Monday, 23rd September
14:00 – 17:00
Welcoming excursion – Borderless
Gorizia – Nova Gorica
Organiser: Posoški razvojni center – Soča Valley Development Centre
Short description: The welcoming excursion will symbolically take participants between two countries and two towns that coexist right on the border. So close and yet so different… Gorizia on the Italian side and Nova Gorica on the Slovenian side. On a guided cycle tour, with stops at key points in both towns, each participant will be able to recognise and experience the characteristics, differences and similarities of each side of the border of the common area that will be celebrated as the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025.
Practical information
Language: English
Participants: maximum 30
Gear: rain gear
Topic: Quality of life
18:00
Alpine evening
Organiser: GO! 2025 and Alpweek
Place: Xcenter Nova Gorica
Round table about modern environmental challenges in a social context followed by an Apero and Alpine buffet.
We encourage all participants to bring some local food/drinks to be shared at the event, to celebrate the diversity of Alpine food culture.
Tuesday, 24th September
08:30 – 09:00
Registration – Coffee
09:00 – 10:30
Opening and keynote speeches
Keynote 1: Biophysical, economic, technological, and social limits to climate change mitigation and adaptation
Speaker: Lučka Kajfež Bogataj, climatologist, professor at the Faculty of Biotechnology in Ljubljana and member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – IPCC. She is considered one of the pioneers of climate change research in Slovenia, with a particular focus on the impact of weather and climate change on agricultural production
Increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and more intense and frequent natural hazards will impact on the landscapes and environmental processes in alpine environment, economy and society. To enable the sustainable development of the alpine space in the context of climate change, both mitigation and adaptation efforts are required. Conservation managers, the tourism industry, and local communities have implemented or are proposing a range of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Some stakeholder strategies complement each other, while others are potential sources of conflict. Unfortunately mitigation and adaptation strategies can have biophysical, economic, technological, and social limits.
Keynote 2: Indeed in our hands – Optimistic reflections on biodiversity
Speaker: Serena Arduino, President CIPRA International, Observer in the Alpine Biodiversity Board and EUSALP Action Groups on green infrastructure and environmental and cultural resources.
A look at the governance of biodiversity on the global, European and Alpine level. A reflection on the past twenty years and an outlook on the next twenty years inspired by facts and the opinions of key biodiversity players from civil society and institutions. The point of view of an irredeemable optimist.
Keynote 3: Economy for the common good – An economic model for a good quality of life
Speaker: Christian Felber, author, university lecturer, initiator of the “Economy for the Common Good” and the “Co-operative for the Common Good”, Austria
The aim of the current economic system is profit, returns and the unlimited growth of gross domestic product. Future-oriented alternatives to this unsustainable and inhuman model are currently emerging, one of which is the Economy for the Common Good (ECG). When measuring the quality of life, the well-being of all and of nature must be taken into account: to this end, the ECG offers the common good product (national economy) and the common good balance (corporate management). How can these instruments be used in the future and integrated into political decision-making processes?
10:30 – 11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:00
Participants: Matej Ogrin (President CIPRA Slovenia), Christina Bauer (Head of Managing Authority, Interreg Alpine Space Programme), Miha Kobal (local farmer from Soča Valley), Jacqueline Hillmann (young woman working for the mountain municipality of Balderschwang), Chiara Siesti (CIPRA Youth Council member). Moderated by Claire Simon (Val&Monti).
Short description:
From transnational organisations to local farmers, participants of the round table will delve into the evolving landscape of life, work, and action in the Alps. Join us as we reflect on two decades of transformation: How has life in the Alps changed? What positive developments and initiatives have the participants experienced in their field of action and where do they see room for improvement? This dialogue promises insights, inspiration, and a call to action as we carve the path forward for a future worth living for people and all other species in the Alps.
12:00 – 12:30
12:30 – 14:00
14:00 – 18:00
Excursion 1
Vipava valley climate cha(llen)nges
Excursion leaders: Adrijana Perkon (University of Primorska, Department of Geography)
Short description:
The excursion to the Vipava Valley will focus on the impacts of climate change, which are significantly reflected in agriculture, one of the main economic sectors of the valley (wine production and fruit growing). Join us for the visit of the Vogršček irrigation reservoir, the karst springs of the Vipava River and a farm. This will be the opportunity to learn about their experiences in dealing with the effects of climate change and taste some delicious local products.
Practical information:
Language: English
Participants: 30 maximum
Gear: hiking shoes, rain gear
Fee: 10 EUR
Topics: Climate, Biodiversity
Excursion 2
The story of the burning Kras forest
Excursion leaders: CIPRA Slovenija, Slovenia Forest service, Komen volunteer fire brigade, Tourist Information Centre Miren Kras
Short description:
The Kras region was impacted by the largest wildfire in the history of Slovenia in 2022. The excursion will start near the Italian border in Opatje Selo, from where we will hike towards Cerje. Through several stops, the Slovenian forest service will present the extent of the fire, its impact on biodiversity, the rehabilitation plan, its implementation and the reforestation of the karst region over the last 150 years. Volunteers played an important role during and after the fires. A local firefighter will present the work of local fire brigades and share experiences from the field. In Cerje we will also visit the Monument of Peace and the Observation Tower. This magnificent architecture is located at the heart of the natural amphitheatre, offering splendid views of all four points of the compass: the Adriatic Sea, the Friuli Plains, the Julian Alps and the Vipava Valley. We will finish the excursion with a wine tasting at the ecological farm Tavčar in Nova Gorica.
