The Alpine countries and Observer organisations gathered in Rome, Italy, on 26 March 2025 for the first meeting of the Permanent Committee under the new Italian Presidency of the Alpine Convention.
The meeting was hosted by the Swiss Institute and opened by the Swiss Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Roberto Balzaretti, and the Director General for European, International Affairs and Sustainable Finance (AEIF) in the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security, Alessandro Guerri.
Delegations received an update of the Italian Presidency activities carried out in the first few weeks as well as upcoming events and next steps. This included an overview of the initial progress on the 11th Report on the State of the Alps on Alpine glaciers, permafrost, and the water cycle, given by the Chair of the ad hoc Working Group Raffaele Rocco (Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley), which held its first meeting on 5-6 March in Bozen. The possible focus of the report, between natural and social science analyses, conflict resolution approaches, and political recommendations, was discussed.
Building on the work of the outgoing Slovenian Presidency, another key objective of Italy is the elaboration of the Alpine Biodiversity Action Plan, which is being developed by the Alpine Biodiversity Board, chaired by Italy. The Action Plan should define actions (both sectoral and cross-cutting) to achieve priority objectives for Alpine biodiversity by 2030 aligned with the global biodiversity goals (Global Biodiversity Framework). The importance of ensuring synergies with the implementation of the new EU Nature Restoration Regulation in the Alpine and transboundary areas was stressed.
Also on the agenda of the Permanent Committee meeting was an exchange on local climate adaptation measures. Action at local level is crucial to face climate change, but municipalities are often lacking knowledge, tools, and resources. The Presidency therefore intends to collect and share good practice examples across the Alps, also involving the Alpine Climate Board and PLANALP.
A presentation was given by the Chair of the Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development Working Group of the Alpine Convention on the results of the “Interface Territories across the Alpine region (InTerAlp)” ESPON project. The project evidenced that the territories located on the fringes of the Alps are characterised by sharp mountain-lowland contrasts and explored the unique challenges facing these areas as well as the policy implications for addressing them.
The final point on the Permanent Committee’s agenda was Alpine culture, another priority under the Italian Presidency. Italy wants to use its term to explore the contribution of Alpine culture, and especially the intangible cultural heritage, to the social cohesion and well-being of mountain populations. To this end it has established a voluntary Task Force to continue to work on the topic and promote concrete initiatives.
The Permanent Committee meeting was rounded off with a tour of the Villa Maraini, which houses the Swiss Institute, and offers a stunning panorama of Rome.
