

being implemented within the CIMA (an 

interregional committee for the Alps) 

(measure 1). 

CIPRA International proposes to create, 

within the next two years, 100 packages 

that would use sustainable means of 

transportation to reach and move around 

a tourist site (measure 2). 

Adaptation Strategies 

Adaptation is one of the main challenges 

in the fight against climate change, especially 

in the Alps, which are particularly 

exposed and densely populated.

Changes in summer precipitations, increase 

in winter precipitations, increase 

in temperatures and storm frequencies 

could well be the most noticeable consequences 

of climate change which already, 

and even more so in the future, 

amplify natural hazards in mountain areas. 

Policies and measures implemented 

should be long-lasting and should not 

contribute to the increase of greenhouse 

gas emissions nor of pressure on natural 

resources. Some appropriate information 

and awareness action are also necessary. 

Measures in Terms of Spatial 

Planning: 

Objective 

- Promote an integrated approach to 

adapt Alpine space to new climatic 

conditions and more particularly to: 

• better control natural hazards and 

limit their consequences 

• ensure sustainable development 

in terms of housing and economic 

activities 

Measures 

1. define risk areas in the whole Alpine 

region following harmonised procedures, 

taking into account risks 

resulting from climate change (landslides, 

rock slides, avalanches, floods, 

fires …) and consequently 

adapt town planning documents by 

defining adequate security perimeters. 

2. reinforce prevention and strategic 

management of natural hazards 

a. keep land sealing to a minimum, 

mainly by improving the ratio 

between built and open space in 

town planning projects 

b. establish efficiency indicators on 

policies and risk prevention tools 

c. identify a master event that is the 

most relevant for floods and avalanches 

by taking into account 

climate change and adapt practices 

and regulations accordingly 

d. anticipate the risks of transport 

infrastructures deteriorating due 

to climate change in the Alps and 

develop a map of itineraries potentially 

at risk along with crisis 

management plans and a survey 

on prospects for the next 20 years 

3. reinforce the territories’ adaptation 

capacity to climate change 

a. adapt existing tools and planning 

methods for an innovative management 

looking towards the future 

b. integrate into all levels of spatial 

planning the objective of risk prevention 

and vulnerability reduction 

c. use participative method of risk 

governance in the planning process 

4. inform the population and make it 

aware of its responsibilities 

a. improve public access to data on 

natural hazards 

b. support and maintain a «risk culture» 

in mountain areas with 

adapted preventive information 



192 

aimed at permanent and seasonal 

residents, and keep the public involved 

when measures and prevention 

strategies are drawn up 

c. develop and adapt pre-warning 

and warning systems, particularly 

in case of torrential floods d. disseminate 

«good practices» 

5. anticipate deterioration of transport 

infrastructures 


In Samedan (Switzerland), protective 

measures against floods have been set 

up and favour a more economical approach 

which takes into account the 

ecological function of waters and excessive 

pressures, the maintenance of flood 

areas, the arrangements for emergency 

services, the revitalisation and bypass of 

the Inn river, etc. (measures 1, 2 and 3) 

In Bavaria (Germany), coordinated measures 

have been implemented to optimise 

water retention by combining reservoirs 

for exundation, renaturalisation of 

peatlands and wetlands, creation of depressions 

and drains, modification of 

growing techniques, reforestation, ecological 

valorisation and renaturalisation 

of water resources (measures 1 and 2). 

The « ILUP » project in Austria developed 

innovative management and land use 

models: assessment of the zone from a 

functional point of view (soil, site, water 

and materials balance), survey of the 

link between precipitations and runoff, 

land use and structural changes, survey 

of natural geogenic risks in mountain 

areas (measures 1 and 2). 


The results of the INTERREG IV B « CLI- 

SP » project (Climate Change Adaptation 

by Spatial Planning), which has 

been implemented in pilot Alpine regions, 

will serve as a reference basis for 

the implementation of measures that 

were suggested. 

Enhancement of Mountain 

Forests and Development of the 

Wood Industry 

Mountain forests have several functions: 

production of a renewable and ecological 

material, habitat for fauna and flora 

(biodiversity reserve), prevention of natural 

hazards, production of energetic 

biomass, part of the landscape and essential 

basis for tourism. Climate change 

is now seriously threatening the forests 

as the adaptation in the Alpine space of 

ecosystems to the rapid changes of the 

ecological conditions is becoming particularly 

difficult. 

Objectives 

- Favour the adaptation of forest stands 

to climate change by keeping the 

Alpine forests in a good ecological 

state and by increasing their biodiversity 

- Develop wood industries so that 

wood can be used as a material and 

as an energy source that would benefit 

the economic development of 

local populations, and the use of 

scrap wood as raw material 

- reinforce the role played by the forests 

in preventing natural hazards

Measures 

1. encourage the diversification of forest 

stands by favouring autochthonous 

species that are ecologically 

resistant 

2. allow natural regeneration of 

mountain forests by limiting populations 

of hoofed animals according to 

article 2b of the Mountain forests 

Protocol 

3. ensure eco-certification of all forests 

part of the public right of way of each 

member state, give better information 

to private forest owners and encourage 

them to exploit their land in 

accordance with the demands of an 

accredited certification system and 

assess the actions 

4. promote continued maintenance and 

exploitation of forests in natural hazard 

areas in order to reinforce prevention 

and ensure sustainability of 

populations 

5. identify difficulties and potential congestions 

in local industries exploiting 

and transforming wood in order to 

implement adapted solutions 

6. implement coordinated observation 

methods on the effects of climate 

change on forests 


The « Protective forest of Hinterstein » 

mediation project (Germany) aims at 

safeguarding the protective function of 

the forest thanks to appropriate mana- 

gement: implementation of a specific 

zoning, choice of tree species by taking 

into account the planting season and 

consolidation measures (measures 1 

and 3). 

Exploitation of protective forests in the 

Grosse Walsertal biosphere park 

(Vorarlberg, Austria) 

Preservation of biodiversity 

Climate change triggers major changes 

in flora and fauna that could even lead to 

extinction for a large number of species. 

In order to counteract this phenomenon, 

further fragmentation of natural habitats 

should be avoided. Moreover, the key 

role played by mountain farming in preserving 

“ordinary” biodiversity should be 

recognised. 

Objectives 

- create an ecological continuum in 

order to facilitate the migration of Alpine 

fauna and flora species 

- preserve the biodiversity of protected 

areas and maintain ecosystem 

services 

- ensure habitat preservation for species 

that are representative of the 

Alps 

- support quality agriculture which 

contributes to the quality of the environment 

and to the stability of biodiversity 

- maintain peatlands as CO 2 sinks and 

biodiversity reservoirs 



194 

Measures 

1. implement [consider in view of a 

potential enforcement] concrete measures 

that will be suggested by the 

« Ecological Network » Platform to 

maintain biodiversity through a perennial 

« ecological continuum » (this 

measure might necessitate the demarcation 

of new protected areas 

and the reinforcement of existing 

protected areas) 

2. adapt management plans for large 

protected spaces in order to take into 

account expected climate changes in 

the Alpine space and adapt them 

according to the results of monitoring 

programmes implemented for this 

purpose (adaptation and management 

of leisure activities, maintenance 

measures for infrastructures …) 

3. implement in a coordinated way, and 

on the whole of the Alpine range, 

special protection programmes aimed 

at species representative of the 

Alps (Tetraonidae, ptarmigan, globe 

thistle...) and other endemic species 

endangered by climate change 

4. perform an ecological follow-up on 

experimental plots (e.g. on sample 

plots of 15 ha) to survey fauna adaptation 

to climate change 

5. promote mountain farming based on 

small structures and maintain quality 

farming work on all Alpine territories 

6. preserve existing peatlands and renaturalise 

the ones that can be 

renaturalised 



ECONNECT aims to enhance ecological 

connectivity in the Alpine space. Protection 

of biodiversity and natural heritage 

is more than ever a central need to face 

the challenges of climate change. The 

Alpine ecological continuum needs an 

integrated approach beyond established 

protected areas while considering high 

biodiversity areas and corridors as linking 

elements. Spatial links and respective 

management measures are an initial 

approach to facilitate the increasing migratory 

needs of species in latitude and 

altitude due to climate change. The 

project develops the basis for an alps 

wide and local implementation strategy. 

Within a survey aimed at anticipating 

and supervising changes and impact on 

pasture spaces and at outlining in the 

medium-term a charter on national parks, 

les Ecrins, Vanoise and Mercantour 

national parks (France) have determined 

the following objectives: 

- update knowledge on pasture areas 

as far as biodiversity and agro-pasture 

practices are concerned, 

- identify the origin and the management 

terms of herds estivating in 

national parks, 

- create a methodological frame allowing 

comparisons with available 

data, 

- define adapted indexes taking into 

account the partners from the territory. 

The Isere department (France), at the 

heart of the Alpine furrow, launched the 

«Isere ecological network» project to 

identify the breakdowns (over 300) in the

ecological continuum and tackle them. 

An action plan worth nine million euros 

over six years and designed in cooperation 

with local authorities and relevant 

partners (farmers, hunters, fishermen...) 

was launched to restore ecological corridors 

providing passages to the fauna. 

The Voreppe cluse and the Grésivaudan 

valley have been selected as priority sites. 

This programme is being developed in 

partnership with the Rhône-Alpes region, 

the Government but also with the 

regional motorway maintenance 

company (measure 1) 

Tourism 

Objective 

- Adapt winter tourism and diversify 

the tourism offer 

Measures 

1. supervise the construction of tourist 

infrastructures in glaciated and wilderness 

areas 

2. combine investment of public funds 

in snow-making equipment with the 

assessment of the consequences of 

such techniques on the environment 

and direct public funds towards other 

alternatives 

3. support local authorities which diversify 

their activities and offer an alternative 

to Alpine skiing in winter, and 

spread the information in order to 

attract new customers. 

4. aim at a better complementarity 

between summer and winter tourist 

seasons by favouring interseasonal 

tourism 

5. favour the pooling between a 

mountain tourist resort and its surrounding 

territory (valley, mountain 

range…) 

6. support the rehabilitation of existing 

dwellings 


As far as sport and outdoor activities are 

concerned, the PACA region (France) is 

encouraging local partners to diversify 

their tourist offer. It also initiated spatial 

redistribution of tourist flows from highdensity 

areas to areas that are not so 

easily accessible by making the latter 

more attractive (by associating sport, 

adventure and by diversifying the natural 

and cultural assets on offer) (measures 3 

and 5). 

Water and Water Resources 

The foreseeable change in the water regime, 

which is partly but not exclusively 

linked to glaciers melting, will result in 

contrasted effects depending on the region: 

the central and northern parts of 

the Alps should be subject to floods 

whereas intra-Alpine regions and the 

southern part of the Alps should be 

subject to accentuated droughts. 

Moreover, the development of small 

hydro-electric power plants, which are 

harmful on an ecological point of view, 

should be supervised. The Water Fra- 



196 

mework Directive, which determines ambitious 

objectives, is a well-adapted frame 

in the face of climate change. 

Objectives 

- reinforce the implementation of the 

Water Framework Directive 

- prevent water shortage 

- develop plants according to the ecology 

of water streams 

Measures 

1. reduce water consumption : 

a. promote water saving in all areas 

by supporting an integrated approach 

of the resource and its 

uses 

b. systematically take into account 

the impact on water resource 

when granting administrative permits 

c. favour rain water collection and 

the use of waste water 

2. improve the use of water: 

a. rationalise the use of water resources, 

unevenly distributed 

throughout the year 

b. favour collaborative management 

between the various uses for water 

c. identify water catchment areas for 

various uses (in particular for 

snow-making equipments) 

3. reduce the impact of hydro-electric 

plants on the environment : 

a. improve the efficiency of existing 

artificial lakes and electricity 

plants 


b. decide on common guidelines for 

the construction of small power 

stations 


The Municipality of Les Gets (France) 

has to face water shortage and water 

cutoff during peak periods. It has, however, 

found the following solutions in order 

to deal with the problem: use of a 

retaining reservoir situated on a hill, better 

distribution networks (technical 

aspect), large research programme on 

water (scientific aspect) and raising of 

public awareness (civic aspect) (measures 

1 and 2). 

The LEADER project in the Mariazellerland, 

Mürztal and Eisenstrasse region 

(Austria) aims at making the population 

aware of the importance of water, thus 

encouraging its sustainable exploitation. 

Mountain Farming 

Mountain farming, which is directly touched 

by climate change, should also be 

subject to an adaptation strategy as it 

contributes to the attractiveness of Alpine 

territories. 

Objective 

- Improve mountain farming contribution 

to the environment, the maintenance 

and the attractiveness of Alpine 

territories

Measures 

1. supervise adaptation approaches to 

climate change for farming methods 

and systems 

2. encourage breeders to choose more 

resistant autochthonous species and 

favour extensive grazing 

3. support agricultural holdings and 

territories which aim for excellence in 

terms of production and environment 

protection 

4. favour synergies and co-operations 

between tourism and agriculture in 

order to diversify mountain tourism 

activities 


The objective of the IRRIWEB project is 

to create a soil map highlighting the irrigation 

needs of the Trentino province 

(Italy). This project aims at improving the 

systems used for measuring soil moisture, 

making stocks and sampling from 

reservoirs or hydroelectric pipes. The 

University of Trento developed a hydrological 

model which simulates the effects 

of different irrigation strategies on 

the availability of water resources. (measure 

1). 

In the « BIO ALPE ADRIA » project (Italy, 

Slovenia and Austria), associations of 

organic producers have created a crossborder 

macro area in which genetic engineering 

is not used so that natural diversity 

in organic farming can be preserved 

and various initiatives in the ecosector 

can be networked. Approximately 

6000 agricultural holdings are taking 

part in the project. An internet site provides 

information in three languages and 

is aimed at suppliers and producers of 

the relevant areas. 

Sustainable crop management helps 

preserve ground water, which can be 

contaminated by chemical elements 

such as fertilisers and pesticides used 

extensively in non-organic farming (measure 

1). 

The project also helps mitigate climate 

change impact by limiting the use of 

synthetic chemical fertilisers which are 

energy-consuming. 

The economic interest grouping 

« GEN’OSE » was set up to gather under 

one roof the herd book societies for three 

native breeds: the Préalpes du Sud, 

the Mérinos d’Arles and the Mourérous. 

It launched a genetic selection programme 

which aims at preserving the breed 

hardiness in order to reinforce pastoral 

practices and supply the sector with 

breeding animals adapted to environmental 

constraints and commercial demands. 

The indicators of implementation 

showthe number of marketed rams and 

ewe lambs from the three breeds over 

the year and the dispatching of the dissemination 

throughout the Alpine range 

(measure 2). 

Develop Applied Research to the 

Alpine Range and Improve Public 

Awareness 

In spite of several studies carried out, 

some uncertainties remain in terms of 

natural hazards, economic and social 



198 

impact, agriculture or soil conservation 

for example. The effects of climate change 

are not thoroughly known and vary 

according to the regions. A specific effort 

should therefore be made in order to 

gain, mutualise and capitalise on common 

information throughout the Alps in 

order to benefit all partners. 

Acute observation of current and future 

impact of climate change is critical for 

the following two reasons: 

- mitigation, as objective « markers » 

will reinforce public awareness and 

facilitate the creation and validation 

of policies and measures that will alter 

our lifestyle 

- adaptation, by establishing efficient 

and well-targeted strategies 

Moreover, raising public awareness is 

essential in order to prompt changes in 

behaviours to reduce greenhouse gas 

emissions but also to allow populations 

to adapt themselves to the already visible 

consequences of climate changes. 

Objectives 

- Improve knowledge to better understand 

the impact of climate change 

on a local level, particularly as far as 

water, natural hazards and socioeconomic 

balance are concerned. 

- Reinforce cooperation in order to 

gain common knowledge of the existing 

risks 

- Reinforce public awareness, especially 

among the youth 


Measures 

1. reinforce homogenous and coordinated 

observation on the effects of 

climate change on a local level by 

using, if necessary, regional and inter- 

Alpine research networks (ISCAR, 

ClimChAlp…) 

a. use the results of the « ClimChAlp 

» project and ensure a follow-up 

(particularly in terms of establishing 

a platform that would synthesise, 

in a biographical manner, 

the different types of impact) 

b. proceed with the interoperability 

of existing databases 

c. promote research networks associating 

scientists and economists 

and integrating a social and economic 

dimension in order to better 

identify on a local level what is 

at stake as far as climate change 

is concerned, and create adaptation 

scenarios for valleys as well 

as for mountain sites. 

