From 24 to 26 June, the ALPARC Council gathered for its first meeting of the year, hosted by the Prealpi Giulie Nature Park (Italy).

Discussions centered on the current situation of Alpine parks, in particular concerning reduced funding for nature conservation. This sparked a deeper reflection on what it means for individual protected areas and the real strength of being part of an international network like ALPARC. The meeting was an opportunity to look ahead to upcoming projects, including AfterAlpineIce (Interreg Alpine Space), and the Summer Event in the Hohe Tauern National Park Tyrol, where the next Council meeting will take place.

These days were also an immersion into local past and present. On the Italian-Slovenian border, where military fortifications are now just an interesting spot to visit, the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve was born as a living symbol of peace and cross-border cooperation. Nearby, enjoying regional products on an old train wagon along the Alpe Adria cycleway was a tasty example of how small mountain municipalities are tackling the challenges of mountain areas through creative initiatives for local development.

A heartfelt thank you to the team at Prealpi Giulie Nature Park, especially director Stefano Santi, president Anna Micelli and ALPARC vice-president Andrea Beltrame, for the wonderful organisation!

© Guido Plassmann, ALPARC