Photo above: Iztok Bončina
Photos below: Cimet Studio
AlpWeek 2024: Two decades of success and a vision for the future of the Alps
Nova Gorica, Slovenia, 26 September 2024 – Twenty years after the first AlpWeek, participants left the 2024 event reinvigorated by a shared commitment to a sustainable future for the Alps.
The 8th edition of AlpWeek was a landmark event dedicated to the sustainable development of the Alpine region. Held in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, it brought together a diverse array of participants including policymakers, researchers, non-profit organisations, civil society representatives, and local residents to reflect on the past two decades of achievements.
This international event provided a platform to assess the progress made in safeguarding the Alpine region’s biodiversity, combating climate change, and improving the quality of life for Alpine communities. In this regard AlpWeek 2024 was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a catalyst for future action. Participants actively engaged in discussions and workshops focused on shaping the next 20 years of sustainable development – true to the AlpWeek’s theme ‘Alps in our hands’.
Keynote speaker Serena Arduino highlights the conference’s theme “Alps in our hands” and underlines the need to focus on implementation: “We have reached very high levels with our biodiversity governance, we should not lower our standards and ambitions when we come to implementation.”
By the end of the four days, participants departed with a renewed sense of responsibility and inspiration to contribute to ongoing efforts to preserve the Alps. Discussions emphasised the need for stronger cross-border cooperation, innovative policies, and community involvement in tackling future challenges.
About the AlpWeek
The AlpWeek is an international event co-organised by the leading Alpine organisations committed to mountain protection and sustainable development. This year’s event focused on biodiversity and ecosystems, climate change, and quality of life, aligning with the Alpine Conference’s Multi-Annual Work programme (2023-2030).
Organisers: Alliance in the Alps, Alpine Town of the Year, CIPRA International, CIPRA Slovenija, Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention, Interreg Alpine Space, ISCAR Alpine Research, Posoški Development Center, WWF as well as Go!2025 Nova Gorica, Kulturni Dom Nova Gorica and the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE)
The AlpWeek 2024 was financially supported by the Slovenian Presidency of the Alpine Convention.
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