2. empower the Natural Hazards Platform 

to implement a coordinated 

observation system on phenomena: 

a. survey current evolutions (rhythm, 

extent and characteristics of floods, 

avalanches, torrential muds, 

landslides, temperature rise, fire 

recrudescence) 

b. map territories according to their 

vulnerability on the basis of completed 

works by giving priority to 

areas that are the most at risk 

c. assess the cost of damages linked 

to climate change on the basis 

of specific cases and identify 

adequate response mechanisms,

through insurance companies for 

example 

3. public awareness 

a. organise interactive exhibitions 

and scientific events to make the 

population, especially youth and 

tourists, more aware of what is at 

stake in terms of climate change 

and of the solutions advocated by 

the Alpine Convention 

b. communicate periodically through 

different elements of the media 

(local newsletters, press, local 

and regional TV and radio channels 

…) to inform the public on 

the objectives and measures defined 

in this Action Plan 


The PERMAdataROC project (Aosta, 

Italy) provides a database on gravitational 

phenomena in periglacial environment 

on pilot sites by collecting data on 

gravitational movements and by determining 

the thermal regime of rock walls 

in order to establish a link between weather 

conditions and wall stability (measure 

1). 

Implementation of the 

Action Plan 

The Contracting Parties shall take the 

necessary measures to involve local and 

regional authorities in this Action Plan. 

The Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine 

Convention, the Working Groups and 

the Platforms set up by the Permanent 

Committee, as well as Observers, shall 

contribute to the implementation and the 

follow-up of the Action Plan: 

The Permanent Secretariat shall contribute 

to the dissemination and promotion 

of this Action Plan. It might also specifically 

contribute to its implementation, 

mainly by collecting and disseminating 

relevant information in the Alpine space. 

More particularly, its responsibility 

will be to: 

- build a database on good practices 

and facilitate its use 

- support SOIA in identifying simple 

indicators of implementation of the 

Action Plan by liaising with the European 

Environment Agency and with 

relevant associations or experts 

- provide local and regional Alpine 

authorities with information on the 

most efficient practices or technologies 

in order to fight the effects of 

climate change 

- Facilitate, if necessary, the co-operation 

with European institutions for the 

implementation of concrete measures 

- contribute to the implementation of 

measures concerning the Alpine 

Network of Protected Areas (with the 

support of the dedicated Task Force) 

- offer to constitute a platform in order 

to exchange information on the implementation 

of the Plan and secure 

a follow-up on such exchanges 



200 

Decision of the 

X Alpine Conference 

The Contracting Parties of the Alpine 

Convention, gathered in Evian on 12th 

March 2009, adopt, in accordance with 

the decision taken by the IXth Alpine 

Conference in Alpbach, the Action Plan 

which aim is to make the Alps an exemplary 

territory for prevention and adaptation 

to climate change, and commit 

themselves to proceed in its implementation 

with concrete measures in order to 

fight climate change by providing the 

necessary resources. 

Acknowledging the necessity to act 

promptly and the added value of a collective 

action from all Contracting Parties 

of the Alpine Convention to limit the impact 

of climate change, they have agreed 

as follows: 

1. implement, with the help of structures 

provided by the Alpine Convention 

and its Working Groups, common 

projects to concertedly apply 

measures of the Action Plan in the 

regions that are relevant to the 

Alpine Convention, and more 

particularly: 

- document the effects of climate 

change on natural hazards in the 

Alps by relying on PLANALP (Natural 

Hazards Platform) 

- develop guidelines for the followup 

of mountain forests facing climate 

change 

- identify which tour operators offer 

« carbon-efficient » stays and means 

of transportation, disseminate 

good practices and reward the 

best achievements with ad-hoc 


initiatives (for example award for 

sustainable tourism in the Alps, 

CIPRA award, Pro-natura-Pro-ski 

award) 

- create a green transalpine network 

to facilitate the migration of 

plants and animal species by relying 

more particularly on the 

work of the Ecological Network 

Platform 

- develop guidelines for the construction, 

optimisation and rehabilitation 

of small hydroelectric 

power stations while respecting 

aquatic environments and 

biodiversity 

- implement exemplary projects in 

terms of ecological construction, 

promote them and adapt, if necessary, 

the existing regulations 

in this area 

2. ask Ministers belonging to the Zurich 

Group who survey different regulation 

methods for the Alpine transit of 

goods, such as an Alpine transit exchange, 

to acknowledge the urgency 

linked to climate change and the 

need to implement concrete solutions 

rapidly in order to limit greenhouse 

gas emissions and to organise 

for this purpose at the earliest 

opportunity information exchanges 

between the two bodies 

3. ask the Permanent Secretariat of the 

Alpine Convention: 

a. to set up an internet page to collect 

and pool relevant and up-todate 

information on climate change 

in the Alps and to share concrete 

solutions so that the highest 

possible number of Alpine resi-

dents and local policy-makers 

can contribute to the implementation 

of the Action Plan 

b. to fine-tune, using appropriate 

means, the implementation of the 

Action Plan 

4. to carry out the first assessment of 

the implementation of the Action 

Plan at the next Ministerial Conference 

in order to adjust it if necessary. 

5. to launch a survey on whether the 

Alps could become a carbon-neutral 

zone by 2050. 



Mechanism for Reviewing Compliance with the 

Alpine Convention and its Implementation Protocols 

On the occasion of the VII Alpine Conference in Meran in 2002 the Compliance Committee of 

the Alpine Conference was established. Its function is to implement a mechanism for reviewing 

compliance with the Alpine Convention and its Implementation Protocols. Each Contracting 

Party has been bound to submit a national report at intervals of four years since the coming 

into force of the Implementation Protocols. The Compliance Committee reviews the 

national reports, looks into requests for reviewing suspected non-compliance with the Treaty 

and draws up recommendations that are to assist the Contracting Parties in complying with 

the Convention and its Protocols. Decision VII/4 of the VII Alpine Conference in Meran on 

19/20 November 2002 is printed in the following. 

Mechanism for Reviewing Compliance 


204 

The Alpine Conference 

- BEING OF THE OPINION that compliance 

with the Alpine Convention and its Implementation 

Protocols is of major importance, 

- BEING OF THE CONVICTION that a mechanism 

for reviewing compliance with the Alpine 

Convention and its Implementation Protocols 

may contribute significantly to the 

efficient application of the obligations assumed 

by the Contracting Parties, 

- APPRECIATING the fact that the method of 

reporting laid down in Article 5 Paragraph 4 

of the Alpine Convention is a crucial prerequisite 

for the functioning of the intended 

Mechanism, 

- DECIDES for compliance with the Alpine 

Convention and its Implementation Protocols 

to be periodically reviewed and the 

Contracting Parties to be supported in fulfilling 

their obligations, 

- ESTABLISHES, in application of Article 6 (e) 

of the Alpine Convention, a permanent Working 

Group for this purpose, 

- LAYS DOWN that the Compliance Committee 

shall fulfil its tasks in coordination with 

the Permanent Committee. 

- DECIDES as to form, subjects and intervals 

of the method of reporting, structure and 

functions of the Compliance Committee, 

and the procedure of the Mechanism, in 

accordance with the regulations in the Appendix 

which is part of this resolution, 

- INSTRUCTS the Compliance Committee to 

devise a standardised structure which is to 

serve the Contracting Parties as a basis for 

their periodic reports, 


- LAYS DOWN that the method of reporting 

and the Mechanism of reviewing compliance 

with the Alpine Convention and its 

Protocols on the part of the Contracting 

Parties are to be applicable also to future 

changes to the Alpine Convention and its 

Protocols, and to additional Implementation 

Protocols, 

- LAYS DOWN that the method of reporting, 

the structure and functions of the Compliance 

Committee, and the procedure of the 

Mechanism may be subject to reviewing on 

the occasion of any Alpine Conference, 

- LAYS DOWN that the procedure of the Mechanism 

is of a consultative, non-confrontational, 

non-judiciary, and non-discriminating 

nature.

I. Method of Reporting 

1. Formal Characteristics 

1.1. Every Contracting Part, as from 

the entry into force of the first Implementation 

Protocol, is to submit 

to the Compliance Committee 

via the Permanent Secretariat a 

four-yearly national report on 

Compliance with the Alpine Convention 

and its Implementation 

Protocols in the four languages of 

the Alpine Convention. 

1.2. The national reports shall be compiled 

on the basis of a structure to 

be devised by the Compliance 

Committee and to be approved by 


1.3. The Permanent Secretariat shall 

submit the national reports, immediately 

after receiving them, to the 

other Contracting Parties of the 

Alpine Convention, and to the Observers 

that have representation in 

the Permanent Committee. They 

shall be made available to the public 

by the Permanent Secretariat. 

Any information classified as confidential 

by one or several affected 

Contracting Parties is excluded 

from disclosure to the public. 

2. Characteristics of Content 

The Contracting Parties are required to 

report especially on: 

2.1. Introduction 

• significance of the Alpine Convention 

and its Implementation Protocols 

to the reporting Contracting 

Party and declaration of percentage 

of the Alpine Space compared 

to total area; 

• a general overview of measures 

taken for the promotion of sustainable 

development and the protection 

of the Alpine Space; 

2.2. Summary 

past and future, planned efforts for 

Compliance with the Convention 

and its Protocols; 

2.3. Compliance with Cross-Protocol 

Obligations in Line with Articles 3 

and 4 of the Alpine Convention 

• cooperation in research and systematic 

observation, including harmonisation 

of pertinent collection 

and administration of data; 

• cooperation and information in the 

fields of law, science, economy, 

and technology; 

• periodical information of the public 

as to results of research and observation, 

and measures taken; 



206 

2.4. Compliance with Protocol-Specific 

Obligations 

- measures taken for Compliance 

with the Protocols, measures going 

beyond the ones provided in the 

respective Protocol, and evaluation 

of their effectiveness; 

- problem areas such as differing interests 

in the use of natural resources, 

and respective measures; 

- measures taken in cooperation with 

other Contracting Parties; 

2.5. Implementation of Resolutions and 

Recommendations 

- implementation of resolutions and 

recommendations of the Alpine 

Conference in accordance with Article 

6 of the Alpine Convention; 

- implementation of resolutions and 

recommendations which the Alpine 

Conference has issued on the basis 

of the report by the Compliance 

Committee; 

2.6. Outlook 

important activities planned for 

years to come (such as degree of 

concretion, agents, schedules) 

II. Structure and Functions of the 

Compliance Committee, and Procedure 

of the Mechanism 

1. Institutional Issues 

1.1. The Compliance Committee is constituted 

of a maximum of two representatives 

per Contracting Party of 

the Alpine Convention. The Observers 

with representation in the Per- 


manent Committee may send a 

maximum of two representatives to 

the sessions of the Compliance 

Committee. If necessary, experts 

may be consulted. The presidency 

of the Compliance Committee is 

modelled on that of the Alpine Conference. 

1.2. Within the framework of the areas 

of responsibility assigned to it by 

the Alpine Conference, the Permanent 

Secretariat is to support the 

Compliance Committee in its actions. 

The Compliance Committee 

may give the Permanent Secretariat 

instructions to that effect. 

1.3. The Compliance Committee is subject 

to the Rules of Procedure of the 

Permanent Committee. Where required, 

it can, in analogous application 

of Article 7 Paragraph 1, vote in 

supplementary or divergent regulations. 

2. Functions of the 

Compliance Committee 

The Compliance Committee fulfils the following 

functions: 

2.1. It shall review the information and 

national reports submitted to it; in 

doing so, it may also request additional 


Parties or obtain information 

from other sources; 

2.2. It shall at their request support the 

Contracting Parties in complying 

with the Convention and its Protocols;

2. It shall process the requests for reviewing 

supposed non-compliance 

with the Convention and its Protocols 

submitted to it by the Contracting 

Parties and Observers; 

2.4. It shall inform the affected Contracting 

Party or Parties of the results of 

its work; 

2.5. It shall generate reports on the state 

of Compliance with the Convention 

and its Protocols along with 

proposals of resolutions and recommendations; 

2.6. It shall propose measures for the 

improvement of reporting and for 

the improvement of Compliance 

with the Convention and its Protocols. 

3. Procedure 

3.1. General Considerations Regarding 

the Procedure 

3.1.1. Any affected Contracting Party has 

the right to have a part in all of the 

Procedure, to be granted complete 

access to all relevant documents, 

and to comment on the actions of 

the Compliance Committee. 

3.1.2. Whenever issues regarding the Implementation 

Protocols are 

discussed, only the Contracting 

Parties of the respective Protocol 

are eligible to vote. 

3.1.3. With the consent of the affected 

Contracting Party, the Compliance 

Committee may perform exploratory 

activities on its territory. 

3.1.4. Information classified as confidential 

is to be treated as confidential. 

3.1.5. The sessions throughout all of the 

Procedure of the Mechanism are 

confidential. Observers with representation 

in the Permanent Committee 

may be excluded from sessions 

within the framework of this 

Procedure, especially in the following 

cases: 

• in case of infringement of confidentiality 

• during the discussion of information 

that is confidential in accordance 

with 3.1.4 

3.2. Time Sequence of the Procedure 

3.2.1. In the course of the reporting period, 

the Contracting Parties shall 

submit their national reports to the 

Permanent Secretariat by the end 

of August of every legal year preceding 

the Alpine Conference. 

3.2.2. The Permanent Secretariat shall 

immediately forward the national 

reports submitted to it to the Compliance 

Committee. 

3.2.3. Within a period of six months after 

the forwarding of a national report 

by the Permanent Secretariat, the 

Compliance Committee shall present 

to the Contracting Party or 

Parties the results of its pertinent 

sessions, along with any comments 

on the part of other Contracting 



208 

Parties and Observers with representation 

in the Permanent Committee, 

in form of a draft report. 

3.2.4. The affected Contracting Party or 

Parties may comment on this within 

a period of three months after acknowledging 

the results, and announce 

what measures they are 

planning to take based on the draft 

report. 

3.2.5. If the affected Contracting Party is 

ready to remedy ascertained shortcomings, 

the Compliance Committee 

is free to refrain from proposing 

to the Alpine Conference the passing 

of resolutions or making of recommendations. 

The Compliance 

Committee shall review the implementation 

of the measures announced 

by the affected Contracting 

Party. 

3.2.6. The Compliance Committee shall 

submit its reports for the attention 

of the Permanent Committee to the 

Permanent Secretariat at the latest 

two months after receiving the comments 

by the affected Contracting 

Party or Parties. 

3.2.7. The Permanent Committee shall 

forward the reports unaltered and 

with comments, should they be 

necessary, to the Alpine Conference 

at the latest two months prior 

to its convening. 

3.2.8. This Procedure applies analogously 

to requests for reviewing supposed 

non-compliance with the 

Convention and its Protocols. Such 


requests may be lodged at any time 

in written and motivated form. 

3.2.9. The Compliance Committee adopts 

its reports by consensus; should all 

efforts to reach a consensus have 

been exhausted, and if the President 

explicitly declares so, these 

reports may be adopted by a threequarters 

majority. 

4. Consequences 

4.1. On the basis of the reports adopted 

by the Compliance Committee and 

forwarded by the Permanent Committee 

to the Alpine Conference, 

the Alpine Conference may pass 

resolutions or make recommendations. 

Such recommendations are 

adopted by consensus; should all 

efforts to reach a consensus have 

been exhausted, and if the President 

explicitly declares so, such 

recommendations may be adopted 

by a three-quarters majority. 

4.2. These resolutions and recommendations 

include: 

• advice and support for a Contracting 

Party regarding compliance issues; 

• support for a Contracting Party in 

the development of a compliance 

strategy; 

• establishing contact with experts 

who can assist the affected Contracting 

Party or Parties; 

• exploratory activities on site, with 

the consent of the Contracting Party 

or Parties, for the identification of

compliance problems and possible 

measures; 

• measures supporting cooperation 

between the affected Contracting 

Party or Parties and governmental 

and nongovernmental organisations 

(see Article 4 Paragraph 3 of 

the Alpine Convention); 

• invitation of the affected Contracting 

Party or Parties to develop a 

compliance strategy; 

• call for a compliance schedule. 

4.3. The reports by the Compliance 

Committee, and the resolutions and 

recommendations by the Alpine 

Conference shall be published. 

4.4. The Mechanism for reviewing compliances 

with the Alpine Convention 

and its Implementation Protocols is 

independent from the procedure for 

the solution of litigations laid down 

in the Protocol on the Solution of 

Litigations Relating to the Convention 

on the Protection of the Alps 

(Alpine Convention) and has no 

prejudicing effect on it. 



Rules of Procedure 

of the Conference of the Contracting Parties 

(Alpine Conference) 

Alpine Conference - Rules of Procedure 


212 

Chapter I 

Scope 

Article 1 

These Rules of Procedure apply to all 

meetings of the Alpine Conference which 

are called in accordance with Art.5 of the 

Alpine Convention. 

Chapter Il 

Calling of Meetings 

Article 2 

1) Venue, date, and duration of an ordinary 

meeting are fixed by the Presidency 

after consulting with the Permanent Committee. 

