The Alps are the green, mostly wild heart of Central Europe. Even in one of the most densely populated parts of the world, they continue to offer lush nature. Home to a unique variety of plant species and unique animals, they are a storehouse of cultures, artisanal knowledge and unique cheeses, inhabited by many people who make a living from the mountains. Their landscapes are as instantly recognizable as they are varied. Overall, the Alps represent an ecological, economic and social asset of incalculable value, spread over eight countries.

But these mountains are at risk, threatened by opposing factors. On the one hand, abandonment, the emptying of villages, the loss of services, the overgrowth of pastures and the reduction in the number of farms who manage the local environment. On the other, increasingly heavy pressure from traffic, the hydroelectric industry and overtourism in some areas, in contrast to a complete lack of opportunities in others. The whole situation is being aggravated by climate change.

What future is there for the Alps? What are the challenges and crisis elements, and what are the prospects for regeneration?

With:

• Marta Villa, Lecturer in cultural anthropology of collective domains and territories of life, University of Trento, and Slow Food Trentino Alto-Adige vice-president
• Marco Bussone, President of UNCEM, national union of mountain municipalities, communities and entities - presentation of Report on the mountains
• Cassiano Luminati, Director of Polo Poschiavo, Graubünden canton, Switzerland
• Elisabeth Buchacher, producer of the Slow Food Presidium of Gailtaler Almkäse GU (Austria)
• Simone Bigotti, CEO of BBBell
• Luigi Zanti, Piedmont and Liguria director, BPER
• Moderator: Massimo Mathis, La Stampa

This activity can be booked online through our website by clicking on the "Register" link. If the activity is listed as sold out, we recommend still coming to the Biodiversity House 10 minutes before the start, as any open places will be reassigned 5 minutes before the start.

Cheese: A World Around It will be held in Bra from September 19 to 22. Organized by Slow Food and the City of Bra with the support of the Region of Piedmont, the event will include tastings, conferences, children's activities, a market with around 500 producers and much more. Entrance is free!

Gailtaler Almkäse g.U.