Rescue package urgently demanded: Alps in mortal danger!
Rescue package urgently demanded: Alps in mortal danger!
The Alpine Infrastructure in Austria faces a serious crisis. The Association of Alpine Associations (VAVÖ) raises alarming accusations against the federal government, which failed to provide a necessary rescue package for the continuously endangered mountain paths and protective huts. In the current budget speech by Finance Minister Marterbauer, no suitable financial plan was presented, although support was announced in the government program. Despite more than 100,000 signatures for a petition, the government ignores the existential situation for 272 alpine protective huts and over 50,000 kilometers of hiking trails that are acute in danger Econsws.
VAVÖ President Dunkel-Schwarzenberger emphasizes that the alpine infrastructure for summer tourism in Austria is of crucial importance. Around 65 % of the guests come to hike in nature, which underlines the high relevance of the hiking trails. Committed volunteers maintain over 50,000 kilometers of these hiking trails, but the financial support of the federal government covers only 18 % of the current maintenance costs. In recent years, construction costs in the valley have increased by 42 %, while the funding has not been adapted to inflation since 2013, which also exacerbates the situation.
climate change as an additional risk factor
Previous weather conditions already have a significant influence on the alpine infrastructure. Extreme weather events that are reinforced by climate change lead to serious damage to paths and protective huts. VAVÖ Vice President Abraham points out that the risks for hikers rise if the necessary funds for renovations are not possible. Climate change not only has ecological but also economic consequences. The melt of the glaciers significantly influences water regulation in the region and has negative effects on the tourist attractiveness of the Alps, which increases the need for sustainable measures, as the Wissen.de reports.
The Alpine region is particularly susceptible to climatic changes. These not only lead to the melting glacier, but also to water shortages and an increase in natural hazards such as muries and stone strokes. The decline in glaciers has direct consequences for tourism and the entire regional economy, as many sports depend on it. In order to stay fit for the future, the main focus would have to be developed in tourism in order to preserve the attractiveness of the mountains as a holiday destination.
urgent need for action
Against this background, the VAVÖ calls for an urgently needed rescue package of 95 million euros to secure the preservation of the shelters and hiking trails. Due to financial bottlenecks, up to four huts can no longer be maintained annually, which not only means the loss of jobs, but also affects regional added value. Together with the Austrian Alpine Association, the nature lovers Austria and the ÖTK, the VAVÖ is committed to the preservation of the alpine infrastructure with an information campaign and appeals to the public to support the petition.The message is clear: Without a comprehensive commitment of the government and the population to preserve these natural treasures, the Alpine Culture and the opportunity for millions of people to be active in the mountains could be seriously threatened. Our home now urgently needs the support that you deserve to secure the innovative and vital structures in the Alps for future generations.
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| Ort | Alpen, Österreich |
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