2) The Presidency notifies the Contracting 

Parties and Observers of the venue, 

date, and duration of the Alpine Conference 

at least two months prior to the 

beginning of a meeting. 

Chapter Ill 

Observers 

Article 3 

1) According to Art.5 Para.5 of the Alpine 

Convention, the Presidency at their request 

invites the United Nations, their 

special organisations, the Council of Europe, 

any European state, and transnational 

associations of Alpine administrative 

units as Observers to the meetings of the 

Alpine Conference. 


2) At the suggestion of the Permanent 

Committee, the Alpine Conference decides 

as to the admission of international 

nongovernmental organisations as Observers 

to the meetings of the Alpine 

Conference in accordance with Art.5 

Para.5 of the Alpine Convention. 

3) The Alpine Conference vests the Permanent 

Committee with the authority to 

permit to international nongovernmental 

organisations to participate as Observers 

in the sessions of the Permanent Committee 

until the next meeting of the Alpine 

Conference even prior to their being 

granted admission in accordance with 

Para.2 of this article. 

4) Observers in line with Para.2 of this 

article may be excluded partially or completely 

from specific meetings. 

Chapter IV 

Agenda 

Article 4 

The draft agenda for any ordinary meeting, 

prepared by the Presidency in accordance 

with Art.5 Para.3 of the Alpine 

Convention, as a rule contains: 

1) Adoption of the agenda. 

2) Decision as to written authorities. 

3) Admission of international nongovernmental 

organisations. 

4) Items of the agenda that can be derived 

from the individual articles of the Alpine 

Convention, especially Art.6. 

5) Items of the agenda that can be derived 

from individual articles of Protocols in 

accordance with Art.2 Para.3 of the Alpine 

Convention.

6) Items of the agenda whose discussion 

was decided at the previous meeting. 

7) Items of the agenda in line with Art.9 of 

theses Rules of Procedure. 

8) Any items of the agenda proposed by 

a Contracting Party to the Presidency and 

accepted by this prior to the issuing of 

the draft agenda. 

9) Any other business. 

10) Adoption of the Minutes of Decisions 

according to Art.22 Para.1 of theses Rules 

of Procedure. 

Article 5 

The Presidency shall submit the draft 

agenda of any ordinary meeting, if possible 

along with the meeting documents, 

at least two months prior to the beginning 

of the meeting to the Contracting Parties 

and Observers. 

Article 6 

The Presidency shall include into the 

agenda any additional item tabled by a 

Contracting Party after the issuing of the 

draft agenda, if possible eight days prior 

to the beginning of the meeting. 

Article 7 

The draft agenda for an extraordinary 

meeting consists only of those items that 

were requested in accordance with Art.5 

Para.6 of the Alpine Convention. This 

draft is sent to the Contracting Parties 

and Observers along with an invitation to 

the extraordinary meeting. 

Article 8 

The agenda is adopted by the Alpine 

Conference. 

Article 9 

Any item of the agenda of a meeting 

which could not be brought to a close at 

this meeting shall, unless the Alpine Conference 

decides otherwise, be added to 

the agenda of the next meeting. 

Chapter V 

Representation and Authorities 

Article 10 

Any Contracting Party participating in the 

Alpine Conference has representation by 

a Delegation. This is constituted by a 

head of delegation and if necessary by 

other authorised delegates and advisers. 

Article 11 

The heads of the Delegations and if necessary 

the other authorised delegates 

must possess pertinent authorities unless 

they are entitled ex officio to being representatives. 

Written authorities shall be 

handed to the Presidency prior to the 

opening of a meeting of the Alpine Conference 

if possible. The heads of the Delegations 

shall notify the Presidency of 

the constitution of their Delegations, and 

of any later changes to them. 



214 

Article 12 

The Presidency shall review the written 

authorities and present a pertinent report 

at the beginning of a meeting. The Alpine 

Conference shall decide as to the authorities. 

Until this decision, the Delegations 

are authorised to preliminarily take part in 

the meeting. 

Chapter Vl 

Presidency 

Article 13 

The Presidency shall remain in office until 

a new Presidency has been appointed in 

accordance with Art.5 Para.2 of the Alpine 

Convention. 

Article 14 

1) The Presidency is responsible for the 

organisation of ordinary and extraordinary 

meetings of the Alpine Conference and 

sessions of the Permanent Committee 

taking place during its term of office, and 

especially for: 

a) the provisioning of structures and services 

required for the meetings and sessions; 

b) the collection, translation, and submission 

of official documents; 

c) the generation and presentation of minutes 

of meetings and sessions in accordance 

with Art.22 Para.1 and 2. 

2) The Presidency may, with the permission 

of the Contracting Parties, delegate 

some of these single tasks to another 



Article 15 

1) The President is that delegate of the 

presiding Contracting Party who has 

been entrusted by the Presidency with 

the chairing of a meeting of the Alpine 

Conference. 

2) The President shall take part in the 

meetings of the Alpine Conference in this 

function only and shall not use during this 

period the rights of a Delegate of a Party, 

which, if necessary, shall be administered 

by another Delegate of the Contracting 

Party in question. 

3) In the event of a temporary absence or 

being prevented of the President he or 

she shall appoint a proxy. The proxy may 

not while chairing a meeting use the 

rights of a Delegate of another Contracting 

Party. 

Chapter VlI 

Chairing of Meetings 

Article 16 

In the course of debate the Contracting 

Parties have the right to raise a point or 

order at any time, which will be discussed 

immediately. In the case of several points 

of order the one diverging furthest from 

the procedure originally in question is 

discussed at first. On any point of order 

raised, one Contracting Party may comment 

positively and one negatively. Unless 

the President can observe a consensus, 

the motion underlying the point of 

order raised shall be accepted if it is approved 

by two thirds of the Contracting 

Parties partaking in the vote.

Article 17 

Subject to the provisions in Art.11 of the 

Alpine Convention, requests for resolutions 

to be passed by the Alpine Conference 

shall be submitted in written form in 

one of the Official Languages at the latest 

two months prior to the beginning of the 

respective meeting. Requests for the 

amendment of received requests shall be 

submitted at the latest one month prior to 

the beginning of the respective meeting. 

The requests shall be forwarded by the 

Presidency to the Contracting Parties and 

Observers. The Alpine Conference may 

in exceptional cases and at the request of 

a Contracting Party decide on reduced 

periods of time. 

Chapter Vlll 

Votes 

Article 18 

For votes in the decision-making of the 

Alpine Convention in line with Arts.6 and 

7 of the Alpine Convention as well as for 

decisions as to points of order in line with 

Art.16 of these Rules of Procedure, the 

presence of two thirds of the Contracting 

Parties is required. 

Article 19 

1) Votes are generally taken by show of 

hands. 

2) At the request of any Contracting Party 

a secret vote is taken. 

3) An abstention does not according to 

Art.7 of the Alpine Convention count 

against unanimity. 

4) Votes concerning points of order in line 

with Art.16 of these Rules of Procedure 

are always taken by show of hands. 

Chapter IX 

Written Procedure 

Article 20 

1) The Alpine Conference may at the request 

of a Contracting Party pass resolutions 

by means of written procedure. 

2) This request is submitted to the President 

along with the draft resolution. The 

President shall immediately forward the 

request for the resolution to the Contracting 

Parties for commenting within two 

months after submission and in the 

meantime consult with the Permanent 

Committee. He shall inform the Observers. 

The resolution shall be passed after 

all Contracting Parties have consented. 

The President shall inform the Contracting 

Parties and Observers as to the results 

of the written procedure. 

Chapter X 

Languages 

Article 21 

1) The Official Languages of the Alpine 

Conference are German, French, Italian, 

and Slovene. 

2) Statements issued in one of the Official 

Languages shall be translated into the 

other Official Languages. 

3) Official documents of the sessions of 

the Conference shall be written in one of 



216 

the Official Languages and translated into 

all the other Official Languages. 

Chapter XI 

Meeting Minutes of the Alpine 

Conference 

Article 22 

1) The Alpine Conference shall at the end 

of any meeting approve minutes which 

contain the wording of the decisions 

made at this meeting (Minutes of Decisions). 

2) The President shall submit these Minutes 

of Decisions to the Contracting Parties 

and Observers as well as the leaders 

of the currently existing Working Groups 

in line with Art.6 (e) of the Alpine Convention 

within one month, completed especially 

with the following elements: 

• list of meeting participants 

• sources of the tabled requests 

• votes taken 

• declarations of decisions 

• any other declarations by Contracting 

Parties and Observers at their request, 

in short form. 


3) The Minutes of Decisions completed 

according to Para.2 of this Article shall 

after submission be approved by the 

Contracting Parties at the next meeting of 


Chapter XlI 

Changes to the Rules of Procedure 

Article 23 

The Alpine Conference may change these 

Rules of Procedure according to Art.6 

(c) and Art.7 Para.1 of the Alpine Convention.


Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Committee 

of the Conference of the Contracting Parties 

Permanent Committee - Rules of Procedure 


218 

Chapter I 

Scope 

Article 1 

(1) These Rules of Procedure apply to all 

meetings of the Permanent Committee 

of the Alpine Conference. 

(2) The regulations within these Rules of 

Procedure apply in addition to the regulations 

within the Rules of Procedure 

of the Alpine Conference as far as 

the Permanent Committee is concerned. 

With regard to questions of interpretation 

priority is due to the Rules of 

Procedure of the Alpine Conference. 

Chapter lI 

Calling of Meetings 

Article 2 

(1) Meetings take place as often as may 

be necessary, but at least once a 

year. 

(2) The Presidency fixes venue, date, and 

duration of any meeting, after consultations 

with the Contracting Parties. 

(3) Moreover, meetings take place whenever 

a written request to that effect 

by two thirds of the Contracting Parties 

is presented to the Presidency. 

(4) The Presidency notifies the Contracting 

Parties and Observers of venue, 

date, and duration of meetings at 

least six weeks prior to their begin- 


ning, but at the latest immediately after 

the fixation of their holding. 

Chapter llI 

Observers and Other Participants 

Article 3 

(1) A transnational association of Alpine 

administrative units may be admitted 

as an Observer if its subordinate units 

are not already represented in the 

Permanent Committee. 

(2) The Permanent Committee may propose 

to the Alpine Conference international 

nongovernmental organisations 

as Observers and grant the participation 

of these organisations in the 


and the Working Groups in line 

with article 13 of these Rules of Procedure 

until the next session of the Alpine 

Conference, so long as they 

a) pursue the goals of the Alpine Convention 

according to its statutes and 

contribute substantially to the work of 

the Alpine Conference and the Permanent 

Committee; 

b) operate throughout the whole of the 

Alpine Space; 

c) are based within the Alpine Space 

and possess a permanent organisational 

structure with a board, secretariat, 

and statutes, and 

d) have an agenda (field of activity) that 

has not as yet been sufficiently represented 

by the other Observer status 

organisations.

(3) In this context a balanced representation 

of varied interests is to be ensured. 

(4) Observers in line with Paragraph 2 of 

this article may be partially or completely 

excluded from specific sessions. 

Article 4 

The Permanent Committee decides on a 

case-by-case basis as to the participation 

of nongovernmental organisations in its 

meetings (Other Participants). 

Article 5 

(1) For the creation of networks and the 

promotion of transparency, the Presidency 

of the Permanent Committee 

keeps a record in which all interested 

governmental and nongovernmental 

organisations without Observer status 

are listed. 

(2) Interested organisations in line with 

Paragraph 1 are advised in an appropriate 

manner of the activities of the 

Alpine Conference and the Permanent 

Committee. 

Article 6 

The Permanent Committee may, according 

to Art.8 Para.4 of the Alpine Convention, 

invite governmental and nongovernmental 

organisations to specific sessions, 

also of the Working Groups in line with 

Art.13 of these Rules of Procedure. 

Chapter IV 

Agenda 

Article 7 

The draft agenda of any meeting as a rule 

contains: 

(1) Adoption of the agenda. 

(2) Adoption of the completed Minutes of 

Decisions from the previous meeting 

according to Art.19 Para.2 of these 

Rules of Procedure. 

(3) Admission of governmental and nongovernmental 

organisations. 

(4) Items to be discussed at the request 

of the Alpine Conference. 

(5) Items to be discussed at the request 

of the previous meeting. 

(6) Items of the agenda in line with Article 

10 of these Rules of Procedure. 

(7) Any items of the agenda proposed by 

a Contracting Party to the Presidency 

and accepted by this prior to the submission 

of the draft agenda. 

(8) Any other business. 

(9) Adoption of the Minutes of Decisions 

according to Art.19 Para.1 of theses 


Article 8 

The Presidency shall submit the draft 

agenda of any meeting, if possible, along 

with the meeting documents at least six 

weeks prior to the beginning of the meeting 

to the Contracting Parties and Observers 

as well as to the leaders of currently 

Working Groups in line with Art.13 of these 




220 

Article 9 

The Presidency shall add to the agenda 

prior to the meeting any item tabled by a 

Contracting Party after the submission of 

the draft agenda. 

Article 10 

The agenda is adopted by the Permanent 

Committee. 

Article 11 

Any item that cannot be brought to a 

close at the meeting for which it is on the 

agenda shall, unless the Permanent 

Committee decides otherwise, be added 

to the agenda of the next meeting. 

Chapter V 

Composition of the Delegations 

Article 12 

(1) The Contracting Parties and Observers 

are represented by Delegations. 

(2) The Contracting Parties and Observers 

shall notify the Presidency of the 

Heads of their Delegations. The Heads 

of the Delegations shall notify the 

Presidency of the constitution of their 

Delegations with the Permanent Committee 

and the Working Groups according 

to Art.13 of these Rules of 

Procedure, as well as of any later 

changes to their constitution. 


Chapter VI 

Presidency 

Article 13 

(1) The President shall take part in the 


exercising this function only and 

may not use during such meetings 

the rights of a Delegate of a Party, 

which, if necessary, shall be administered 

by another Delegate of the relevant 


(2) In the event of the President being 

temporarily absent or unable to attend 

a meeting, he or she will appoint 

a proxy. The proxy may not while 

chairing a meeting use the rights of a 

Delegate of a Contracting Party. 

Chapter VlI 

Working Groups and Ad-hoc 

Working Groups of the Permanent 

Committee 

Article 14 

(1) The Permanent Committee shall, for 

the implementation of the Alpine Convention 

and for the preparation of decisions 

of the Alpine Conference and 

the Permanent Committee, appoint 

Working Groups according to Art.6 

(e) and Art.8 Para.6 (e) of the Alpine 

Convention and coordinate their activities. 

(2) Unless the Permanent Committee enacts 

special rules of procedure for a 

Working Group that it has appointed, 

this Working Group is subject to the

Rules of Procedure of the Permanent 

Committee where applicable. 

(3) It is for the Contracting Party that was 

entrusted with the leadership of a Working 

Group to perform the duties of 

Presidency according to Art.14 of the 

Rules of Procedure where applicable. 

(4) The leadership of a Working Group 

shall be entrusted by the Permanent 

Committee to a Contracting Party, 

which shall nominate the person to 

chair the Working Group and notifies 

this person the Contracting Parties 

and the observers 

(5) The leaders of current Working Groups 

shall be invited to sessions within the 

framework of the Permanent Committee 

whenever it appears expedient. 

Article 15 

Whenever it considers necessary, the 

Permanent Committee may appoint Adhoc 

Working Groups and entrust them 

with specific tasks. 

Chapter VllI 

Chairing of Meetings 

Article 16 

In the course of debate the Contracting 

Parties have the right to raise a point of 

order at any time, which will be discussed 

immediately. In the case of several points 

of order the one diverging furthest from 

the procedure originally in question is 

discussed first. On any point of order raised, 

one Contracting Party can comment 

positively and one negatively. Unless the 

President can observe a consensus, the 

motion underlying the point of order raised 

is accepted if it is approved by two 

thirds of the Contracting Parties participating 

in the vote. 

Chapter lX 

Votes 

Article 17 

For votes in the decision-making of the 

Permanent Committee in line with Arts.6 

and 7 of the Alpine Convention as well as 

for decisions as to points of order in line 

with Article 15 of these Rules of Procedure, 

the presence of two thirds of the Contracting 

Parties is required. 

Article 18 

(1) Votes are taken by show of hands. 

(2) At the request of any Contracting Party 

a secret vote is taken. 

(3) An abstention does not according to 

Art.7 of the Alpine Convention count 

against unanimity. 

(4) Votes concerning points of order in 

line with Article 15 of these Rules of 

Procedure are always taken by show 

of hands. 

Chapter X 

Languages 

Article 19 

(1) The Official Languages of the Alpine 

Conference are also the Official Languages 

of the Permanent Committee, 

the Working Groups in line with Art.13 

and the Ad-hoc Working Groups in 



222 

line with Art.14 of these Rules of Procedure. 

