“The Alpine Convention in small bites”: in this webpage we present, in a simple and dynamic way, the main topics in order to get to know the Alpine Convention. The dynamism stems from the fact that the described issues (" small bites") in this web page will be periodically updated in order to deal with all the important policies for the Alps.
Whoever would like to know about all the up-to-date "small bites" that are currently available can download the book -The Alps-Eight countries, a single territory (pdf, 9MB) published by the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention in March 2009, where meaningful photographic images can be found next to the texts .
4. Soil conservation
The awareness that soil is not a renewable asset is now widespread. However, the issue is not just about being careful in soil usage, but also about preserving its qualities. Since there are no laws on soil protection in most Alpine countries, the Soil Conservation Protocol, with its exhaustive approach, has set new references. One of the central objectives is the sustainable preservation of soil since it is a vital resource, a living environment for humans and animals, and a genetic reservoir.
The Protocol points out that soil is a characteristic element of nature and landscape and an integral part of the ecological balance, especially with regards to the water and nutrient cycles. The functions of the soil must be guaranteed and preserved or restored also for its economic utilisations, as a space for human settlement or for transport. Alongside the economical use of land resources, the Protocol also aims at limiting erosion and minimising the input of substances harmful to the soil. The prevention principle must ensure the functionality of soil to future generations. In this sense, in case of risk of serious and sustained damage, it is also necessary for protection to be given priority over utilisation.
The Protocol recommends an economical use of the soil with the indication of substitute materials and the recycling of raw materials. High moors and lowland moors should be preserved as the medium-term goal is to completely discontinue the use of peat.