In the region of Tessin, a conference on sustainable water management in mountain pastures was held. Experts from South Tyrol also participated in the event.
During its presidency of the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Regions (ARGE ALP) in 2024, the region of Tessin highlighted the importance of sustainable water management. This topic was the focus of a scientific conference in Ambrì, Tessin, where experts from Switzerland and abroad gathered.
Water management is a crucial issue that connects all regions of the Alpine area and raises pressing questions – from water scarcity in mountain pastures to the lowering of the groundwater level, increased risk of flooding, and ongoing drought periods that challenge mountain agriculture, often forcing farmers to end the summer season prematurely in high-altitude pastures.
The goal of the conference was to exchange scientific knowledge gathered in different regions and promote knowledge transfer and public awareness. At the end of the discussions, some demands were formulated for the government leaders who met in Leventina this week.
Speakers from Switzerland and abroad presented innovative solutions that have already been implemented in the Alpine region to address the effects of drought periods and promote sustainable water resource management. In particular, technical and infrastructural details of projects that allow for water storage at high altitudes and harnessing heavy rainfall were explained. Roberta Bottarin from Eurach Research spoke on behalf of South Tyrol about the ecology of rivers in high-altitude areas, their importance, and functioning within ecosystems.
The central role of Alpine rivers and streams was also discussed, as they provide sustenance for half of the population in Alpine regions and must be sustainably managed both quantitatively and qualitatively.
The main message of the conference was that Alpine agriculture remains a cornerstone not only for the Alpine region but for all economies. The knowledge exchange promoted by ARGE ALP aims to raise political awareness of the importance of protecting summer grazing areas for livestock in relation to water availability. Given the impacts of climate change, this issue requires increased cross-border cooperation.
In addition to the discussions on water management, the conference also addressed the need for sustainable agricultural practices in Alpine regions. Participants highlighted the importance of preserving traditional farming methods while integrating modern technologies to ensure the long-term viability of mountain agriculture. The role of sustainable agriculture in maintaining biodiversity and preserving cultural landscapes was emphasized as essential for the overall well-being of Alpine communities.
Overall, the conference served as a platform for sharing knowledge, inspiring collaboration, and raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable water management and agriculture in Alpine regions. It underscored the importance of collective action and innovative solutions to address the complex environmental issues facing mountain communities in the face of a changing climate.