(2) Statements issued in one of the Official 

Languages shall be translated 

into the other Official Languages. 

(3) Official documents of the Permanent 

Committee shall be written in one of 

the Official Languages and translated 

into the other Official Languages. 

Chapter Xl 

Minutes of Meeting of the Permanent 

Committee 

Article 20 

(1) At the end of any meeting the Permanent 

Committee approves minutes 

which contain the wording of the decisions 

made at this meeting (Minutes 

of Decisions). 

(2) Within one month, the President submits 

these Minutes of Decisions to the 

Contracting Parties and Observers as 

well as the leaders of the currently 

Working Groups in line with Art.13 of 


these Rules of Procedure. The minutes 

should include especially the following 

elements: 

- list of meeting participants 

- sources of the tabled motions 

- votes taken 

- declarations of decisions 

- any other declarations by Contracting 

Parties and Observers at their 

request in short form. 

(3) The Minutes of Decisions completed 

according to Para.2 of this Article 

shall be approved by the Permanent 

Committee at their next meeting. 

Chapter XlI 

Changes to the Rules of Procedure 

Article 21 

The Permanent Committee may change 

these Rules of Procedure according to 

Art.8 Para.3 and Para.7 of the Alpine Convention.

Permanent Secretariat of the 


Statute 

On the following pages the decision VII/2 of the VII Alpine Conference 

in Merano - Meran from 19.-20.11.2002 is printed. 

Permanent Secretariat - Statute 


224 

Conscious of the importance that is due to 

the implementation and further development 

of the Alpine Convention, 

Convinced of the prominent role that the 

Permanent Secretariat will play in this, 

In reference to Article 9 of the Alpine Convention 

and to the establishment of the 

Permanent Secretariat provided in Decision 

7A adopted by the VI Alpine Conference, 

The VII Alpine Conference makes the following 

decision: 

A) Official seat of the Permanent 

Secretariat 

The Alpine Conference decides to establish 

the official seat of the Permanent 

Secretariat in Innsbruck with a branch office 

in Bolzano. 

The tasks shall be distributed as follows: 

In Innsbruck the following tasks shall be 

fulfilled: 

- Seat of the Secretary General and location 

of the political and administrative 

functions of the Secretariat, especially 

- representation of the Secretariat to the 

outside 

- public relations 

- political and content-related support to 

the Presidency 

In Bolzano the following functions shall be 

fulfilled: 

- technical/operational functions, especially 

in terms of the System for the Observation 

of and Information on the Alps 

(SOIA) 

- coordination of Alpine research (e.g. with 

Bolzano, Grenoble, Innsbruck, Lugano, 

and Munich) 

- translation tasks 


The Vice-Secretary General shall assume 

special responsibility for the Bolzano office. 

Activities in Bolzano shall be made possible 

partially by financial contributions on the 

part of the Italian Government and by the 

support of the European Academy of 

Bolzano. 

b) Tasks 

1) The Permanent Secretariat shall support 

the activities of the bodies established 

by the Alpine Convention. 

2) According to the Statute contained in 

Enclosure I, the following main areas of 

responsibility reside with the Permanent 

Secretariat: 

a) content-related, logistical, and administrative 

support of the implementation 

of the Alpine Convention and its 

Protocols; 

b) coordination of research activities, 

observation, and information related 

to the Alps; 

c) public relations; 

d) administrative duties and archiving. 

C) Right of Proposal 

The Permanent Secretariat may within the 

framework of its responsibilities present to 

the Permanent Committee proposals as to 

any issues related to the Alpine Convention 

and its Protocols. 

D) Appointment of the Secretary 

General, the Vice-Secretary General, 

and the Secretary General ad 

interim 

1) The head of the Permanent Secretariat 

is the Secretary General.

2) The Secretary General and the Vice- 

Secretary General are appointed in accordance 

with the procedure contained 

in Enclosure II. 

3) As Secretary General ad interim Noel 

Lebel is appointed; he shall remain in 

office until the VIII Alpine Conference. 

4) In this respect the Ministers shall come 

to an agreement in accordance with 

the specifications in Enclosure IV. 

E) Privileges and Immunities 

1) It is the duty of the Secretary General to 

reach, acting on behalf of the Permanent 

Secretariat, a seat agreement with 

the state that is to provide the Permanent 

Secretariat with an official seat, 

and to conclude this agreement after 

approval by the Alpine Conference. 

2) The Permanent Committee is charged 

with drafting a proposal as to the privileges 

and Immunities to be granted to 

the Secretary General, the Vice-Secretary 

General, and the staff of the Secretariat 

in the Contracting States of the 

Alpine Convention outside the state 

providing the Permanent Secretariat 

with an official seat. 

F) Funding 

The funding of the Permanent Secretariat 

is provided according to the regulations 

contained in Enclosure III. 

G) Final Clauses 

1) Internal organisation and the tasks of 

the Permanent Secretariat are regulated 

by the Statute contained in Enclosure 

I. 

2) The regulations concerning the Secretary 

General contained in the present 

decision apply mutatis mutandis to the 

Secretary General ad interim. 

3) Enclosures I, II, and III are part of the 

present decision. 

Enclosure I 

Statute of the 


Article 1 

Areas of responsibility of the Permanent 

Secretariat 

1) The Permanent Secretariat shall fulfil its 

tasks in accordance with Section B of 

this decision and in accordance with 

the regulations hereinafter. 

2) The Permanent Secretariat shall support 

the implementation of the Alpine 

Convention in terms of content-related 

issues, logistics, and administrative 

duties. In doing so, it shall fulfil the following 

functions especially: 

a) Forwarding the reports generated 

by the Contracting Parties for the 

Implementation of the Alpine Convention 

and its Protocols to the responsible 

Committee for Reviewing 

Compliance with the Alpine Convention 

and its Protocols; 

b) Supporting the responsible Committee 

for Reviewing Compliance 

with the Alpine Convention and its 

Protocols in generating its reports. 

3) The Permanent Secretariat is responsible 

for coordinating research activi- 



226 

ties as well as observation and information 

concerning the Alps. In this 

context it fulfils the following functions: 

a) central point of coordination for the 

System for the Observation of and 

Information on the Alps (SOIA); 

b) cooperation in the conducting of 

surveys and research tasks decided 

by the Alpine Conference and 

the Permanent Committee, 

c) harmonisation of research and observation 

activities, and of pertinent 

data collection; 

d) Coordination with other international 

institutions active in the field. 

4) The Permanent Secretariat is responsible 

for public relations. This includes 

the following tasks especially: 

a) maintenance of the Alpine 

Convention’s websites; 

b) information on activities within the 

framework of the Alpine Convention; 

c) responding to inquiries on the part 

of the public; 

d) responding to inquiries submitted 

by the Contracting Parties; 

e) contact with other international institutions 

active in the field. 

5) The Permanent Secretariat is in charge 

of administrative duties and archiving. 

This includes fulfilling the following 

tasks especially: 

a) preparation and organisation, in 

coordination with the Presidency of 

the Alpine Conference, of ordinary 

and extraordinary meetings of the 

Alpine Conference (Article 5 Paragraphs 

2 an 6 of the Convention), of 

sessions of the Permanent Committee 

(Article 8), as well as of mee- 


tings of the bodies established by 

the Alpine Convention if the respective 

decision by the Alpine Conference 

or the Permanent Committee 

provides so; 

b) taking minutes of meetings and 

sessions of the Alpine Conference 

and the Permanent Committee, and 

of sessions within the framework of 

the bodies established by the Alpine 

Convention if the respective decision 

by the Alpine Conference or 

the Permanent Committee provides 

so; 

c) ensuring of translation and interpretation 

into the Official Languages of 

the Alpine Convention; 

d) keeping of the Archive, and ensuring 

appropriate access to the documents 

contained in it; 

e) forwarding relevant documents to 

the Alpine Conference, to the Permanent 

Committee, and to the 

other Contracting Parties; 

6) Moreover, the Permanent Secretariat is 

in charge of any areas of responsibility 

assigned to it according to the Alpine 

Convention and its Protocols, and by 


7) Within the framework of these areas of 

responsibility, the Permanent Committee 

may assign specific tasks to the 

Permanent Secretariat.

Article 2 

Constitution of the 


1) The Permanent Secretariat is constituted 

of one Secretary General, one Vice- 

Secretary General, and four staff members. 

2) The Permanent Secretariat may consult 

external experts. 

Article 3 

Secretary General 

1) The Secretary General shall be appointed 

in accordance with the regulations 

contained in Enclosure II of this decision. 

2) The Secretary General is the head of 

the Permanent Secretariat; he/she 

leads all activities of the Permanent 

Secretariat and is responsible for 

them. 

3) The Secretary General shall represent 

the Permanent Secretariat to the outside 

and is authorised to enter into private 

law contracts, and to perform 

further legal acts in line with the respective 

national legal system which are 

necessary for fulfilling the responsibilities 

of the Permanent Secretariat. 

4) The Secretary General shall in accordance 

with Article 6 of the present Statute 

and the regulations contained in 

Enclosure III of this decision administrate 

the funds allocated to the Permanent 

Secretariat. 

5) The Secretary General shall compile an 

annual report of the activities of the 

Permanent Secretariat for the attention 

of the Alpine Conference and the Permanent 

Committee. 

Article 4 

Vice-Secretary General 

1) The Vice-Secretary General shall be 

appointed in accordance with the regulations 

contained in Enclosure II of this 

decision. 

2) The Vice-Secretary General shall support 

the Secretary General in the fulfilment 

of his duties and act in place of 

him/her in case of his/her being prevented. 

Article 5 

Staff 

1) The Secretary General shall hire the 

staff. In choosing the staff of the Permanent 

Secretariat, equal consideration of 

all Official Languages of the Alpine 

Convention is to be ensured. 

Article 6 

Financial Administration of the 


1) The Secretary General shall draw up an 

annual budget and balance sheet, and 

submit them to the Alpine Conference 

and the Permanent Committee. 



228 

2) The Permanent Committee shall review 

the budget and the balance sheet and 

forward their possible annotations to 


3) The Permanent Committee may at any 

time entrust an independent agency 

with the reviewing of the financial administration 


4) The Alpine Conference shall approve 

the budget and the annual balance 

sheet. 

Article 7 

Final Clauses 

1) The Secretary General, the Vice-Secretary 

General, and the staff of the Permanent 

Secretariat are independent in 

the exercise of their office and may not 

accept instructions either by the Contracting 

Parties or third parties. 

2) Moreover, the employment relationship 

between the Permanent Secretariat on 

the one hand and the Secretary General, 

the Vice-Secretary General, and the 

staff on the other hand is subject to the 

national legislation of the state providing 

the Permanent Secretariat with a 

seat unless the seat agreement with 

this state contains contrary regulations. 


Enclosure II 

Procedure for the Appointment 

of the Secretary General and 

the Vice-Secretary General 

Article 1 

Search for Candidates 

1) The Contracting Parties shall, based on 

a common international advertisement 

and recruitment procedure, conduct a 

search for candidates on their respective 

territory. The search for candidates 

shall follow the principles of transparency 

and efficiency. The international 

advertisement and recruitment procedure 

shall be prepared and conducted 

under the supervision of the Permanent 

Secretariat. 

2) The Permanent Committee may establish 

a Working Group for shortlisting 

the most qualified candidates. 

Article 2 

Appointment 

The Alpine Conference shall unanimously 

appoint one of the candidates presented 

in accordance with Article 1 Secretary 

General. 

Article 3 

Term of Office 

The Secretary General shall take office 

within three months after the Alpine Confe-

ence at which he/she was appointed. The 

term of office has a duration of four years 

and may be extended by two years once 

only. Article 2 of this enclosure applies to 

the extension analogously. The Secretary 

General shall remain in office until the taking 

office of his/her successor. 

Article 4 

Election of the Vice-Secretary General 

1) The Vice-Secretary General is appointed 

by the Permanent Committee at the 

request of the Secretary General. Secretary 

General and Vice-Secretary General 

must not be of the same nationality. 

2) During the appointment procedure it 

must be ensured that the positions of 

Secretary General and Vice-Secretary 

General be not, if possible, newly filled 

at the same time. 

3) Moreover, the regulations contained 

within this enclosure apply analogously 

to the Vice-Secretary General. 

% 

per state 

Total 

amount 

per state 

Austria (A) 

Switzerland (CH) 

Germany (D) 

France (F) 

Enclosure III 

Funding of the 


Article 1 

1) The annual budget of the Permanent 

Secretariat for the years 2003 and 2004 

amounts to 800,000 € (Euros) each. 

This amount may be re-stipulated after 

presenting a new budget estimate. The 

financial year of the Permanent Secretariat 

begins on 1 January each year. 

2) The annual budget as specified in Paragraph 

1 is divided into contribution 

percentages among the Contracting 

Parties according to the distribution 

basis represented by the table below. 

3) At the request of one or several Contracting 

Parties this distribution basis 

may be altered by the Alpine Conference 

on the occasion of its VII meeting 

or at a later date. The distribution basis 

remains in force until the next, diver- 

Liechtenstein (FL) 

24.5 14.5 8.5 18 2 26.5 2 4 100 

196,000 116,000 68,000 144,000 16,000 212,000 16,000 32,000 800,000 

Italy (I) 

Monaco (MC) 

Slovenia (SLO) 



230 

ging decision of the Alpine Conference. 

4) The contributions for the funding of the 

Permanent Secretariat shall be transferred 

as soon as possible in order to 

guarantee its continued functionality. 

Article 2 

1) Voluntary contributions may be submitted 

by the Contracting Parties at any 

time and used for funding specific activities. 

These contributions may also be 

accomplished in non-pecuniary form. 

2) Contributions must be paid in Euro 

currency directly into the account of the 

Secretariat. 

Article 3 

The annual gross salary of the Secretary 

General amounts to 70,000 to 100,000 €. 

The exact amount of his/her payment shall 

be stipulated by the Permanent Committee 

after his/her appointment. 

Article 4 

The salary of the Secretary General shall 

be stipulated after the conclusion of the 

seat agreement. 


Enclosure IV 

Article 1 

The Ministers agree on entrusting the 

French candidate with the function of interim 

Secretary General of the Alpine Convention. 

Italy withdraws its reservation against the 

implementation mechanism. 

The Ministers stipulate that the Vice-Secretary 

General in office at the same time as 

the interim Secretary General must be a 

person of German mother tongue, and 

one staff member of the Secretariat a person 

of Slovene mother tongue. 

Italy shall fund one expert to work in 

Bolzano who shall be appointed by Slovenia.

Agreement between the Republic of Austria 

and Permanent Secretariat of the Convention for 

the Protection of the Alps on its Official Seat 

The establishment of the Permanent Secretariat in Innsbruck required concluding a seat 

agreement with the Republic of Austria. 

This Official Seat Agreement was solemnly signed in June 2003. 

Official seat agreement with Austria 


232 

Präambel 

Unter Bezugnahme auf das am 7. November 

1991 in Salzburg unterzeichnete Übereinkommen 

zum Schutz der Alpen (Alpenkonvention), 

das in Artikel 9 vorsieht, dass die 

Alpenkonferenz mit Einstimmigkeit die Errichtung 

eines Ständigen Sekretariats der 

Alpenkonvention beschließen kann; 

unter Bezugnahme auf den Beschluss 7A der 

VI. Alpenkonferenz vom 31. Oktober 2000, mit 

dem die Errichtung des Ständigen Sekretariats 

beschlossen wurde; 

unter Bezugnahme auf den Beschluss VII/2 

der VII. Alpenkonferenz vom 19. November 

2002, mit dem die Einrichtung des Sitzes 

des Ständigen Sekretariats in Innsbruck mit 

einer Außenstelle in Bozen festgelegt und 

der Generalsekretär beauftragt wird, im Namen 

des Ständigen Sekretariats ein Amtssitzabkommen 

mit dem Sitzstaat des Ständigen 

Sekretariats zu verhandeln und nach 

Genehmigung durch die Alpenkonferenz abzuschließen; 

und 

im Bestreben, den Status sowie die Privilegien 

und Immunitäten des Ständigen Sekretariats 

in der Republik Österreich festzulegen 

und dem Ständigen Sekretariat die Wahrnehmung 

seiner Aufgaben und Funktionen zu 

erleichtern; 

sind die Republik Österreich und das Ständige 

Sekretariat des Übereinkommens zum 

Schutz der Alpen wie folgt übereingekommen: 


Artikel 1 

Begriffsbestimmungen 

In diesem Abkommen: 

a) bezeichnet der Begriff „zuständige 

österreichische Behörden“ die Bundes-, 

Landes-, Gemeinde- und sonstigen 

Behörden der Republik Österreich, 

die je nach dem Zusammenhang 

und gemäß den in der Republik Österreich 

geltenden Gesetzen und Übungen 

zuständig sind; 

b) bezeichnet der Begriff „Alpenkonvention“ 

das am 7. November 1991 in Salzburg 

unterzeichnete Überein kommen 

zum Schutz der Alpen (Alpenkonvention); 

c) bezeichnet der Begriff „das Ständige 

Sekretariat“ das Ständige Sekretariat 

der Alpenkonvention; 

d) bezeichnet der Begriff „Mitarbeiter des 

Ständigen Sekretariats“ alle Mitarbeiter 

des Ständigen Sekretariats einschließlich 

des Generalsekretärs und 

des Vizegeneralsekretärs mit Ausnahme 

des an Ort und Stelle aufgenommenen 

und nach Stundenlohn bezahlten 

Personals; 

e) bezeichnet der Begriff „Angestellte des 

Ständigen Sekretariats“ alle Mitarbeiter 

des Ständigen Sekretariats sowie 

alle im Dienste einer Regierung oder 

einer Internationalen Organisation stehenden 

und von dieser an 

das Ständige Sekretariat entsandten 

Personen; 

f) bezeichnet der Begriff „amtliche Tätigkeiten“ 

alle Tätigkeiten, die das Ständige 

Sekretariat in Ausübung der ihm 

von der Alpenkonferenz übertragenen 

Aufgaben durchführt;

g) bezeichnet der Begriff „amtliche Besucher“ 

die gemäß der Alpenkonvention 

oder vom Ständigen Sekretariat eingeladenen 

Vertreter von Regierungen Internationalen 

Organisationen und 

grenzüberschreitenden Zusammenschlüssen 

alpiner Gebietskörperschaften. 

