ALPMEMA met in Vienna for half‑time review
On 28–29 November, the ALPMEMA research project partners from Germany, Austria, Armenia and Denmark met for a mid-term meeting in Vienna. The meeting, held at BOKU University, focused on the progress of the project and future goals for the sustainable management of alpine meadows in Europe.
The project is led by Mid Sweden University and is jointly funded by Biodiversa+/Formas and the EU's Horizon Europe program. ALPMEMA aims to preserve biodiversity and support both communities and ecosystems in alpine regions.
During the meeting, updates from the project's various working groups as well as results from ongoing studies were presented. A highlight was a pilot model for future scenarios, in which actors and stakeholders in the alpine regions are involved in developing strategies for sustainable management and conservation of alpine meadows.
Professor Volker Mauerhofer from Mid Sweden University, who is leading the project, emphasized the importance of collaboration:
"This meeting was crucial in strengthening our shared vision and identifying new opportunities for sustainable management of alpine meadows.
With a focus on fairness, local engagement and effective governance, ALPMEMA helps shape future nature conservation and land use strategies in Europe.
In addition to the academic program, the participants also got to experience traditional Austrian culture with a visit to a classic Christmas market in Vienna. The evening ended with "Eisstockschiessen", a type of curling, which became an appreciated social activity among the participants.