The Permanent Secretariat started the year off in Scuol in the Engadin (Switzerland) with the 29th edition of the Danilo Re Memorial. The competition was hosted by the Swiss National Park, which is celebrating its 111th anniversary this year.
Together with ALPARC, the network of Alpine protected areas, the National Park presided over a very well-organised weekend of exchange and learning– as well as sporting activities – between the protected areas and other international organisations from the Alps from 16 to 19 January 2025. This year, special tribute was paid to the main initiator of this special event, Mauro Fissore, in addition to the late Danilo Re, to whom the memorial is dedicated.
The ALPARC General Assembly took place in the framework of Danilo Re and focused on ALPARC’s 2024 activities and plans for 2025, during which the organisation is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Alpine Convention Secretary General Alenka Smerkolj, who traditionally joins the General Assembly, highlighted ALPARC’s contributions to the Alpine Convention as well as providing insights into the incoming Italian Presidency programme.
One of the highlights was the rangers' seminar, which provides insights into the protected areas and the work of the rangers. This year’s theme “Nothing is more constant than change” explored change from the perspective of rangers and scientists. The Alpine Convention and ALPARC held a joint presentation on their shared vision in changing times, illustrating the common priorities and synergies between the two organisations.




As always, the Danilo Re weekend was rounded off by the sporting competition with its four disciplines – giant slalom, ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, and shooting. The competitors were rangers and representatives of the protected areas as well as the Permanent Secretariat, the Interreg Alpine Space Programme, and, for the first time, Alpine Convention Observer CIPRA International. The Permanent Secretariat was delighted to receive a third place ranking in the women’s ski mountaineering and impressive overall rankings!