Water management

Water is stored as ice and snow in the mountains and partly released to the rivers in spring and summer. Alpine rivers are a freshwater source for large parts of Europe. It is needed for drinking water and households, irrigation, sports and hydropower. These uses sometimes compete with each other as well as with the needs of aquatic ecosystems. Water is also a major factor in natural disasters, such as avalanches and floods, permafrost melting and landslides, water scarcity and droughts. Water storage and precipitation are also affected by climate change.

That is why in Article 2, 2e the Framework Convention mentions water as one of 12 main Alpine issues and sets out the objective to “preserve or re-establish healthy water systems, in particular by keeping lakes and rivers free of pollution, by applying natural hydraulic engineering techniques and by using water power, which serves the interests of both the indigenous population and the environment alike”.

Protocols and Declarations

Thematic Working Bodies

Water issues are also an integral part of the activities of the EUSALP Action Group 6 on the “Preservation and valorisation of natural resources, including water and cultural resources”, which is led by the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention and the Province of Carinthia.

Selected Documents and Publications

Projects

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 6

Clean water and sanitation

Goal 7

Affordable and clean energy

Goal 8

Decent work and economic growth

Goal 9

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Goal 12

Responsible consumption and production

Goal 13

Climate action

Goal 15

Life on land

Goal 17

Partnerships for the goals

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