Artikel 2 

Rechtspersönlichkeit 

Die Republik Österreich anerkennt die 

Rechtspersönlichkeit des Ständigen 

Sekretariates. Es hat insbesondere die 

Fähigkeit: 

a) Verträge abzuschließen; 

b) unbewegliche und bewegliche Vermögenswerte 

zu erwerben und zu veräußern; 

c) Gerichtsverfahren anzustrengen oder 

zu erwidern und 

d) andere Handlungen zu setzen, die für 

die Durchführung seiner Aufgaben 

notwendig oder nützlich sind. 

Artikel 3 

Amtssitz 

(1) Der Amtssitz des Ständigen Sekretariats 

ist in Innsbruck; es hat eine Außenstelle 

in Bozen. 

(2) Jedes Gebäude in Innsbruck oder außerhalb 

Innsbrucks, das im Einvernehmen 

mit der Republik Österreich für 

vom Ständigen Sekretariat einberufe- 

ne Sitzungen benützt wird, gilt als 

zeitweilig in den Amtssitzbereich einbezogen. 

Artikel 4 

Unverletzlichkeit des Amtssitzes 

(1) Der Amtssitz des Ständigen Sekretariats 

ist unverletzlich. Kein Beamter oder 

Vertreter der Republik Österreich noch 

sonst irgendeine in der Republik Österreich 

Hoheitsrechte ausübende Person 

darf, außer mit der Zustimmung 

des Generalsekretärs des Ständigen 

Sekretariats und unter Einhaltung der 

von ihm festgelegten Bedingungen, 

den Amtssitz betreten und dort Amtshandlungen 

setzen. 

(2) Das Ständige Sekretariat wird verhindern, 

dass der Amtssitz Personen als 

Zuflucht dient, die sich der Verhaftung 

auf Grund eines Gesetzes der Republik 

Österreich entziehen wollen, die 

diese an ein anderes Land ausliefern 

will oder die gerichtlichen Vollzugshandlungen 

zu entgehen versuchen. 

(3) Soweit sich aus der Alpenkonvention 

oder diesem Abkommen nichts anderes 

ergibt, gelten im Amtssitzbereich 

die Gesetze der Republik Österreich. 

Artikel 5 

Befreiung von Gerichtsbarkeit und 

anderen Maßnahmen 

(1) Das Ständige Sekretariat ist mit Ausnahme 

der folgenden Fälle von Gerichtsbarkeit 

und Vollzugshandlungen 

befreit: 



234 

a) wenn das Ständige Sekretariat in 

einem bestimmten Fall ausdrücklich 

auf eine solche Befreiung verzichtet 

hat; 

b) wenn gegen das Ständige Sekretariat 

durch Dritte eine zivilrechtliche 

Klage auf Schadenersatz nach einem 

Verkehrsunfall mit einem im 

Besitz des Ständigen Sekretariats 

befindlichen oder in seinem Auftrag 

betriebenen Kraftfahrzeug oder aufgrund 

einer anderen Übertretung 

von Bestimmungen über den Besitz, 

Betrieb oder Einsatz von Kraftfahrzeugen 

eingebracht wird; 

c) wenn es aufgrund einer richterlichen 

Entscheidung zu einer Pfändung 

der vom Ständigen Sekretariat 

an einen Angestellten zu zahlenden 

Gehälter, Bezüge oder Entschädigungen 

kommt und das 

Ständige Sekretariat den österreichischen 

Behörden nicht innerhalb 

von 14 Tagen nach Kenntnisnahme 

von der betreffenden Entscheidung 

mitteilt, dass es auf seine 

Immunität nicht verzichtet. 

d) in allen Streitigkeiten arbeitsrechtlicher 

Natur zwischen dem Ständigen 

Sekretariat und seinen 

Angestellten. 

(2) Unbeschadet der Bestimmungen der 

Absätze 1 und 3 gelten das Eigentum 

und die Vermögenswerte des Ständigen 

Sekretariats unabhängig von ihrem 

Standort als von allen Formen der 

Beschlagnahme, Einziehung, Enteignung 

oder Zwangsverwaltung befreit. 

(3) Das Eigentum und die Vermögenswerte 

des Ständigen Sekretariats sind 

ebenfalls von jedem behördlichen 

Zwang oder jeder Maßnahme, die ei- 


nem Urteil vorausgehen, befreit, es sei 

denn, dass dies im Zusammenhang 

mit der Verhinderung und gegebenenfalls 

der Untersuchung von Unfällen, 

an denen dem Ständigen Sekretariat 

gehörende oder für dieses betriebene 

Motorfahrzeuge beteiligt sind, vorübergehend 

notwendig ist. 

Artikel 6 

Unverletzlichkeit der Archive 

Die Archive des Ständigen Sekretariats 

sowie alle Dokumente und Datenträger, 

die ihm gehören oder sich in seinem Besitz 

befinden, sind unverletzlich. 

Artikel 7 

Schutz des Amtssitzbereichs 

Die zuständigen österreichischen Behörden 

werden entsprechende Vorsorge treffen, 

um zu gewährleisten, dass die Ruhe 

des Amtssitzbereichs nicht durch Personen 

oder Personengruppen gestört wird, 

die diesen ohne Erlaubnis zu betreten 

versuchen. 

Artikel 8 

Öffentliche Leistungen im 

Amtssitzbereich 

(1) Die Republik Österreich trifft entsprechende 

Maßnahmen, um die Versorgung 

des Amtssitzes mit den notwendigen 

öffentlichen Leistungen zu

an gemessenen Bedingungen zu 

ge währleis ten. 

(2) Der Generalsekretär des Ständigen 

Sekretariats wird über Ersuchen die 

erforderlichen Vorkehrungen treffen, 

um den gehörig bevollmächtigten Vertretern 

der zuständigen öffentlichen 

Einrichtungen zu ermöglichen, die Anlagen, 

Leitungen, Netze und Kanalanlagen 

im Amtssitzbereich zu überprüfen, 

instand zu setzen, instand zu halten, 

wiederherzustellen oder zu verlegen, 

und zwar in einer Weise, dass 

dadurch die amtliche Tätigkeit nicht 

über Gebühr gestört wird. 

Artikel 9 

Nachrichtenverkehr 

(1) Die Republik Österreich trägt dafür 

Sorge, dass das Ständige Sekretariat 

in der Lage ist, Mitteilungen in Verbindung 

mit seinen amtlichen Tätigkeiten 

ohne Zensur oder andere Eingriffe zu 

versenden und zu empfangen. 

(2) Das Ständige Sekretariat genießt in 

der Republik Österreich im Hinblick 

auf alle seine amtlichen Mitteilungen 

und auf die Übermittlung aller seiner 

Schriftstücke Bedingungen, die nicht 

weniger vorteilhaft sind, als die günstigsten 

Bedingungen, die die Republik 

Österreich anderen Internationalen 

Organisationen hinsichtlich der Gewährung 

von Vorzugsbehandlungen, 

Tarifen und Sondergebühren für Postsendungen, 

telegraphische Mitteilungen, 

Funktelegramme, Faxnachrichten, 

Telephongespräche oder andere 

Kommunikationsformen gewährt. 

Artikel 10 

Befreiung von Steuern und Zöllen 

sowie andere Maßnahmen 

(1) Das Ständige Sekretariat und sein Eigentum 

sind nach Maßgabe der nachfolgenden 

Bestimmungen von allen 

Formen der Besteuerung befreit. 

(2) Indirekte Steuern, die in den Preisen 

der an das Ständige Sekretariat gelieferten 

Waren oder Dienstleistungen, 

einschließlich Miet- und Leasingkosten, 

enthalten sind, werden dem Ständigen 

Sekretariat insoweit rückerstattet, 

als dies für diplomatische Vertretungen 

in Österreich vorgesehen ist. 

(3) Alle Rechtsgeschäfte, an denen das 

Ständige Sekretariat beteiligt ist, und 

alle in Verbindung mit solchen Rechtsgeschäften 

stehenden Schriftstücke 

sind von Steuern sowie Beurkundungs- 

und Gerichtsgebühren befreit. 

(4) Alle Waren, einschließlich Dienstfahrzeuge 

und Ersatzteile dazu, die vom 

Ständigen Sekretariat für amtliche 

Zwecke ein- oder ausführt werden, 

sind von Zöllen und sonstigen Abgaben 

befreit, soweit diese nicht bloß 

Gebühren für erbrachte öffentliche 

Leis tungen sind, sowie von allen wirtschaftlichen 

Ein- und Ausfuhrverboten 

und -beschränkungen ausgenommen. 

Die Republik Österreich stellt dem 

Ständigen Sekretariat für jedes von 

ihm gehaltene Fahrzeug ein Diplomatenkennzeichen 

zur Verfügung, das 

dieses Fahrzeug als amtliches Fahrzeug 

einer Internationalen Organisation 

ausweist. 

(5) Waren, die gemäß Absatz 4 eingeführt 

wurden, dürfen vom Ständigen Sekretariat 

innerhalb eines Zeitraumes von 



236 

zwei Jahren nach ihrer Einfuhr weder 

verliehen, verpfändet, vermietet, veräußert 

noch überlassen werden, andernfalls 

die Abgaben nach den zum Zeitpunkt 

der Verfügung geltenden Bemessungsgrundlagen 

erhoben 

werden. 

(6) Das Ständige Sekretariat ist von der 

Verpflichtung zur Entrichtung des 

Dienstgeberbeitrages zum Ausgleichfonds 

für Familienbeihilfen oder an 

eine Einrichtung mit gleichartigen 

Funktionen befreit. 

Artikel 11 

Finanzeinrichtungen 

Die Republik Österreich trägt dafür Sorge, 

dass das Ständige Sekretariat in der Lage 

ist: 

a) Währungsguthaben und Wertpapiere 

auf gesetzlich zulässigem Weg zu erwerben 

und zu erhalten sowie solche 

zu besitzen oder zu veräußern; 

b) Bankkonten in jeder beliebigen Währung 

zu eröffnen und zu unterhalten, 

und 

c) seine Einlagen, Wertpapiere und Währungsguthaben 

nach, aus oder in die 

Republik Österreich zu transferieren. 

Artikel 12 

Sozialversicherung 

(1) Das Ständige Sekretariat und seine 

Angestellten sind von allen Pflichtbeiträgen 

an die Sozialversicherungsein- 


richtungen der Republik Österreich 

befreit. 

(2) Die Mitarbeiter des Ständigen Sekretariats 

haben das Recht, jedem einzelnen 

Zweig der Kranken-, Unfall- und 

Pensionsversicherung sowie der Arbeitslosenversicherung 

beizutreten. 

Diese Versicherung hat die gleichen 

Rechtswirkungen wie eine Pflichtversicherung. 


können das Recht nach Absatz 2 

binnen drei Monaten nach In-Kraft- 

Treten dieses Artikels oder binnen drei 

Monaten nach dem Beginn ihres Beschäftigungsverhältnisses 

beim Ständigen 

Sekretariat durch Abgabe einer 

schriftlichen Erklärung geltend 

machen. 

(4) Die Versicherung nach Absatz 2 beginnt 

in dem gewählten Zweig mit dem 

Beginn der Beschäftigung beim Ständigen 

Sekretariat, wenn die Erklärung 

binnen sieben Tagen nach Inkrafttreten 

dieses Artikels oder nach Beginn 

der Beschäftigung abgegeben wird, 

sonst mit dem der Abgabe der Erklärung 

nächstfolgenden Tag. 

(5) Die Versicherung endet mit dem Ende 

der Beschäftigung beim Ständigen 

Sekretariat. 


haben für die Dauer der Versicherung 

die Beiträge zur Gänze an die 

Tiroler Gebietskrankenkasse zu entrichten. 

(7) Die nach Absatz 3 abzugebenden Erklärungen 

werden vom Ständigen Sekretariat 

der Tiroler Gebietskrankenkasse 

übermittelt. Das Ständige Sekretariat 

erteilt der Tiroler Gebietskrankenkasse 

auf Ersuchen die für die Durch-

führung der Versicherung erforderlichen 

Auskünfte. 

Artikel 13 

Durchreise und Aufenthalt 

(1) Die Republik Österreich trifft Vorsorge 

dafür, dass den unten angeführten 

Personen die Einreise nach und der 

Aufenthalt in der Republik Österreich 

ermöglicht wird, dass sie die Republik 

Österreich ohne Probleme verlassen 

und unbehindert vom oder zum Amtssitz 

reisen können und dass bei diesen 

Reisen der notwendige Schutz gewährleistet 

wird: 

a) der Generalsekretär und die im gemeinsamen 

Haushalt lebenden Familienangehörigen 

und sonstige 

Haushaltsangehörige; 

b) die Angestellten des Ständigen Sekretariats 

und die im gemeinsamen 

Haushalt lebenden Familienangehörigen; 

c) die amtlichen Besucher und 

d) die Sachverständigen. 

(2) Die für die in Absatz 1 genannten Personen 

erforderlichen Sichtvermerke 

werden kostenlos und so rasch wie 

möglich bewilligt. 

(3) Keine von einer in Absatz 1 genannten 

Person in amtlicher Funktion im Rahmen 

des Ständigen Sekretariats verrichtete 

Tätigkeit darf als Grund dafür 

verwendet werden, dieser Person die 

Einreise nach bzw. die Ausreise aus 

der Republik Österreich zu verweigern. 

(4) Die Republik Österreich hat das Recht, 

einen ausreichenden Nachweis dafür 

zu verlangen, dass Personen, die eines 

der in diesem Artikel genannten 

Rechte in Anspruch nehmen wollen, 

einer der in Absatz 1 beschriebenen 

Kate gorien angehören, und zu verlangen, 

dass den Quarantäne- und Gesundheitsvorschriften 

in angemessener 

Form entsprochen wird. 

