Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development Working Group

Space is a limited resource and subject to a variety of different usage demands – something which is especially true in the Alps. Coordinating these demands in a sustainable way is a fundamental and intersectoral task that requires collaboration across country borders. The Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development Protocol of the Alpine Convention was created to facilitate this cross-border and cross-sectoral cooperation to ensure a sustainable spatial development of the Alpine area. 

The Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development Working Group was established in 2020 and builds on the work of a former expert group on Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development which was active between 2015 and 2019. The Working Group’s activities are also aligned with the Alpine Climate Target System 2050, the Alpine Convention’s Climate Action Plan 2.0, and the EU Territorial Agenda 2030.

One of its current priorities is the elaboration of an Alpine Spatial Development Perspective, which addresses the cross-cutting character of spatial development by tackling it from different perspectives, such as transport, green infrastructure, and economic development. This six-year process, scheduled to conclude in 2028, involves different Alpine experts and stakeholders. 

Another of the group’s ongoing activities is to contribute to the implementation of the pathways to achieve the Alpine climate targets until 2050. This included a close cooperation with the Soil Protection Working Group to promote soil protection through spatial planning in the Alpine countries. 

The Working Group also contributed to the elaboration of the 9^th Report on the State of the Alps on Alpine towns and the Report’s 10^th edition on Quality of life in the Alps.