The Alps are a fascinating and spectacular mountain range spanning eight countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland. The challenges faced by the Alps are often cross-border in nature, and can be solved best through cooperation. Recognising this, the eight Alpine countries, together with the European Union, formed the Alpine Convention to address these challenges together.

The Alps represent a precious natural environment as well as longstanding knowledge, traditions and (common) cultural heritage. They have always been, and continue to be, a space for innovation and experimentation, of learning to live with and in a unique environment.

At the same time, the Alps are a vulnerable environment, which is why we need to protect them to ensure they remain a safe and healthy living space. The key to achieving this is sustainable development and finding a balance between its three pillars – social, environmental and economic.

In the Alps, resources are often scarce and limited. This means sharing responsibility for their use and care. These also strengthen communities and societies as they contribute to the creation of knowledge in a group as well as strengthening relations, mutual cooperation and increased personal contacts between community members.