This report is the result of a joint effort by authors from various contracting parties and was approved by the IX Alpine Conference in 2006 in Alpbach (AT). It is the outcome of a complex process of data collection and assessment, as for the first time Alpine-wide statistical data were provided by the contracting parties in order to be analysed from a pan-Alpine perspective.
The final outcome provides readers with a report rich in data, information and analysis, embracing a wide range of challenges, which it is hoped will further stimulate the discussions in the competent political fora. The key questions, not surprisingly, are all related to the dichotomy between the need to combine mobility and accessibility with the preservation of the Alpine environment and the quality of life of the population living in the Alps. Technological development plays an important role and already provides a set of improvements to the aforementioned dichotomy. However, key problems remain open and important political decisions lie unavoidably ahead of us. The last part of the report, “Main challenges for the future”, aims to contribute to the corresponding decision-making process.

The Report on the State of the Alps is an instrument designed to provide a broader public with information and appraisals on the main developments …

The present document has been established under the coordination of the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention involving an “Integration Group” composed by experts from different Member Countries of the Alpine Convention. Based on discussions in this group, the different chapters have been drafted by different authors. The Working Group “RSA/SOIA” and the Working Group “Transport” have accompanied the drafting process. National delegations have provided extensive comments on previous drafts. The Permanent Secretariat thanks all persons involved for their intensive cooperation.