From 16 to 18 June, the AlpsLife project consortium (Interreg Alpine Space) gathered in Zernez (CH), for a transnational meeting hosted by the Swiss National Park. After being welcomed by Ruedi Haller, the park's director, the participants engaged in a well-organised and inspiring exchange of ideas, field experiences and project updates. During the meeting, ALPARC presented the preliminary results of Work Package 3, based on the responses to the questionnaire on biodiversity monitoring and management that had been completed by the seven protected areas that were project partners. The analysis focused on key elements of biodiversity monitoring at the Alpine scale, highlighting three species that are commonly monitored across all participating areas: chamois, golden eagles and black grouse. Additionally, the presentation explored similarities and differences in monitoring approaches for other elements, including Lepidoptera, amphibians, bats, birds, fish, plants, mosses and lichens, as well as habitat types. These insights sparked a fruitful discussion on how to improve the comparability of biodiversity data across the Alps and laid the groundwork for conceptualising a transnational early warning system.

The questionnaire is still open to all Alpine protected areas. If your area has not yet contributed and you would like to provide valuable input to the project, you can click here.

The meeting also featured an inspiring field visit expertly guided by Christian Rossi of the Swiss National Park. Participants had the opportunity to explore the park’s unique non-intervention management philosophy, which allows natural processes to unfold freely. Christian illustrated how the park combines this approach with advanced monitoring technologies, such as drones and remote sensing, to observe ecological changes. One highlight of the visit was the discussion of pilot areas where a holistic monitoring approach is being tested. This innovative method has already shown promise in other protected areas.
The meeting concluded with the visit to the spectacular Swiss National Park Visitor Center in Zernez.

Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Engadine Alps, project partners shared knowledge and experiences from across Alpine countries and explored opportunities for future collaboration. Thanks to the diversity of expertise within the partnership, this meeting generated valuable input to shape the next steps of AlpsLife. It was a pleasure to reconnect, work together, and discover the remarkable natural heritage of the Swiss National Park.

For more information about the project: https://www.alpine-space.eu/project/alpslife/

The AlpsLife project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Alpine Space programme, which supports cross-border cooperation projects between seven Alpine countries.

© photo: Michele Guerini / ALPARC