Practical information
Language: English
Participants: 30 maximum
Gear: hiking shoes, rain gear
Fee: 10 EUR
Topics: Climate, Biodiversity
14:00 – 15:30
Session leaders and invited experts: Katharina Zwettler, Chair of the Alpine Climate Board (ACB), Federal Ministry for Climate Action (Austria)
Short description:
Where do we, the Alpine Climate Board (ACB), see obstacles to the implementation of activities in our work towards climate neutral and climate resilient Alps 2050? The ACB offers formats to improve communication skills and methods to support multipliers working at the Alpine level to develop tailor-made approaches to climate action. We focus on human factors and positive narratives, linked to local contexts and specific needs. We would like to share with you our first learnings and get insights into YOUR experiences, projects and processes related to climate action and sustainable development.
Note: This session is linked to the side event “Engaging Stakeholders for Climate Action” on Thursday, 26th September.
Topics: Climate, Quality of life
Session leaders and invited experts: Serena Arduino moderator (TBC), Oriana Coronado and Guido Plassmann (ALPARC), Claudio Celada and Francesca Roseo (LIPU), Tomaz Mihelic (DOPPS), Federico Beffa and Paolo Siccardi (Cariplo Foundation)
Short description:
Discover how to move from science to action in the Alps through three ready-to-use tools and approaches. The ALPARC cartography will show you main barriers, land use conflicts and spatial priorities for protection and restoration. BirdLife’s map on climate refugia for bird conservation will help you as well to identify areas of current and future conflict in ski areas. And last, but not least, learn more about the Cariplo Foundation efforts in developing and implementing regional climate strategies, involving several stakeholders and thus speeding up policy change. After this session, no one can claim ignorance about where to focus protection and development and how to integrate it into policy!
Topics: Climate, Biodiversity
Session leaders and invited experts: Eva-Maria Cattoen (Lechtalps) and Wolfgang Pfefferkorn (CIPRA International)
Short description:
While debates are becoming increasingly heated and radical positions are on the rise, it has never been more clear that current social and global challenges, such as the climate crisis, can only be solved through intensive and fruitful cooperation. In this session, we want to take a closer look at different areas of tension and opportunities. Possible topics include Climate activism, immigration, urban-rural contrasts through the example of the wolf, water shortage.
Topics: Climate, Biodiversity, Quality of life
15:30 – 16:00
Break
16:00 – 17:30
Session leaders and invited experts: Wolfgang Pfefferkorn (CIPRA International), experts from Alpine risk management projects
Short description:
Multiple climate risks such as heat, drought and flooding pose a major challenge to local and regional authorities in the Alps. How can we prevent these risks and improve the interaction between the different actors, i.e. risk governance in the Alpine region at local and regional level?
Topic: Climate
Session leaders and invited experts: Marion Ebster-Kreuzer (CIPRA International)
Short description:
Soils are a precious resource – and often overlooked. Prudent use of soils require soil literacy and soil relations, for we only protect what we know and what we have a relation with. Therefore, this session will firstly give an introduction to examples of prudent use of soils and intelligent desealing measures in the Alps. This will be followed by a small interactive outdoor part where the participants are invited to literally get in touch with soil and to share their ideas, impressions and knowledge on it.
Topic: Biodiversity
Session leaders and invited experts: Interreg Alpine Space
Short description:
The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. Products and materials are therefore kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. This approach is key in the Alpine Region, especially if we want to improve the quality of life of the population and to reach the goal of the EU to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Gain insight into the ways this challenge is being addressed by Interreg Alpine Space projects, particularly in the textile sector (Alptextyles), green carbon (Alps4greenC), food and beverage sector (CEFoodCycle) and industrial transformation through cradle-to-cradle approaches (Cradle-ALP).
Topic: Quality of life
19:00
Evening programme
Dinner with cultural programme.
Hosted by Nova Gorica municipality and GO! 2025.
Wednesday, 25th September
09:00 – 17:00
Excursion: Soča valley – Learn from the past, live today
Organiser: Posoški razvojni center – Soča Valley Development Centre
Short description:
Full-day excursion will lead us to the small town Kobarid (Upper Soča Valley). In the town and its surroundings, we will focus on essential elements of heritage and learn how this heritage lives today, what challenges it faces, and how it impacts the quality of life of the inhabitants. We will visit the museum of the First World War, discuss commons in the dairy museum, and take a walk along the Kobarid Historical Trail, which connects important historical places and natural sights (2-3 hours). On route you will also hear about the famous marble trout, an endemic species of the Adriatic basin.