Artikel 14 

Angestellte des Ständigen Sekretariats 

(1) Die Angestellten des Ständigen Sekretariats 

genießen in und gegenüber der 

Republik Österreich folgende Privilegien 

und Immunitäten: 

a) Befreiung von jeglicher Gerichtsbarkeit 

in Bezug auf die in Ausübung 

ihrer amtlichen Funktionen 

gemachten mündlichen oder 

schriftlichen Äußerungen und gesetzten 

Handlungen, wobei diese 

Befreiung auch dann weiterbesteht, 

wenn die betreffenden Personen 

nicht mehr Angestellte des Ständigen 

Sekretariats sind; diese Befreiung 

gilt nicht für Streitigkeiten arbeitsrechtlicher 

Natur zwischen 

dem Ständigen Sekretariat und 

seinen Angestellten; 

b) Unverletzlichkeit aller amtlichen 

Schriftstücke, Daten und sonstigen 

Materialien; 

c) Schutz vor Beschlagnahme ihres 

privaten und ihres dienstlichen Gepäcks 

und Schutz vor Durchsuchung 

des Dienstgepäcks und, falls 

der/die Angestellte unter Artikel 15 

fällt und nicht österreichische(r) 

Staatsbürger(in) ist oder seinen/ihren 

ständigen Wohnsitz in der Re- 



238 

publik Österreich hat, auch des 

privaten Gepäcks; 

d) Befreiung von der Besteuerung von 

Gehältern, Bezügen einschließlich 

Zulagen, Entlohnungen, Entschädigungen 

und Ruhegenüssen, die sie 

vom Ständigen Sekretariat für ihre 

Dienste erhalten; diese Ausnahme 

gilt auch für alle Unterstützungen 

an die Familien der Angestellten; 

e) Befreiung von allen Formen der 

Besteuerung der Einkünfte, die sie 

oder ihre im gemeinsamen Haushalt 

lebenden Familienangehörigen 

aus Quellen außerhalb der Republik 

Österreich beziehen; 

f) Befreiung von der Erbschafts- und 

Schenkungssteuer (außer für inländische 

Liegenschaften), sofern eine 

Verpflichtung zur Bezahlung solcher 

Steuern allein aus dem Umstand 

entsteht, dass die Angestellten 

und ihre im gemeinsamen 

Haushalt lebenden Familienangehörigen 

ihren gewöhnlichen Aufenthalt 

in der Republik Österreich genommen 

haben oder beibehalten; 

g) Befreiung von Einwanderungsbeschränkungen 

und von der Ausländerregistrierung 

für sich selbst und 

für die im gemeinsamen Haushalt 

lebenden Familienangehörigen und 

weiteren Haushaltsangehörigen; 

h) die Befugnis, in der Republik Österreich 

ausländische Wertpapiere, 

Guthaben in fremden Währungen, 

andere bewegliche sowie, unter 

den gleichen Bedingungen wie für 

österreichische Staatsbürger, auch 

unbewegliche Vermögenswerte zu 

erwerben und zu besitzen, weiters 

das Recht, nach Beendigung ihres 

Dienstverhältnisses beim Ständi- 


gen Sekretariat unbehindert ihre 

Zahlungsmittel in der gleichen 

Währung und bis zu denselben 

Beträgen wieder auszuführen, wie 

sie sie in die Republik Österreich 

eingeführt haben; 

i) das Recht, zum persönlichen Gebrauch 

frei von Zöllen und sonstigen 

Abgaben, soweit diese nicht 

bloß Gebühren für erbrachte öffentliche 

Leistungen sind, sowie frei 

von wirtschaftlichen Einfuhrverboten 

und –beschränkungen Folgendes 

einzuführen: 

i) innerhalb eines Jahres ab ihrem 

ersten Dienstantritt ihre Wohnungseinrichtung,Gebrauchsgegenstände 

und sonstiges 

Übersiedlungsgut in einem oder 

mehreren getrennten Transporten 

und 

ii) alle vier Jahre ein Kraftfahrzeug; 

j) den gleichen Schutz und die gleichen 

Repatriierungsmöglichkeiten 

für sich selbst und ihre im selben 

Haushalt lebenden Familienangehörigen, 

wie sie den Mitgliedern 

vergleichbaren Ranges des Personals 

der bei der Republik Österreich 

beglaubigten Leiter von diplomatischen 

Vertretungen in Zeiten 

internationaler Krisen eingeräumt 

werden; 

k) die Möglichkeit eines bevorzugten 

Zuganges zum Arbeitsmarkt für 

ihre im selben Haushalt lebenden 

Ehepartner und unterhaltsberechtigten 

Angehörigen im Einklang mit 

den österreichischen gesetzlichen 

Bestimmungen, unter der Voraussetzung, 

dass bei Aufnahme einer 

Erwerbstätigkeit die in diesem Abkommen 

angeführten Privilegien

und Immunitäten auf eine solche 

Tätigkeit keine Anwendung finden. 

Dieses Privileg wird gemäß dem 

Annex eingeräumt. 

(2) Die Angestellten des Ständigen Sekretariats 

sowie deren im gemeinsamen 

Haushalt lebende Familienmitglieder, 

auf die sich das Abkommen bezieht, 

sind von den Geldleistungen aus dem 

Ausgleichsfonds für Familienbeihilfen 

oder einer Einrichtung mit gleichartigen 

Funktionen ausgeschlossen. Dies 

gilt nicht, wenn diese Personen österreichische 

Staatsbürger oder durch 

gemeinschaftsrechtliche Bestimmungen 

gleichgestellte Staatsangehörige 

eines EU- oder EWR -Mitgliedstaates 

oder Staatenlose mit Wohnsitz in 

Österreich sind. 

Artikel 15 

Der Generalsekretär des Ständigen 

Sekretariats 

Neben den in Artikel 14 genannten Privilegien 

und Immunitäten genießen der Generalsekretär 

des Ständigen Sekretariats sowie 

höherrangige Mitarbeiter in Vertretung 

des Generalsekretärs während dessen Abwesenheit, 

die gleichen Privilegien und 

Immunitäten, Befreiungen und Möglichkeiten, 

wie sie auch den Leitern bzw. Mitgliedern 

vergleichbaren Ranges von diplomatischen 

Vertretungen eingeräumt werden, 

sofern sie nicht österreichische Staatsbürger 

sind oder ihren ständigen Wohnsitz in 

der Republik Österreich haben. 

Artikel 16 

Amtliche Besucher 

(1) Amtliche Besucher genießen gegenüber 

der Republik Österreich die folgenden 

Privilegien und Immunitäten: 

a) Befreiung von jeglicher Gerichtsbarkeit 

hinsichtlich aller von ihnen 

in Ausübung ihrer amtlichen Tätigkeit 

gemachten mündlichen oder 

schriftlichen Äußerungen und gesetzten 

Handlungen, wobei diese 

Befreiung auch dann weiterbesteht, 

wenn die betreffende Person nicht 

mehr amtlicher Besucher ist; 

b) Unverletzlichkeit aller amtlichen 

Schriftstücke, Daten und sonstiger 

Materialien; 

c) Schutz vor Beschlagnahme ihres 

privaten und ihres Dienstgepäcks. 

(2) In den Fällen, in denen der Anfall einer 

Steuer vom Aufenthalt abhängt, werden 

Zeiträume, während deren sich 

die in Absatz 1 genannten Personen 

zur Erfüllung ihrer Aufgaben in der 

Republik Österreich aufhalten, nicht 

als Aufenthaltszeiträume angesehen. 

Diese Personen sind insbesondere 

von der Steuerzahlung für ihre vom 

Ständigen Sekretariat bezahlten Bezüge 

und Spesen während eines derartigen 

Zeit raumes sowie von allen Fremdenverkehrsabgaben 

befreit. 

Artikel 17 

Sachverständige 

Sachverständige genießen bei der Ausübung 

ihrer Tätigkeit für das Ständige Sekretariat 

oder bei der Ausführung von Auf- 



240 

trägen für dieses gegenüber der Republik 

Österreich dieselben Privilegien und Immunitäten 

wie die amtlichen Besucher 

nach Artikel 16, soweit dies für die Ausübung 

ihrer Tätigkeiten notwendig ist. Zusätzlich 

sind Sachverständige und ihre im 

gemeinsamen Haushalt lebenden Familienangehörigen 

von Einwanderungsbeschränkungen 

und von der Ausländerregistrierung 

befreit. 

Artikel 18 

Notifikation von Anstellungen, 

Lichtbildausweise 

(1) Das Ständige Sekretariat übermittelt 

den zuständigen österreichischen Behörden 

eine Liste der Angestellten des 

Ständigen Sekretariats und revidiert 

diese regelmäßig. 

(2) Die Republik Österreich stellt den Angestellten 

des Ständigen Sekretariats 

und ihren im gemeinsamen Haushalt 

lebenden Familienangehörigen sowie 

den weiteren Haushaltsangehörigen 

nach Maßgabe der österreichischen 

Rechtsvorschriften einen Lichtbildausweis, 

der mit dem Lichtbild des Inhabers 

versehen ist, zur Verfügung. Dieser 

Ausweis dient zur Legitimierung 

des Inhabers gegenüber den zuständigen 

österreichischen Behörden. 

Artikel 19 

Österreichische Staatsbürger und 

Personen mit ständigem Wohnsitz in 

der Republik Österreich 

Österreichische Staatsbürger und Personen, 

die zum Zeitpunkt ihres Dienstantritts 


ihren ständigen Wohnsitz in Österreich 

haben, genießen nur die in Artikel 12, Artikel 

14 Absatz 1 lit. a), b), c) mit den darin 

vorgesehenen Einschränkungen, und d) 

und Artikel 16 Absatz 1 lit. a), b) und c) 

angeführten Privilegien und Immunitäten. 

Artikel 20 

Zweck der Privilegien und Immunitäten 

(1) Die in diesem Abkommen gewährten 

Privilegien und Immunitäten dienen 

nicht dazu, den Angestellten oder amtlichen 

Besuchern des Ständigen Sekretariats 

persönliche Vorteile zu verschaffen. 

Sie werden lediglich gewährt, 

um damit dem Ständigen Sekretariat 

zu allen Zeiten die ungestörte Ausübung 

seiner amtlichen Tätigkeiten zu 

ermöglichen und um sicherzustellen, 

dass die Personen, denen sie eingeräumt 

werden, vollkommen unabhängig 

sind. 

(2) Das Ständige Sekretariat verpflichtet 

sich, auf die Immunität zu verzichten, 

wenn es der Auffassung ist, dass diese 

Immunität den normalen Gang der 

Rechtspflege behindern würde und 

dass ein solcher Verzicht die Interessen 

des Ständigen Sekretariats nicht 

beeinträchtigt. 

Artikel 21 

Streitbeilegung 

Alle Meinungsverschiedenheiten zwischen 

der Republik Österreich und dem Ständigen 

Sekretariat über die Auslegung oder 

Anwendung dieses Abkommens oder über

irgendeine andere Frage hinsichtlich des 

Amtssitzes oder des Verhältnisses zwischen 

dem Ständigen Sekretariat und der 

Republik Österreich, welche nicht im Verhandlungswege 

oder nach einem anderen 

einvernehmlich festgelegten Verfahren beigelegt 

werden, sind zur endgültigen Entscheidung 

einem aus drei Schiedsrichtern 

zusammengesetzten Schiedsgericht zu 

unterbreiten; von diesen ist einer vom 

Ständigen Sekretariat, einer vom Bundesminister 

für auswärtige Angelegenheiten 

der Republik Österreich und ein dritter, der 

als Vorsitzender des Schiedsgerichtes fungiert, 

von den beiden ersten Schiedsrichtern 

auszuwählen. Können die beiden ersten 

Schiedsrichter innerhalb von sechs 

Monaten nach ihrer Ernennung keine Einigung 

hinsichtlich des dritten Schiedsrichters 

erzielen, so wird dieser auf Ersuchen 

der Republik Österreich oder des Ständigen 

Sekretariats vom Präsidenten des Internationalen 

Gerichtshofes ausgewählt. 

Artikel 22 

Meistbegünstigung 

Sofern und insoweit die Regierung mit einer 

vergleichbaren zwischenstaatlichen 

Organisation ein Abkommen trifft, das Bestimmungen 

oder Bedingungen enthält, 

die für die betreffende Organisation günsti- 

ger sind als die entsprechenden Bestimmungen 

oder Bedingungen dieses Abkommens, 

dehnt die Regierung mittels eines 

Zusatzabkommens diese günstigeren 

Bestimmungen oder Bedingungen auch 

auf das Ständige Sekretariat aus. 

Artikel 23 

Inkrafttreten und Dauer des 

Abkommens 

(1) Dieses Abkommen wird auf unbestimmte 

Zeit geschlossen und tritt am 

ersten Tag des dritten Monats nachdem 

die Republik Österreich und das 

Ständige Sekretariat einander den Abschluss 

der für das In-Kraft-Treten erforderlichen 

Verfahren mitgeteilt haben, 

in Kraft. Die Artikel 10, 12 Absatz 

1, 14, 16, 17, 19 und 20 dieses Abkommens 

treten nach Ablauf der im ersten 

Satz genannten Frist mit 1. Jänner 

2003 rückwirkend in Kraft. 

(2) Dieses Abkommen tritt bei Beendigung 

der Alpenkonvention außer Kraft. 

(3) Dieses Abkommen kann von jeder der 

beiden Parteien unter Einhaltung einer 

sechsmonatigen Frist schriftlich gekündigt 

werden. 

Geschehen in Innsbruck am 24.6.2003, in 

zwei Fassungen in deutscher Sprache. 



242 

Annex 

Zugang zum Arbeitsmarkt 

1. Die Ehegatten der Angestellten des 

Ständigen Sekretariats und deren Kinder 

bis zu einem Alter von 21 Jahren 

haben unter der Voraussetzung, dass 

sie mit dem Ziel der Familienzusammenführung 

nach Österreich kamen 

und mit dem Hauptberechtigten des 

gemäß Art. 18 ausgestellten Lichtbildausweises 

einen gemeinsamen Haushalt 

bilden, bevorzugten Zugang zum 

Arbeitsmarkt. Die Definition „Angestellte 

des Ständigen Sekretariats“ gemäß 

Art. 1 lit. e trägt der spezifischen Struktur 

des Ständigen Sekretariats Rechnung. 

Diese Familienmitglieder werden 

in Folge als Begünstigte bezeichnet. 

2. Die nach Punkt 1 Begünstigten erhalten 

auf Antrag vom Bundesministerium 

für auswärtige Angelegenheiten eine 

Bescheinigung, aus der hervorgeht, 

dass sie dem nach dem Abkommen 

bevorzugt zu behandelnden Personenkreis 

angehören. Die Ausstellung 

der Bescheinigung ist an kein konkretes 

Arbeitsplatzangebot gebunden. 

Die Bescheinigung gilt für das gesamte 

österreichische Bundesgebiet und 

verliert ihre Gültigkeit, wenn der Lichtbildausweis 

seine Gültigkeit verliert. 

3. Einem Arbeitgeber, der den Inhaber 

einer Bescheinigung zu beschäftigen 

beabsichtigt, wird auf Antrag eine Beschäftigungsbewilligung 

erteilt, sofern 

die Beschäftigung nicht in einem Arbeitsmarktsektor 

oder in einer Region 

aufgenommen werden soll, wo laut 

Arbeitsmarktservice gravierende Arbeitsmarktprobleme 

bestehen. Die Be- 


schäftigungsbewilligung kann auch 

nach Überschreitung der gesetzlich 

festgelegten Bundeshöchstzahl für die 

Beschäftigung von ausländischen Arbeitskräften 

erteilt werden. 

4. Die Ausstellung der Beschäftigungsbewilligung 

erfolgt durch die regionale 

Geschäftsstelle des Arbeitsmarktservice, 

in deren Sprengel der in Aussicht 

genommene Beschäftigungsort liegt, 

bei wechselndem Beschäftigungsort 

von der regionalen Geschäftsstelle des 

Arbeitsmarktservice, in dem der Arbeitgeber 

seinen Betriebssitz hat. 

5. Kinder, die vor Vollendung des 21. Lebensjahres 

zum Zweck der Familienzusammenführung 

nach Österreich 

eingereist sind und erst nach Vollendung 

des 21. Lebensjahres eine Beschäftigung 

aufnehmen wollen, gelten 

dann als Begünstigte, wenn ihnen vor 

Vollendung des 21. Lebensjahres bis 

zur tatsächlichen Aufnahme der Beschäftigung 

vom Hauptberechtigten 

des Lichtbildausweises Unterhalt gewährt 

wurde. Alle anderen abhängigen 

Verwandten unterliegen den gewöhnlichen 

Regelungen betreffend die Zulassung 

zur unselbständigen Beschäftigung 

von Ausländern in Österreich. 

6. Soweit eine selbständige Erwerbstätigkeit 

ausgeübt werden soll, finden die 

obigen Regelungen über die Erteilung 

einer Beschäftigungsbewilligung keine 

Anwendung. In diesem Fall haben die 

Begünstigten die für die Ausübung einer 

selbständigen Erwerbstätigkeit die 

gesetzlich erforderlichen Befähigungen 

und Voraussetzungen zu erbringen.

Agreement between the Government of the Italian 

Republic and the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine 

Convention on its branch Office in bolzano - bozen 

Due to the establishment of a branch office of the Permanent Secretariat in 

Bolzano - Bozen, in September 2003 an Official Seat Agreement between the Italian Republic 

and the Permanent Secretariat was signed. 

