© Hugo Wassermannk, Nature Park Sextner Dolomiten/Dolomiti di Sesto, I / © Jože A. Mihelič, Triglav National Park, S / © Cyril Coursier, Les Ecrins National Park, F
Alpine protected areas. Together for the Alps AlpConv

You are here: ALPARC, the Alpine Network of Protected Areas > A thematic network

A thematic network

The thematic network has been the primary mission of the ALPARC network since it was set up in 1995: to enable the personnel of the protected areas to exchange ideas on their practices, know-how and experience on common thematics, throughout the Alps , beyond linguistic and administrative borders.

It therefore aims at regular technical exchanges between the administrators of protected areas as well as other associated bodies, by conferences, symposiums and thematic training, workshops and study trips or, again, through publications, collections of good practices and other communication supports (Internet/Extranet).

The thematic network rests notably on the working groups, the number of which changes according to needs. These groups work on concrete projects such as the reintroduction or monitoring of species of fauna, welcome policy and tourist flow management, common communication and the management of protected areas or, again, on measures against climate warming (human-powered mobility,, ecological constructions…) and can give rise to international projects (LIFE Bearded Vulture, Interreg Habitalp and Alpencom…) or to common productions (travelling exhibitions, common communication tools…).

The main thematics of cooperation and exchange within the network for the period 2009 – 2010 are as follows:

  • An Ecological Network in the Alps
  • Climate Change and Protected Areas
  • Effective Management of Protected Areas
  • Mobility and Protected Areas

These big thematics reflect some points of the pluriannual working programme of the Alpine Convention.

The thematic network rests on the ALPARC working groups which bring together personnel of the Alpine protected areas on common work themes: