Brdo pri Kranju – Slovenia, at the end of its two-year presidency of the Alpine Convention, which brings together eight Alpine countries and the European Union, handed over to Italy at the final ministerial meeting. Minister for Natural Resources and Space Jože Novak summarized the findings of Slovenia’s activities, stating that while people in the Alps appreciate some of the advantages of living in the Alps, there are noticeable trends of halted development, and more frequent problems due to climate change.
The Alpine Convention is an international treaty concluded by the Alpine countries Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Germany, Slovenia, and Switzerland, as well as the European Union, aimed at promoting sustainable development in the Alpine region. The Alps are home to nearly 15 million people, with even more vacationing in the region every year. The area is also home to over 30,000 animal and 13,000 plant species.
The area of the Alpine Convention in Slovenia covers 33.4 percent of Slovenian territory, including 62 Slovenian municipalities. During its two-year presidency, Slovenia addressed various topics such as the quality of life in the Alps, biodiversity conservation, youth education, and the impacts of climate change.
Deputy Italian Minister for Environment and Energy Security Vannia Gava, upon taking over the presidency, stated that Italy will place special emphasis on biodiversity, climate change, particularly the disappearing glaciers, the cultural aspect of life for residents in this area, and youth education. (January 22)