The Alps are an important mountain range in Europe, providing a complex natural habitat for a large number of plant and animal species. Their nature is unique and sensitive, which is why nature and species conservation plays a central role. The aim of the module is to give students an insight into current challenges such as climate change, land and water use, increasing tourism, urban sprawl and soil sealing, resource consumption and to present measures for the protection of habitats and species, the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats. The module combines lecture elements on nature and water protection in the Alps, their legal and social framework conditions, the designation and management of protected areas and international agreements such as the Alpine Convention for the promotion and preservation of habitat and species diversity and the balance between human activities and nature. In the proseminar, current topics are researched by the students and discussed and presented in plenary sessions.

Responsible contact:

Leopold Füreder (leopold.fuereder@uibk.ac.at)