Practical information:
Language: English
Participants: Maximum 30
Lunch included
Gear: hiking shoes, rain gear
Fee: 20 EUR
Topic: Quality of life
09:00 – 10:30
Session leaders and invited experts: Katharina Gasteiger (AidA), Ann-Kristin Winkler (WWF), Georg Kaser (Glaciologist)
Short description:
The session explores the decreasing snow cover in the Alps due to climate change and its effect on the local level. Renowned glaciologist Georg Kaser will introduce the phenomenon of glacier melt and its impacts. Furthermore, the participants of the session dive into the challenges of local communities: Should they develop infrastructure to improve artificial snowmaking? Is development in higher altitudes the way to go? Or do we master a transition away from snow dependency?
During a roleplay we will explore different viewpoints on this complex and challenging issue, shedding light on its socio-economic and ecological impacts.
Topics: Climate, Biodiversity, Quality of life
Session leaders and invited experts: Lauren Mosdale (project manager, CIPRA France) and invited experts
Short description:
Session focuses on modern challenges of pastoralism, and in particular maintaining pastoral activities on mountain grounds, which also constitute an historical biodiversity hotspot, and more and more, a refuge for species in the face of climate change. This session will explore more specifically the conflicts that rise from human-wildlife cohabitation in the Alpine context, and discuss perspectives for policy-makers and pastoral stakeholders.
Topics: Climate, Biodiversity, Quality of life
Session leaders and invited experts: Matej Ogrin (CIPRA Slovenia), Aleš Zdešar (Triglav National Park), Alexandra Dörfler (Austrian Ministry for Climate Protection), participants of the Yoalin project and members of the CIPRA Youth Council.
Short description:
Quality of life is the result of quality of living. It is therefore very important to ensure the quality of life of the local population. This is reflected in satisfaction with the local environment and a positive spatial identity. The tourism offer that results from the commitment to maintain the quality of life of the local population forms the basis for the social component of sustainable tourism. In this workshop we will discuss the perception of quality of life of different target groups (e.g. local population, tourists, tourism stakeholders, young people) and address aspects of carrying capacity of the area, nature conservation and the achievement of climate goals in relation to the preservation of quality of life in the Alps.
Topic: Quality of life
10:30 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:00
Final plenary
Together we will reflect on the insights and impulses of the last two days and give an outlook on future developments.
15:00 – 18:30
Side event
Alpine Cultures: Mirror of challenges and opportunities
Center for the conservation and enhancement of the popular traditions of Borgo San Rocco – ODV Via Veniero 1 – 34170 GORIZIA
Organiser: Italian delegation of the Alpine Convention/Italian Ministry of Environment, Municipality of Gorizia and “The Visionaries” Association
Short description:
Promote discussion on Alpine culture in continuous search for balance between conservation and innovation, between the preservation of historical roots and the need to adapt to the changes of the modern world. A comparison between the narratives and the feelings of those who live in the mountains in adversity and sometimes in isolation. In search of a shared, balanced approach that takes into account the unique characteristics of this territory, low land consumption and an ever-increasing technological content to support less invasive work. What commitments to promote adequate and sustainable socio-economic development in the mountains?
Location: Center for the conservation and enhancement of the popular traditions of Borgo San Rocco – ODV Via Veniero 1 – 34170 GORIZIA
19:30 – 21:30
Evening event
Center for the conservation and enhancement of the popular traditions of Borgo San Rocco – ODV Via Veniero 1 – 34170 GORIZIA
Organiser: Italian delegation of the Alpine Convention/Italian Ministry of Environment, Municipality of Gorizia, “The Visionaries” Association, with State Institute for food and wine culture “S. PERTINI” Monfalcone
Short description:
Themed business dinner for AlpWeek participants, with cultural intervals organised by the event’s co-organising associations
Location: Center for the conservation and enhancement of the popular traditions of Borgo San Rocco – ODV Via Veniero 1 – 34170 GORIZIA
Thursday, 26th September
Side event
Organiser: Alpine Climate Board
Climate action is a lot about engaging people to take decisions, to act, to accept, and to make changes in their lives and ways of working. The implementation of the Climate Action Plan 2.0 also needs to reach stakeholders “beyond the bubble” and get them on board. This requires skills to motivate and accompany people in many different situations, e.g. by using positive narratives. First insights into how to better engage with people in the frame of climate action will be explored during a training offered by the Alpine Climate Board (ACB) of the Alpine Convention (AC).
The following issues will be addressed:
– Understanding stages of change and social diffusion models: analysing the situation of stakeholders and their needs at different stages of change.
– Sharpening your “role” for accompanying change processes: adapting one’s approach to the situation of stakeholders and the different stages of change.
– Handling different reactions: Understanding and dealing with the effects that change and engagement measures have on stakeholders, including resistance
– Applying specific tools to support change processes: using positive narratives and other methods to support engagement and change
– Bridging the gap from knowing to doing: designing actions and projects whilst taking into consideration the psycho-sociological factors
The training will be held in English.