Official seat agreement with Italy 


244 

Premesso Visto 

Che tra gli Stati dell‘Arco alpino è stata firmata 

a Salisburgo il 7 novembre 1991 la 

Convenzione per la protezione delle Alpi 

con allegati e processo verbale di modifica 

del 6 aprile 1993; 

Che in data 30 ottobre 2000 la VI Conferenza 

delle Alpi ha deliberato l‘avvio delle 

procedure per l‘istituzione del Segretariato 

Permanente della Convenzione delle Alpi e 

per la selezione delle città candidate ad 

ospitare la sede di detto Segretariato; 

Che a seguito del Bando nazionale emanato 

con Decreto del Ministro dell‘Ambiente 

e della Tutela del Territorio del 19 Dicembre 

2001, l‘Italia ha individuato la città di 

Bolzano quale miglior sede nazionale da 

candidare ad ospitare il Segretariato Permanente 

della Convenzione delle Alpi; 

Che in data 19 novembre 2002 la VII Conferenza 

delle Alpi ha deliberato l‘istituzione 

della sede del Segretariato Permanente 

della Convenzione delle Alpi a Innsbruck 

con sede operativa distaccata a Bolzano; 

che in base alla Decisione della VII Conferenza 

delle Alpi la sede di Bolzano svolgerà 

funzioni tecnico-operative, ed in particolare 

quelle riguardanti: 

- Il Sistema di Osservazione ed Informazione 

delle Alpi (SOIA); 

- Il Coordinamento delle attività di ricerca 

alpina 

- La traduzione e l‘interpretazione; 

che in base alla citata Decisione, le attività 

della Sede di Bolzano saranno parzialmente 

garantite da finanziamenti del Governo 

italiano e dal supporto dell‘Accademia 

Europea di Bolzano (EURAC); 


La Convenzione tra il Ministero italiano 

dell‘Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e 

l‘EURAC, finalizzata ad assicurare alla 

sede di Bolzano del Segretariato Permanente 

un adeguato supporto in termini di 

personale e di strumenti di lavoro, del 9 

gennaio 2002, e allegati; 

La Convenzione fra la Provincia autonoma 

di Bolzano, il Comune di Bolzano, l‘Accademia 

Europea di Bolzano, e il Segretariato 

Permanente della Convenzione delle 

Alpi, relativo alle condizioni per la messa a 

disposizione di locali, strumenti e servizi, 

per la Sede operativa distaccata di Bolzano 

del Segretariato Permanente, del 13 

settembre 2003, e allegati. 

Il Governo della Repubblica Italiana e il 

Segretariato Permanente della Convenzione 

delle Alpi, manifestando la disponibilità 

a concludere un accordo per definire i privilegi 

e le immunità della sede operativa 

distaccata di Bolzano del Segretariato Permanente 

della Convenzione delle Alpi, 

convengono quanto segue: 

Articolo I 

Definizioni 

Ai fini del presente Accordo: 

(a) per «Convenzione delle Alpi» si intende 

la Convenzione per la protezione delle 

Alpi, con allegati e processo verbale di 

modifica del 6 aprile 1993, firmata a 

Salisburgo il 7 novembre 1991.

(b) per «decisione della VII Conferenza delle 

Alpi» si intende la decisione con la 

quale il 19 novembre 2002 a Merano 

(Bolzano, Italia), la Conferenza dei Ministri 

della Convenzione delle Alpi ha 

istituito il proprio Segretariato Permanente 

con sede ad Innsbruck (Austria) 

e Sede operativa distaccata a Bolzano 

(Italia); 

(c) per «Segretariato» si intende il Segretariato 

Permanente istituito con decisione 

della VII Conferenza delle Alpi; 

(d) per «Segretario Generale» si intende il 

Segretario Generale e il Segretario 

Generale ad interim, nominato a capo 

del Segretariato in base alla decisione 


(e) per «Governo» si intende il Governo 

della Repubblica Italiana; 

(f) per «Enti competenti di Bolzano» si intendono 

la Provincia Autonoma, il Comune 

e l‘Accademia Europea di Bolzano 

che hanno stipulato con il Segretariato 

Permanente della convenzione 

delle Alpi, una Convenzione relativa 

alle condizioni per la messa a disposizione 

di locali, strumenti e servizi, per 

la sede operativa distaccata di Bolzano 

del Segretariato Permanente, del 

13 settembre 2003, e allegati, 

(g) per «Sede di Bolzano» si intende la 

sede operativa distaccata del Segretariato 

istituito dalla VII Conferenza delle 

Alpi, come individuata nella Convenzione 

tra gli Enti competenti di Bolzano 

e il Segretariato Permanente della 

Convenzione delle Alpi, ed ogni altro 

luogo in Italia dove avrà occasione di 

operare il personale e gli esperti del 

Segretariato; 

(h) per «Membri del Personale» si intendono 

i membri del personale del Segreta- 

riato, così come individuati dalla decisione 


(i) per «Stato» si intende una Parte contraente 


(j) per «Rappresentanti degli Stati» si intendono 

i capi delle delegazioni degli 

Stati, i loro supplenti e altri membri che 

partecipano alle riunioni degli organi 


(k) per «Esperto» si intende una persona 

che non faccia parte del personale, 

nominata dal Segretario Generale al 

fine di espletare un compito specifico 

a nome o per conto del Segretariato. 

Articolo II 

Sede operativa di Bolzano del 

Segretariato Permanente della 

Convenzione delle Alpi 

Conformemente alla Decisione della VII 

Conferenza delle Alpi il Segretariato avrà la 

propria Sede operativa in Bolzano, e dispone 

di locali strumenti e servizi secondo 

quanto stabilito nella Convenzione tra gli 

Enti competenti di Bolzano e il Segretariato 

stesso, del 13 settembre 2003, e allegati. 

Articolo III 

Privilegi ed immunità della Sede 

di Bolzano 

Immunità dalla giurisdizione e dalla esecuzione 

(a) La Sede di Bolzano sarà inviolabile. 

(b) Nessun agente o funzionario della Repubblica 

Italiana o chiunque eserciti 



246 

una pubblica funzione sul territorio 

della Repubblica Italiana potrà accedere 

alla Sede di Bolzano per esercitarvi 

le proprie funzioni senza il consenso 

del Segretario Generale o di un 

suo delegato. In caso di calamità naturali, 

di incendio o di altro evento che 

esiga immediatamente misure di protezione 

per la sicurezza e la salute 

pubblica, ovvero qualora sia necessario 

perseguire fatti criminosi, ad eccezione 

di quelli compiuti nell'esercizio 

dell'attività ufficiale del Segretariato, il 

consenso di accesso alla sede di Bolzano 

sarà considerato presunto. 

(c) Il Segretario Generale impedirà che la 

Sede di Bolzano divenga rifugio per 

coloro che cercano di sfuggire ad una 

misura restrittiva della libertà personale 

disposta in esecuzione di una legge 

della Repubblica Italiana o che sono 

ricercati per essere estradati in un altro 

paese. 

(d) I beni di proprietà del Segretariato ed i 

suoi archivi, ovunque situati e da 

chiunque posseduti, saranno esenti da 

sequestro o pignoramento, requisizione, 

confisca, esproprio e da qualsiasi 

altra misura esecutiva o amministrativa, 

sempreché i beni e gli archivi siano 

direttamente destinati al perseguimento 

dei fini istituzionali del Segretariato. 

(e) Il Segretariato non godrà dell'immunità 

dalla giurisdizione e dalla esecuzione 

se ha espressamente rinunciato all'immunità 

nei seguenti casi particolari: 

(i) in relazione ad una azione civile da 

parte di un terzo per danni derivanti 

da un incidente causato da un 

veicolo che appartiene al, o è utilizzato 

per conto del, Segretariato 

ovvero in relazione ad una violazio- 


ne del codice stradale in cui sia 

coinvolto detto veicolo; 

(ii) in relazione a contratti, diversi da 

quelli conclusi in conformità al regolamento 

sul personale, senza la 

clausola arbitrale di cui all'Articolo 

XIII; 

(iii) in relazione all'esecuzione di un 

lodo arbitrale reso ai sensi dell'articolo 

XIII del presente Accordo; 

(iv) in relazione ad una domanda riconvenzionale 

direttamente connessa 

a procedimenti legali intentati 

dal Segretariato. 

Articolo IV 

Status giuridico 

Il Segretariato godrà della personalità giuridica, 

in particolare, ha la capacità di: 

a) stipulare contratti; 

b) acquistare beni mobili ed immobili e di 

disporne; 

c) di stare in giudizio. 

Nell'ambito della Sede di Bolzano, il Segretariato 

potrà effettuare tutte le attività 

atte a promuovere le sue funzioni quali 

definite dalle Decisioni della Conferenza 

delle Alpi. In particolare, potrà convocare 

riunioni nella sede di Bolzano, o in altro 

luogo sito in Italia, di concerto con le autorità 

italiane competenti.

Articolo V 

Responsabilità 

(a) Responsabilità internazionale 

In ragione delle attività del Segretariato, 

svolte su territorio italiano, il Governo non 

dovrà incorrere in alcun tipo di responsabilità 

internazionale per atti o omissioni del 

Segretariato o dei suoi rappresentanti che 

agiscano o omettano di agire nei limiti 

delle loro funzioni. Qualora una richiesta 

venga tuttavia avanzata nei confronti del 

Governo, esso avrà diritto di fare ricorso 

contro il Segretariato. 

(b) Assicurazione per responsabilità 

Il Segretariato dovrà disporre di una 

assicurazione sufficiente a coprire le proprie 

responsabilità ai sensi del presente 

Accordo. 

Articolo VI 

Agevolazioni finanziarie 

1. Libertà dalle restrizioni valutarie 

Il Segretariato potrà ricevere e detenere 

qualsiasi tipo di fondi, valuta o contanti; 

potrà disporre liberamente di essi per 

qualsiasi fine di cui alle Decisioni della 

Conferenza delle Alpi, e detenere conti in 

qualsiasi valuta nella misura necessaria a 

far fronte ai suoi scopi istituzionali. 

2. Disposizioni doganali e imposizione 

fiscale 

(a) Merci e materiali di qualsiasi tipo importati 

o esportati dal Segretariato e 

necessari per la creazione e la gestione 

della Sede di Bolzano, e per l'esercizio 

delle attività ufficiali dello stesso, 

saranno esenti da tutti i dazi doganali 

e le imposte sull'importazione o 

sull'esportazione, ad eccezione di quegli 

oneri che altro non sono che corrispettivi 

per servizi resi. 

(b) Le merci importate esenti da dazi ed 

imposte ai sensi del presente Accordo 

non saranno vendute o cedute ad un 

terzo salvo che le autorità italiane abbiano 

fornito il loro previo accordo ed i 

dazi, le imposte ed i contributi applicabili 

siano stati corrisposti. Ove detti 

dazi, imposte e contributi siano calcolati 

sulla base del valore delle merci, si 

applicheranno il valore, al momento 

della cessione, ed i tassi in vigore a 

quel momento. 

3. Esenzione dalle imposte 

(a) Il Segretariato, le sue proprietà ed i 

suoi beni, nei limiti delle sue attività 

ufficiali, saranno esenti da tutte le imposte 

dirette ed i dazi imposti da Stato, 

Regioni, Province e Comuni. 

(b) Il Segretariato godrà della non imponibilità 

sul valore aggiunto per acquisti 

rilevanti di beni e servizi connessi alla 

attività istituzionale ed all'esercizio delle 

sue funzioni. Per acquisti rilevanti si 

intendono gli acquisti di beni e servizi 

di importo superiore al limite stabilito 

dalla legislazione nazionale per le organizzazioni 

internazionali in Italia. 

(c) Le esenzioni non saranno accordate in 

relazione a dazi ed imposte che sono 

in realtà soltanto oneri per i servizi 

pubblici resi al Segretariato. 



248 

Articolo VII 

Notifica delle nomine 

Il Segretariato informerà il Governo qualora 

un membro del personale assuma o rinunci 

ai suoi compiti presso la sede di 

Bolzano. Inoltre, il Segretariato invierà di 

volta in volta al Governo una lista di tutto il 

personale ad esso assegnato in Italia indicando 

in ciascun caso se la persona è un 

cittadino italiano o residente permanente 

in Italia. 

Prima di impiegare una persona che si 

trova al momento in territorio italiano, il 

Segretariato dovrà fare in modo di accertarsi 

che detta persona non sia presente in 

Italia in violazione delle relative leggi in 

materia di immigrazione o non sia soggetta 

ad alcuna proibizione ad assumere un 

impiego in Italia. Qualora il Governo determini 

che una qualsiasi unità di personale si 

trovasse al momento dell'impiego in violazione 

delle leggi in materia di immigrazione 

o soggetta a detta proibizione, il Segretariato 

ed il Governo dovranno consultarsi 

al fine di concordare su un rimedio appropriato, 

ivi compreso, se necessario, la 

cessazione di detto impiego. 

Articolo VIII 

Membri del Personale 

(a) I membri del personale del Segretariato 

nonché gli Esperti di cui all'articolo I, 

lettera (k), godranno nel territorio italiano 

dal momento del loro reclutamento: 

(i) di immunità dalla giurisdizione per 

le parole dette o scritte e per tutti gli 


atti compiuti nell'esercizio delle loro 

funzioni ufficiali. Questa esenzione 

non si applica alle controversie di 

lavoro che potranno sorgere tra il 

Segretariato ed i membri del personale: 

(b) I membri del personale e gli Esperti, 

che non sono cittadini italiani o non 

sono residenti permanenti in Italia, 

godranno, dal momento del loro reclutamento, 

dei seguenti privilegi ed immunità: 

(i) esenzione per se stessi, per i loro 

coniugi e relativi familiari a carico, 

dalle restrizioni in materia di immigrazione 

e dalle formalità di registrazione 

degli stranieri. Su richiesta 

del Segretariato, ai coniugi ed ai 

relativi familiari a carico del personale, 

che sono residenti in Italia, 

sarà accordata la possibilità di assumere 

un impiego in Italia; 

(ii) immunità dall'arresto dal fermo e 

dalla custodia cautelare, eccetto 

che in caso di flagranza o di reato 

commesso nella Repubblica Italiana 

che comporti secondo la legge 

italiana una pena detentiva non inferiore 

nel massimo a tre anni; 

(iii) stessi privilegi in materia di facilitazioni 

di cambio accordati agli agenti 

diplomatici in conformità alla Convenzione 

di Vienna sulle Relazioni 

Diplomatiche; 

(iv) stesse facilitazioni in materia di 

rimpatrio concesse agli agenti diplomatici 

in periodi di crisi internazionali, 

così come i loro coniugi e 

relativi familiari a carico; 

(v) diritto di importare in esenzione fiscale, 

franco dogana e senza altre 

imposizioni, restrizioni o limitazioni

alle importazioni del loro mobilio e 

di altri effetti, ivi compresa una automobile 

entro sei mesi dalla loro 

prima assunzione in Italia, in uno o 

più invii. Pertanto saranno autorizzati 

ad importare in esenzione 

fiscale i pezzi di ricambio che si 

renderanno necessari per questi 

articoli; 

(vi) esenzione dalle imposte dirette sui 

salari ed emolumenti corrisposti dal 

Segretariato. 

(vii) L'immunità dalla giurisdizione non 

si applica in caso di azione civile 

intentata da un terzo per i danni risultanti 

da incidente causato da un 

automezzo, natante o aereo appartenente 

al Segretariato o circolante 

per suo conto, né in caso di infrazione 

alla regolamentazione della 

circolazione automobilistica, nautica 

ed aerea. Il Segretariato, comunque, 

si impegna a stipulare un'assicurazione 

a copertura di ogni responsabilità 

civile verso terzi allo 

scopo di garantire il risarcimento 

dei danni eventualmente causati 

nello svolgimento delle proprie funzioni. 

(c) Le esenzioni ai sensi del presente Accordo 

non si applicheranno agli oneri 

ed ai dazi che altro non sono se non 

corrispettivi per servizi resi. 

(d) Gli Esperti, i Rappresentanti degli Stati 

membri, nonché, i dipendenti del Segretariato 

impiegati presso la sede di 

Innsbruck, in missione sul territorio 

italiano per il Segretariato, godranno 

dei privilegi e delle immunità di cui ai 

precedenti commi (a) (i), (b) (i) (ii) e 

(iii). 

(e) I privilegi e le immunità previsti nel 

presente Accordo non si applicheran- 

no al personale localmente reclutato 

per servizi interni del Segretariato. 

(f) Ogni anno il Segretariato comunicherà 

al Governo la lista dei membri del personale 

e degli esperti ai quali si applicheranno 

le disposizioni del presente 

Accordo. 

Articolo IX 

Segretario Generale 

(a) Il Segretario Generale godrà, nel territorio 

della Repubblica Italiana, dal momento 

della sua nomina, della immunità 

dalla giurisdizione per le parole 

dette o scritte e per tutti gli atti compiuti 

nell'esercizio delle sue funzioni ufficiali, 

salvo che vi abbia rinunciato 

espressamente. 

(b) Il Segretario Generale che non sia cittadino 

italiano o che non risieda permanentemente 

in Italia da data anteriore 

alla sua nomina godrà, oltre della 

immunità prevista alla lettera (a), delle 

seguenti immunità e privilegi: 

(i) immunità dall'arresto, dal fermo e 

dalla custodia cautelare; 

(ii) immunità dall'ispezione e dal sequestro 

dei suoi bagagli personali 

ed ufficiali, fatto salvo il controllo 

per motivi di sicurezza; 

(iii) inviolabilità dei documenti ufficiali 

in suo possesso; 

(iv) esenzione, per lui e per i familiari 

conviventi a carico, dalle misure 

restrittive relative all'immigrazione; 

(v) gli stessi privilegi fiscali accordati ai 

membri del personale delle missioni 

diplomatiche di rango equivalente. 



