Umweltbundesamt
The Federal Republic of Germany represented by the UBA, and the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention hosted a series of six workshops across the Alpine region. The workshops were scheduled in order to achieve a broad-based participation in the process of drafting the Action Programme and to initiate suitable actions.
The workshops were held during September and November 2017. The individual workshop documentations will be made available successively.
Co-operation partner: Ökomodellregionen, State-approved Organic Model Regions in Bavaria
In this workshop, we discussed the economic relevance of natural resources such as wood, soil, water and landscape for agriculture, forestry and tourism in the Alpine region. Moreover, we talked about how new business models for the sustainable use of natural resources can be created and how successful approaches to promote green business models can be scaled up (e.g. eco-model regions).
Key notes:
Norbert Bäuml (Bavarian Rural Development Administration, Germany): “Promotion of entrepreneurship in support of a Green Economy”
Thomas Winter (Foundation Economy and Ecology, Switzerland): “Starting points and ideas for future-oriented and durable business models in a Green Economy”
A report with more information on the discussion and results of the workshop is available below.
Co-operation partner: Unimont (Universita degli Studi di Milano)
In this workshop, we discussed how a circular economy can reduce the impact on natural resources and foster a transition to renewable energy sources. We also highlighted the question on how a circular economy can support innovations in mountain farming and mountain tourism. Moreover, we presented circular economy strategies and solutions to interconnect cities and mountain areas, to establish the conditions for sustainable economic development, and to create decent jobs.
Key notes:
Valentino Bonomi, BSc (Ceto (BS), Italy) and Anna Giorgi (Mountain University, Italy): “New farming, new farmers in the Alps. An innovative approach to tradition, towards a circular economy”
Dr. Tobias Luthe (University of Applied Sciences HTW Chur, Switzerland): “More connected, more resilient - tourism and a circular economy”
A report with more information on the discussion and results of the workshop is available below.
Co-operation partner: Association Alpine Town of the Year
In this workshop, we discussed the role that cities can play and how they can develop to “green” business locations that enable innovation and keep sustainable traditions alive. We also considered the contribution that cities and municipalities can give to foster sustainability, especially in the field of agriculture and tourism. Moreover, the workshop participants tried to define how cities and municipalities can support a Green Economy in the field of mobility and smart cities.
Opening remarks:
Thierry Billet (President of the Association of the Alpine Town of the Year)
Markus Reiterer (Ambassador of the Alpine Convention)
Richard Landgraf (Germany Environment Agency)
A report with more information on the discussion and results of the workshop will be provided soon.
Co-operation partner: Upper Rhine Cluster for Sustainability Research
In this workshop, we discussed how eco-innovation activities of research institutions, companies, networks and clusters can be organised to foster a Green Economy in the Alpine region. We presented case studies of sectors with successful eco-innovation approaches in the wider Alpine region (e.g. Upper Rhine Cluster for Sustainability Research, Smart Specialisation with Smart Clusters) and discussed further needs to support the interplay between science and entrepreneurs and promote transnational Alpine clusters.
Keynote:
Dr. Johannes Heeb (seecon gmbh, Switzerland): "Living innovations"
A report with more information on the discussion and results of the workshop is available below.
Co-operation partner: Club Euro Alpin
In this workshop, we discussed the challenges of climate change for the greening of the energy and the construction sectors and how these two sectors can help to mitigate climate impacts and to adapt to climate change in a sustainable way.
Opening remarks:
Francis Fiesinger and Hugues Devillard (Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Alain Boulogne (Vice-President of CIPRA France)
Nathalie Morelle (Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention)
Elisa Agosti (CIPRA International)
A report with more information on the discussion and results of the workshop is available below.
Co-operation partner: AREA Science Park, Trieste
In this workshop, we discussed successful green finance approaches in the Alpine region and their possible impact on low-carbon transition and environmental protection with examples from Italy and Slovenia. In addition, we focussed on the role of governments and institutions in shaping a favourable political framework to promote green finance as well as viable ways to mobilize private capital required for a sustainable development. Finally, we highlighted innovative services offered to private investors and how they can access them.
Keynotes:
Stephen Taylor (Director - Innovation and Complex Systems Department AREA Science Park, Italy): “A Innovation for Green Economy: How to bring innovation to market and link research to businesses in the field of Green Economy in the Alps".
Edoardo Croci (Director IEFE: Center for Research on Energy and Environment - Bocconi University organisation, Italy): “Sustainable development at urban level: how municipalities can find new and additional sources to increase sustainable urban investments. Italian and European best practice".
A report with more information on the discussion and results of the workshop is available below.
Workshop Documentation Villach: Alpine towns as pioneers for a Green Economy Workshop Documentation Basel: Eco-Innovation supporting a Green Economy in the Alpine region Workshop Documentation Immenstadt: Business models for the sustainable use of natural resources in the Alpine region Workshop Documentation Edolo: Circular Economy Workshop Documentation Grenoble: Climate Change, Energy and Construction Workshop Documentation Gorizia: Financing innovation for a Green Economy in the Alpine region
The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.
