The Alps are one of Europe’s most important biodiversity hotspots and provide numerous ecosystem services. At the same time, their ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from climate change and multiple human activities. Protecting and restoring healthy ecosystems is therefore essential for conserving biodiversity and safeguarding these services in the long-term.

Cross-border cooperation through the Alpine Convention

As many alpine ecosystems and ecological processes cross national borders, cooperation among the Alpine states is particularly important for planning and implementing nature restoration measures. The Alpine Convention provides an established framework for transnational cooperation. Through the Alpine Biodiversity Action Plan (ABAP), the Alpine Biodiversity Board (ABB) is developing a common strategic framework for biodiversity conservation and nature restoration in the Alpine region.

Strengthening restoration planning across the Alpine region

The aim of the project is to support the German Presidency of the Alpine Convention in 2027-2028 in strengthening cross-border cooperation on nature restoration in the Alpine region. To this end, the project will first systematically assess the current state of restoration planning across the Alpine states and consolidate existing knowledge to support coordinated cross-border planning. This will also include the draft national restoration plans being developed under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR). Building on this analysis, the project will develop more detailed, ecosystem-specific guidance for two selected priority ecosystems. The results will also be compiled in country-specific summaries for each Alpine State. In this way, the project will provide a robust technical basis for exchange among policymakers, public authorities, and the scientific community and for strengthening cooperation on nature restoration across the Alpine region.

Ecologic Institute: Combining policy analysis and stakeholder engagement

The Ecologic Institute is responsible for the overall coordination of the project and leads the analysis of existing restoration plans and approaches across the Alpine states. In addition, the Institute is responsible for designing and organising the first Alpine-wide workshop with representatives of the Contracting Parties, as well as for preparing reports and publications. Together with the project partners, Ecologic also contributes to the development of a communication strategy and supports the dissemination of the project results, including through online dialogues, contributions to international and regional expert events, and social media.