250 

(c) Il Segretario Generale, che sia cittadino 

italiano o risieda permanentemente 

in Italia da una data anteriore a quella 

della sua nomina, godrà, nel territorio 

della Repubblica, oltre che della immunità 

prevista alla lettera (a) dei seguenti 

privilegi ed immunità: 

(i) immunità dall'arresto dal fermo e 

dalla custodia cautelare, eccetto 

che in caso di flagranza o di reato 

commesso nella Repubblica Italiana 

che comporti secondo la legge 

italiana una pena detentiva non inferiore 

nel massimo a tre anni; 

(ii) immunità, dall'ispezione e dal 

sequestro dei suoi bagagli ufficiali, 

fatto salvo il controllo per motivi di 

sicurezza; 

(iii) inviolabilità dei documenti ufficiali 

in suo possesso; 

(iv) le stesse facilitazioni, nei riguardi di 

restrizioni valutarie o di cambio, 

accordate ai rappresentanti dei governi 

esteri in missione in Italia limitatamente, 

però, alle esigenze necessarie 

allo svolgimento delle funzioni 

ufficiali, con esclusione di 

qualsiasi altro privilegio fiscale e 

valutario accordato ai membri delle 

missioni diplomatiche. 

(d) L'immunità dalla giurisdizione non si 

applicherà in caso di azione civile intentata 

da un terzo per i danni risultanti 

da incidente causato da un automezzo, 

natante o aereo appartenente al 

Segretariato o circolante per suo conto, 

né in caso di infrazione alle norme 

sulla circolazione automobilistica, nautica 

ed aerea. Il Segretariato, comunque, 

si impegna a stipulare un'assicu- 


razione a copertura di ogni responsabilità 

civile verso terzi, allo scopo di 

garantire il risarcimento dei danni 

eventualmente causati nello svolgimento 

delle proprie funzioni. 

(e) I privilegi e le immunità di cui sopra 

saranno accordate al membro del personale 

che sostituirà il Segretario Generale 

in sua assenza. 

Articolo X 

Oggetto dei privilegi e delle immunità 

L'oggetto dei privilegi e delle immunità, 

concessi in base al presente Accordo ai 

Membri del personale ed agli Esperti del 

Segretariato, sarà esclusivamente quello 

di garantire al meglio la gestione del Segretariato 

e l'indipendenza delle persone a 

cui sono concessi. 

Fatti salvi i privilegi e le immunità concesse 

in base al presente Accordo, tutti coloro 

che godranno di detti privilegi ed immunità 

avranno l'obbligo di conformarsi alla legislazione 

ed ai regolamenti in vigore nel 

territorio della Repubblica italiana e non 

interferiranno negli affari interni dello Stato. 

Il Segretariato avrà il diritto ed il dovere di 

rinunciare alle immunità quando dovesse 

ritenere che esse ostacolino la giustizia e 

sia possibile farne a meno senza arrecare 

pregiudizio agli interessi del Segretariato. 

Il Segretariato coopererà in qualsiasi momento 

con le autorità competenti al fine di 

impedire qualsiasi abuso dei privilegi, immunità 

e facilitazioni di cui al presente Accordo.

Articolo XI 

Comunicazioni 

(a) Tutte le comunicazioni dirette al Segretariato, 

o ai Membri del personale e 

agli Esperti del Segretariato nella Sede 

di Bolzano, e tutte le comunicazioni 

ufficiali esterne del Segretariato, in 

qualsiasi forma e con qualsiasi mezzo 

trasmesse, non saranno soggette alla 

censura o a qualsiasi altra forma di intercettazione 

o interferenza. 

(b) Il Segretariato avrà diritto di utilizzare 

codici ed inviare e ricevere comunicazioni 

ufficiali per corriere o in bollette 

sigillate, in quanto sono estesi ad essi 

gli stessi privilegi ed immunità accordati 

al corriere ed alle bollette diplomatiche. 

Articolo XII 

Sicurezza sociale 

Nella misura in cui il Segretariato gestisca 

un sistema di sicurezza sociale, o nel caso 

in cui un Membro del personale, o un 

esperto, decida di avvalersi di altro sistema 

di sicurezza sociale, il Segretariato, il 

suo Segretario Generale ed i Membri del 

personale, e gli esperti, saranno esentati 

da tutti i contributi obbligatori dovuti alle 

autorità italiane per la sicurezza sociale. 

Un accordo ad hoc sarà concluso tra il 

Governo ed il Segretariato al fine di formalizzare 

tale esenzione. 

Articolo XIII 

Contratti 

Il Segretariato stabilirà procedure idonee 

per la soluzione delle controversie con il 

suo personale. 

Nei contratti con gli altri soggetti, siano 

essi persone fisiche o giuridiche, il Segretariato 

inserirà clausole relative alla soluzione 

delle controversie mediante arbitrato, 

mediante procedure che si conformino 

ai criteri giuridici generalmente accettati a 

tutela dell‘imparzialità dell‘organo giudicante 

e di altri aspetti, come la salvaguardia 

del contraddittorio. 

Il Segretariato dovrà avere una adeguata 

copertura assicurativa o adottare altre misure 

analoghe, al fine di consentire al Segretariato 

stesso di far fronte a richieste di 

risarcimento di natura extracontrattuale. 

Articolo XIV 

Composizione delle controversie 

Qualsiasi controversia che dovesse insorgere 

in merito all'interpretazione o applicazione 

del presente Accordo, che non sia 

stata composta tramite negoziato o con 

altra modalità convenuta, sarà, su richiesta 

di una delle due Parti sottoposta ad un tribunale 

arbitrale. Il Segretariato ed il Governo 

designeranno ciascuno un arbitro ed i 

due arbitri cosi designati eleggeranno un 

terzo arbitro che fungerà da presidente del 

tribunale. 



252 

Qualora entro trenta giorni dalla richiesta 

di arbitrato, una delle due Parti non abbia 

designato un arbitro, una delle due Parti 

può chiedere al Presidente della Corte Internazionale 

di Giustizia di nominare un 

arbitro. La stessa procedura sarà applicata 

se, entro trenta giorni dalla designazione o 

dalla nomina del seconda arbitro, il terzo 

non sia stato ancora eletto. La maggioranza 

dei membri del tribunale arbitrale costituirà 

il quorum e le decisioni saranno prese 

a maggioranza dei voti. La procedura 

arbitrale sarà stabilita dal tribunale le cui 

decisioni, ivi comprese quelle concernenti 

la sua costituzione, procedura, giurisdizione 

e la ripartizione delle spese di arbitrato 

fa le Parti, saranno vincolanti per tutte le 

Parti alla controversia. La remunerazione 

degli arbitri sarà determinata sulla stessa 

base di quella dei giudici ad hoc della 

Corte Internazionale di Giustizia ai sensi 

dell'Articolo 32 (4) del proprio Statuto. 

Articolo XV 

Accordi supplementari 

Il Governo ed il Segretariato potranno stipulare 

quegli accordi supplementari che si 

renderanno necessari. 


Articolo XVI 

Entrata in vigore 

Il presente Accordo entrerà in vigore alla 

data della seconda delle due notifiche con 

cui le Parti Contraenti si saranno comunicate 

l'avvenuto espletamento delle formalità 

richieste dai rispettivi ordinamenti interni. 

Articolo XVII 

Revisione e cessazione 

(a) I negoziati per la revisione o cessazione 

del presente Accordo avranno luogo 

su richiesta di una delle due Parti 

contraenti. 

(b) Qualora questi negoziati non abbiano 

portato, dopo un anno, ad una intesa, 

il presente Accordo potrà essere denunciato 

da una delle due Parti contraenti 

con un anno di preavviso. 

Articolo XVIII 

Durata dell'Accordo 

Fatte salve le disposizioni del comma (b) 

dell'Articolo XVII, il presente Accordo resterà 

in vigore fino a che il Segretariato avrà 

la Sede di Bolzano. 

Fatto a Bolzano, il 13 settembre 2003, 

in due originali in lingua italiana.

International Mountain Partnerships 

The Ministers of the Signatory States of the Alpine Convention already at the VII Alpine 

Conference in Merano in 2002 pronounced themselves in favour of contributing the experiences 

from the Alpine process to the “International Partnership for Sustainable Development 

in Mountain Regions” (Mountain Partnership). The partnership was agreed upon 

within the framework of the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development and 

developed further at the “Global Mountain Summit” in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As a result of 

decisions on mountain partnerships by the VII, VIII and IX Alpine Conferences, the main 

areas cooperating with the Alpine Convention are the Carpathians, the Caucasus, Central 

Asia (Pamir and Tien Shan), and the Balkans. Cooperation with the Carpathian Convention 

is especially intensive. 



254 




256 




258 




260 




262 




Use of the Logo of the 


The logo of the Alpine Convention is an important instrument for making the Convention 

and its protocols more widely known. 

The emblem, the manual on the graphical appearance of the Alpine Convention and the 

conditions of use were adopted by the V Alpine Conference on 10.16.1998 in Bled. 

The logo of the Alpine Convention is available for download from the website of the Alpine 

Convention www.alpconv.org. 

Use of the Logo of the Alpine Convention 


266 

Criteria for Use 

1) Purpose 

The Logo of the Alpine Convention shall 

be used for the marking of events and 

other activities, and of publications. 

2) Close relationship with intended purpose 

to the Alpine Convention. 

The projects and publications for which 

the logo is to be used must bear a close 

relationship to the Alpine Convention. 

3) Use of the Logo 

The Logo of the Alpine Convention must 

only be used provided that in doing so 

the criteria laid down in the present set 

of regulations are observed. 

4) Exclusion of danger of confusion 

The Logo of the Alpine Convention must 

not be used when there is the danger of 

misrepresentation as to the origin of 

projects and publications. 

Authorised institutions 

The following institutions are authorised to 

use the Logo: 

The Contracting Parties of the Alpine Convention, 

including their regional and local 

administrative units located within the scope 

of the Alpine Convention as well as their 

associations (A) 

The bodies established by the Alpine Convention 

(Alpine Conference, Permanent 

Committee, all Working Groups, all Platforms, 

the Permanent Secretariat) (B) 

Organisations with the status of official 

Observers of the Alpine Convention, including 

their member organisations (C) 

Organisations cooperating with the bodies 

or Contracting Parties of the Alpine Convention 

(D). This includes especially MoUpartners 



Modalities of use of the Logo 

Those authorised institutions listed in 

groups A, B, and C may use the Logo freely. 

The Logo is made available for download 

from the websites of the Organisation 

along with the complete text of the present 

set of regulations. 

The Logo may be used solely in the form 

published on the websites of the Organisation 

without any alterations. 

Those authorised institutions listed in 

group D who are interested in making use 

of the Logo of the Alpine Convention are 

requested to contact the Permanent Secretariat 

by mail or e-mail. The Permanent 

Secretariat shall examine the intended use 

of the Logo in accordance with the present 

set of regulations and answer the request 

as soon as possible by mail or e-mail. Reasons 

shall be given in the event of rejections. 

Use of the Logo of the Alpine Convention 

compliant to rules does not concede any 

exclusive right. 

The Logo of the Alpine Convention is registered 

for worldwide protection with the 

World Intellectual Property Organization 

(WIPO). 

Action to be taken in case of illegitimate 

use of the Logo 

The Permanent Secretariat is required to 

deny use of the Logo of the Alpine Convention 

to agencies responsible for activities 

and publications that do not comply with 

the present set of regulations. Written interdiction 

shall take place as soon as the Permanent 

Secretariat gains knowledge of the 

illegitimate use of the Logo. Pertinent reasons 

shall be given.

Addresses 

Contracting Parties 

Addresses 


268 

Austria: 

Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, 

Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft 

Abt. V/9 

Stubenbastei 5 

1010 Wien 

Österreich 

www.lebensministerium.at 

France: 

Ministère de l’Écologie, de l’Énergie, du 

Développement durable et de la Mer 

Tour Pascal A 

6, place de Degrés 

92055 La Defense Cedex 

France 

Internet: www.environnement.gouv.fr 

Germany: 

Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz 

und Reaktorsicherheit 

Referat KI II 3 

Alexanderstraße 6 

10178 Berlin 

Deutschland 

Internet: www.bmu.de 

Italy: 

Ministero dell´Ambiente e della Tutela 

del Territorio e del Mare 

Direzione per la Ricerca Ambientale e lo 

Sviluppo (RAS) 

Via C. Cristoforo Colombo 44 

00147 Roma 

Italia 

Internet: www.minambiente.it 


Principality of Liechtenstein: 

Landesverwaltung 

Amt für Wald, Natur und Landschaft 

Dr. Grass-Strasse 10 

9490 Vaduz 

Liechtenstein 

Internet: www.liechtenstein.li 

Principality of Monaco: 

Ministre Conseiller 

Organismes Internationaux à caractère 

scientifique, environnemental et humanitaire 

Athos Palace, 2, rue de la Lüjerneta 

98000 Monaco 

Monaco 

Internet: www.monaco.gouv.mc 

Slovenia: 

Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor 

Dunajska cesta 21 

1000 Ljubljana 

Slovenija 

Internet: www.mop.gov.si 

Switzerland: 

Bundesamt für Raumentwicklung 

Mühlestraße 2 

3063 Ittigen 

Schweiz - Suisse - Svizzera 

Internet: www.are.admin.ch

European Union: 

Europäische Kommission 

DG Environnement 

1049 Bruxelles 

Belgique 

Internet: http://ec.europa.eu 

Permanent Secretariat of the 


Herzog – Friedrich – Strasse 15 

6020 Innsbruck 

Österreich 

Internet: www.alpconv.org 

Branch office in Bolzano - Bozen: 


39100 Bolzano - Bozen 

Italia 

Addresses 


Addresses 

Official Observers 

Addresses 


272 

AEM 

Association Européenne des élus de 

montagne 

Avenue Boileau 16 

1040 Bruxelles 

Belgique 

Internet: www.promonte-aem.net 

ALPARC 

International Steering Committee (ISC) 

of the Alpine Network of Protected 

Areas 

256, Rue de la République 

73000 Chambéry 

France 

Internet: www.alparc.org 

ARGE Alp 

c/o Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung 

Landhaus 

6020 Innsbruck 

Österreich 

Internet: www.argealp.org 

ARGE Alpe Adria 

c/o Amt der Kärntner Landesregierung 

Völkermarkter Ring 21 

9020 Klagenfurt 

Österreich 

Internet: www.alpeadria.org 

CAA 

Club Arc Alpin 

Praterinsel 5 

80538 München 

Deutschland 

Internet: www.club-arc-alpin.eu 

CIPRA International 

Im Bretscha 22 

9494 Schaan 

Fürstentum Liechtenstein 

Internet: www.cipra.org 


EUROMONTANA 

Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft 

für die Berggebiete (SAB) 

Seilerstr. 4 

Postfach 7836 

3001 Bern 


Internet: www.euromontana.org 

FIANET 

SNTF 

Alpespace 

Bâtiment Annapurna 

24 rue Saint-Exupéry 

73800 Francin 

France 

Internet: www.sntf.org 

ISCAR/WIKO 

International Scientific Committee for 

Alpine Research 

Schwarztorstr. 9 

3007 Bern 


Internet: www.alpinestudies.ch/iscar 

IUCN 

International Union for Conservation of 

Nature 

Godesberger Allee 108/112 

53175 Bonn 

Deutschland 

Internet: www.iucn.org 

Managing Authority of the European 

Cooperation Programme Alpine Space 

Land Salzburg 

Südtirolerplatz 11 

5020 Salzburg 

Österreich 

Internet: www.alpine-space.eu

ProMontBlanc 

BP 27 

74170 Les Contamines-Montjoie 

France 

Internet: www.pro-mont-blanc.org 

UNEP Vienna – ISCC 

United Nations Environment Programme 

Room: DO434 

Vienna International Center PO Box 500 

1400 Wien 

Österreich 

Internet: www.unep.org 

Addresses 


contrActing pArties: Austria | France | Germany | Italy | Liechtenstein | Monaco | 

Slovenia | Switzerland | European Union 

permanent secretariat of 

Alpine convention 

Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse 15 

A-6020 Innsbruck 

Tel. +43 (0) 512 588 589 

Fax: +43 (0) 512 588 589 20 

info@alpconv.org 

www.alpconv.org 

Branch office in Bolzano-Bozen 


I-39100 Bolzano - Bozen 

Tel. +39 0471 055 352 

Fax: +39 0471 055 359

ALPINE CONVENTION - Convenzione delle Alpi

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