Objective 1.2

Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

The strong effects of climate change challenge inter-relations within natural, economic, and societal systems. Moreover, pressure is high on the rich Alpine biodiversity. This particular context calls for urgent action.

What is it about?

The Alpine region marks a transnational biodiversity hotspot, even though it is situated within one of the most densely inhabited and connected areas in Europe.

Alpine biodiversity and ecological connectivity have been under pressure for many decades, especially since the 1950s. Human activities, land use, exploitation of natural resources and pollution lead to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity and cultural landscapes.

The Interreg Alpine Space programme will focus on the joint and strategic development of transnational Green and Blue multifunctional infrastructure. Green and blue multifunctional infrastructures (GBI) offer integrated solutions that protect biodiversity and support the sustainable valorisation of ecosystem services (e.g. water, clean air). The programme will foster transnational cooperation, knowledge-exchange and reinforced research on the concrete impacts of climate change on Alpine biodiversity, in both protected and other areas.

Indicative types of actions

This important focus of the programme is expressed in the indicative types of actions that will be supported:

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Pilot projects supporting multifunctional Green and Blue infrastructure-networks, Nature Based Solutions and innovative planning methodologies in order to strengthen Alpine biodiversity and ecosystem services, tailored for different territorial needs and taking into account their impacts on social, cultural and economic systems;

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Transnational solutions and pilot projects on sustainable land use management, climate-friendly settlement development, soil protection and the sustainable valorisation of natural and cultural heritage to reduce biotope fragmentation and to support the connectivity of ecosystems;

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Transnational cooperation, knowledge-exchange and reinforced research on the concrete impacts of climate change on Alpine biodiversity as well as the impacts of mitigation and adaptation measures for different types of territories;

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Integrated solutions and pilot activities to cope with the impacts of energy management, hydropower, and energy grids on ecosystems and biodiversity;

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Measures of communication and awareness raising among different political levels and citizens in favour of ecosystem services and Green and Blue infrastructure strategies.

Objective overview

Have a look at other priorities and objectives.

Priority 1

Climate resilient and green Alpine region
Objective

Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, and resilience

Objective

Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure

Priority 2

Carbon neutral and resource sensitive Alpine region
Objective

Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Objective

Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority 3

Innovation and digitalisation supporting a green Alpine region
Objective

Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Objective

Reaping the benefits of digitalisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities

Priority 4

Cooperatively managed and developed Alpine region
Action

Enhance institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders to implement macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies, as well as other territorial strategies.

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