The history of the Alpine Convention
1952
Creation of the International Commission for the Protection of the Alps (CIPRA), which launched the call for an Alpine-wide treaty to protect the Alps.
1988
Following promotion and lobbying efforts by CIPRA, a unanimous plenary resolution is passed in the European Parliament to draw up a “Convention on the protection of the Alpine region”.
9-11 October 1989
The first Alpine Conference takes place in Berchtesgaden (DE). Environment Ministers adopt an 89-point resolution laying down the concrete commitment to formulate a binding international treaty between the eight Alpine countries and the European Economic Community (EEC).
7 November 1991
The Alpine Convention is completed and signed in Salzburg (AT) by Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and the EEC.
1993
Slovenia signs the Convention, becoming the eighth Contracting Party.
1994
Monaco becomes the ninth Contracting Party after signing a separate additional Protocol.
1995
The Alpine Convention enters into force.
1994 - 2000
Further specific commitments are set out in eight thematic Protocols.
20 December 1994: Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, Mountain Farming, Nature Protection and Landscape Conservation
27 February 1996: Mountain Forests
16 October 1998: Tourism, Energy, Soil Conservation
31 October 2000: Transport
2002
Entry into force of the eight thematic Protocols.
2003
Establishment of the Permanent Secretariat in Innsbruck (AT), with a branch office in Bolzano/Bozen (IT).
2006
IX Alpine Conference:
Declaration on Population and Culture
Declaration on Climate Change
2016
XIV Alpine Conference:
Declaration on Fostering a Sustainable Economy in the Alps
2019
XV Alpine Conference:
Declaration of Innsbruck: Climate-neutral and Climate-resilient Alps 2050
2020
XVI Alpine Conference:
Declaration on integrated and sustainable water management in the Alps
Declaration on the Protection of Mountain Biodiversity and its Promotion at International Level
2022
Adoption of the 4th Multiannual Work Programme of the Alpine Conference for the period 2023-2030.